resource library

Welcome to the Data Paths Career Hub

We hope this hub helps you learn more about data science jobs. From sports to business to fashion to medicine, there is a huge need for people who can work with, analyze, and communicate with data. These careers pay well, and there are many jobs open in Massachusetts and around the country.

What is data science?

If you Google data science, you will find lots of definitions. Here is our 14-word version: Data science involves studying data to gain and share new insights to guide action. And what are data? Data are (often many) pieces of information about anything that we can count or categorize to make sense of the world and ourselves. All kinds of employers need data science workers. Key skills include critical thinking, problem-solving, statistics, coding, creativity, and teamwork. Some data science workers build these skills on the job.

Opportunities for Youth and Adults in Massachusetts

Education, training, and work-based learning options for Massachusetts youth and adults.

Find the right path for you—explore all current programs and resources here.

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Voices from the Data World

Here’s how data science professionals describe the
skills needed for data science:

Are you able to find, collect, organize, clean, annotate, inspect, and visualize key data sets? You need to be able to live and breathe your data set. You need to dig into it like a gardener digging into the soil …it’s the soil from which you’re going to grow your results.

Iain McFadyen, Founder and Principal
Applied Insights Consulting

Can you create a narrative that is compelling enough that people who are not as deeply into the soil of your data as you will be able to understand and appreciate the consequences? It’s a combination of effective visualization, understanding your audience, and then being able to craft a narrative that helps explain why your recommendation is a good recommendation.

Shuba Gopal, Principal, Glean Signals

A core set of critical thinking skills and communications skills are key. Those are not the first things people think about when you mention data science. If you can do those two things many times an employer can teach you the rest…Real world experience working with data is also valuable because data is messy in the real world.

Sally Trabucco, Project Leader/Director, Foundation Medicine

Resource Library

Learn more about data science careers and how to prepare for the field. You’ll find info about salaries, data science jobs, advice on entering the field, and more.

Our Data Paths: Three Stories

Video | Data Paths

This four-minute video shares stories from three people – a basketball coach at Brandeis University, a graduate student and program developer at MIT, and a research scientist at Harvard – about their work in data science and why they love what they do.

An Unexpected Path toward Data Science

Video | Data Paths

In this 2:49 minute video, Niki, a researcher at Harvard who studies brain health among professional football players, describes her unexpected path toward becoming a data scientist.

Why is Data so Important?

Video | Data Paths

In this 1:27 minute video, Niki, a researcher at Harvard who studies brain health among professional football players, explains why data, not anecdotes, are important to help address questions that we care about.

What’s Your Data Path? – Webinar on May 12, 2025

Video | Data Paths

In this 60-minute webinar, the Data Paths project talks with two data scientists – one in epidemiology, another in business – about their work and career paths.

What’s Your Data Path? – Webinar on May 28, 2025

Video | Data Paths

In this 60-minute webinar, the Data Paths project talks with two data scientists – one in marine science, another in university operations at MIT – about their work and career paths.

Data Science Career Guide Overview

Website | Discover Data Science

Introduction to different types of careers in the data science field and what qualities a good candidate for these roles needs to possess.

Data Scientist Roadmap – A Complete Guide

Website | GeeksforGeeks

Description of how data science tools are applied in the real world, as well as trends in the field to help you prepare for a career in data science.

Occupational Outlook Handbook: Data Scientists

Website | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Current information about data science jobs in the U.S. including education requirements, job outlook, and average pay.

Data Science Career Roadmap: Jobs and Levels Guide

Article | Coursera

Job-leveling matrix for data science careers, including roles and skills needed to advance from beginner to leader.

Learn About Being a Data Scientist (With Helpful Skills)

Article | Indeed

Discussion about what a data scientist does, the requirements and steps to become one, and other helpful information about this role, including salary and job outlook.

What Does Data Science Look Like in the Classroom?: Student Testimonials

Video | Data Science 4 Everyone

High school students share their experiences with data science programs in the classroom.

I am an Applied Data Scientist

Website | I Am a Scientist

Profile of Tatheer Adnan from the LA County Department of Education that details her motivation and path to becoming an applied data scientist.

How to Land a Data Science Internship with No Experience

Video | 365 Data Science

Practical tips on how to find and secure internships for college students, but also helpful for high school students and others interested in data science.

10 Data Science Jobs You Might Not Have Known Existed

Blog Post | QuantHub

Overview of how professionals use data science in fields like sports, fashion, and healthcare.

Data Analyst vs Data Engineer vs Data Scientist in 2025: Career Guide

Video | codebasics

Overview of different data science options to help you decide the best career path for you.

The Four Types of Data Analysis

Blog Post | Career Foundry

Overview of the the four main types of data analysis—descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive—and why each is useful.

Data Analytics for Beginners

Video | Google

Overview of the skills that data analysts need and career options from an expert in the field.

What is Data Visualization and Why Is It Important?

Blog Post | Career Foundry

Description of the role of data visualization in data analysis and links to common data visualization tools.

10 Data Visualization Jobs with Salaries and Skills

Article | Indeed.com

Information on 10 jobs in the field of data visualization, including average salary information and the skills needed to pursue these careers.

Taking Biotech to a Whole New Level With Data Analytics

Blog Post | Amgen Biotech Experience Program Office

Profile of the career path of one biotech engineer who uses data science skills in her work every day.

10 Ways to Learn Data Science as A High School Student

Article | Veritas AI

Data science learning opportunities for high school students, including online courses and certificate programs (financial aid information included).

Catherine Bond: Data Science as a Pathway to Learning

Blog Post | Amgen Biotech Experience Program Office

Profile of the early career experiences of a data scientist, detailing her journey from Sesame Street to Amgen.

15 Data Science Passion Project Ideas for High School Students

Blog Post | Polygence

Description of what makes a good data science project and 15 potential data science project ideas for high school students.

Bryan Yee: Unlocking New Questions Through Data Science

Blog Post | Amgen Biotech Experience Program Office

Profile of the career journey of one Amgen employee who uses data science and storytelling in his research and development work.

Data Science Research for High School Students

Guide | Polygence

The A, B, Cs of careers in data science research, from introducing data science terms to identifying data science projects, internships, and courses for high school students.