Work with programs to process and interpret large amounts of data. Transform raw data into meaningful information using programming and visualization software. Conduct this work in a wide variety of fields and industries, from manufacturing, to tech, to healthcare and more. Note: This is a rapidly growing, relatively new career, so there isn't data readily available for the local area.
A Typical Day
- Analyze, manipulate, or process large sets of data using statistical software.
- Apply feature selection algorithms to models predicting outcomes of interest, such as sales and healthcare use.
- Apply sampling techniques to determine groups to be surveyed or use complete enumeration methods.
- Compare models using statistical performance metrics, such as loss functions or proportion of explained variance.
- Write up reports on the results of the data analysis.
- Communicate with and help interpret the results of your data analysis with people who don't have the same background.
Recommended Credentials
Master's Degree
Education & Training
Regional employers often hire graduates of these programs.
Northwest Lower Michigan
Associate's Degree in Computer Information-
- Northwestern Michigan College (Technology)
- North Central Michigan College (Systems)
Elsewhere in Michigan
Bachelor's Degree in Statistics -
- Central Michigan University Applied Analytics & Statistics
- Western Michigan University
Explore This Career
Try it before you buy it!
Take introductory programming or statistics classes. You can get a start on basic programming on many websites, like CodingBat.
The Local Advantage Learning Pathway
Pathway 1
Take the math, programming, and statistics classes that your school offers. Look into AP options as well!
Pathway 2
You can pursue an associate's degree with programs in technology like -
- Northwestern Michigan College (Computer Information Technology)
- North Central Michigan College (Computer Information Systems)
These will give you a great starting point to continue on in education
Pathway 3
Transfer to and complete a Bachelor's Program followed by a Master's program like at-
Sample Employers in Our Region
Click the logos below to learn more.
TIP
Contact one of these companies and ask for an informational interview, to see if you can job shadow, or to find out if they hire interns.
10-Year Job Growth Projections
Employed Regionally
Wage Range & Median 10-County Region
Annual Hires Regionally
Other Regional Career Resources
Learn more about Data Scientists at O*NET Online.