Right course for ‘sexiest job of the 21st century’

DATA science has been called the “sexiest job of the 21st century,” and experts deem it will continue to be sexy well into the future.

Since data is practically used everywhere, it has become one of the most prized commodities today, and data science, one of the fastest-growing fields. Large and well-known companies use data to develop business strategies, create or improve products, understand customers, finalize transactions, and gain profit.

Dr. Mylen Aala-Capuno, chairman of the Mapua University Department of Mathematics, said with data science, organizations gain relevant insights to formulate accurate decisions and corresponding business actions. This wealth of information allows them to optimize their operations and services.

“Data science is an interdisciplinary field for the study of data to extract meaningful insights that will lead to effective decisions. It combines the principles and techniques of mathematics, statistics, and computer science,” she said in a press statement.

Many people may not be aware, but data science is not exclusive to tech and finance giants; it is widely used across various industries. In fact, ordinary Filipinos experience its application and conveniences in everyday life.

Whether browsing for content on video or audio streaming sites, searching for new business connections on professional networks, buying items online or looking up lost long friends on social media, the breadth and potential of data science are limitless.

“With data growing at an astronomical rate, the demand for data scientists is also growing, and forecasts show that this demand will grow to 36 percent in the next 10 to 15 years. Being a data scientist is a very lucrative job and is usually in the top 3 highest-paying jobs today,” Aala-Capuno added in the statement.

Data science professor Edgar Adina added that the career options of data science graduates are much like the data they explore and analyze — boundless.

“Data Science graduates have endless opportunities as long as data abounds in the digital universe. This includes data manager, data architect, data engineer, business analyst, machine learning scientist and engineer, statistician, data modeler, marketing analyst, fraud investigator, business intelligence developer, including a position in the academe,” Adina said.

Although the field seems highly technical, Aala-Capuno said anyone passionate about learning could pursue data science since the analytical skills highly valued in the specialization could be learned and developed. Nonetheless, having basic knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and computer programming is also a good foundation for aspiring data science professionals.

While superior mathematical skills could be an advantage, these are not a requirement since the needed competencies will be taught and honed during the program, the university said.

Mapua University said it has been raising Filipino youth to become proficient in the field as its data science program is known for its highly personalized mentorship that empowers students to learn beyond theories.

The three-year program exposes students to numerous training sessions with real-life data using industry-accepted programming languages like Python, R, and software Power BI and MatLab. All courses are technology-integrated so that students can have multiple learning platforms and modalities.

Adina said students will master essential skills like data management, data visualization, data mining and modeling, machine learning, and deep learning, including artificial intelligence and natural language processing. They will also have apprenticeship programs with Mapua’s industry partners and job placement opportunities after graduation.

In today’s fast-changing world, a career in data science is not only lucrative; it is future-ready. The field’s unlimited opportunities and relevance to everyday life assure graduates of professional growth and stability decades after they receive their degrees.