These Macquarie Uni data science students are future-proofing their careers

From the environment to gaming, data is everywhere and Satwik Chodisetti is learning to solve real-world problems with it.

Satwik, a student in the Macquarie University (MQ) Bachelor of IT (data science major), is excited to use his knowledge for good.

“I believe that by choosing this course I’ll be able to help with different aspects of the world’s problems,” he says.

Data science jobs exist in humanitarian aid, telecommunications, finance, and many other industries. Data scientists find patterns and predict trends to help people understand issues and make better decisions.

Because the profession uses a mix of skills from IT, maths and statistics, the MQ course covers aspects of all of these disciplines.

Satwik has just completed his second year. So far, he has studied database systems, programmed with Java and Python, and learned statistical techniques and coding, using real data sets to tackle specific challenges.

A course highlight was analysing data from one of his favourite games. Using various maps, he was able to pinpoint the most action-packed locations and gain a better understanding of the game world’s layout.

Combine data science skills + your passions

Data science majors have many career options. As well as data scientists, they have the knowledge to become data solutions managers, or analysts in areas such as market intelligence, information systems and business.

Caitlin Apcar is another Bachelor of IT student who is combining her love of arts with data science units.

“Macquarie allows you to study elective units outside your faculty. I’ve taken Japanese and psychology, so I won’t be a data scientist who only has data science skills when I graduate!”

Exploring data science jobs

Caitlin says she assumed that once she graduated, she would work in a bank, or for an IT company, but she soon found that every business has data science jobs and data that needs to be analysed.

“I could end up working for a fashion brand or a zoo! The amount of data we have now is so much more than there was even two years ago. It’s always changing and always evolving which means I’ll always have a job.”

The MQ course also partners with industry to give students experience in a capstone project during their final year. Satwik has already connected with a data scientist who works in the environmental sector.

“I think that’s a very big part – getting connected to people who know what they’re doing, so you know how to proceed,” he says.

According to Satwik, it’s important not to pursue data science skills because it’s a buzz word right now. He says go for it if you like seeing patterns in numbers and, “Enjoy what you do.” – Nadine Cranenburgh and Eliza Brockwell

To get there: bit.ly/MQUniversity

This article was produced in partnership with Macquarie University.

Author: Nadine Cranenburgh

Nadine is an electrical and environmental engineer who works as a freelance writer and editor. She loves creating articles and content about exciting and complex technology.