Disruptions caused by Covid-19 resulted in many businesses faltering, with some never to return. However, as we move into the uncertainty of the recovery phase, tech competencies, particularly Data Science Engineering, are predicted to be in high demand.
The ubiquity of data
You may not know it, but the effects of data science engineering are everywhere. Every time you scroll through your Instagram feed, or request a ride with Uber, or use online banking, you can thank data science engineers for building the infrastructure and data pipelines that make those services work.
From the collection of big data to its analysis and application, data science engineers create much of the foundation upon which the information and communications technology (ICT) industry is built. Sectors as diverse as healthcare, defence, finance, transport, media and e-commerce (amongst others) all rely on data science engineers to facilitate the movement of vital information to operate in the modern world.
Tech jobs and the post-Covid world
The pandemic has been a crash course in digital transformation and data literacy for many industries. The rapid switch to remote working and delivery of services online has fundamentally changed the way businesses function. Some of the changes adopted during the crisis will endure, and further develop due to new preferences of workers, customers and suppliers.
While the economic recovery is anticipated to restore some jobs, some changes will likely be lasting. Demand for workers with digital skills will be higher than ever before, in technology and non-technology enabled businesses alike.
Deloitte Access Economics*
The pandemic interrupted the steady growth in technology jobs up to 2019. However, modelling from Deloitte Access Economics shows that the growth rate is expected to spring back to former levels starting in 2022. “By 2025, there will be 150,000 more technology workers in the Australian workforce than there are today, representing an average annual growth rate of 3.1%.’ Further, it is predicted that by 2027 there will be ‘over one million technology workers in Australia, up from the 772,175 workers recorded in 2019.’*
Bringing value to companies
Companies are recognising the need to invest in a robust digital infrastructure to prosper post-Covid. One of the cornerstones of this infrastructure is in the safe and reliable collection, storage and movement of data.
The ability to extract and act on the value from data is crucial for organisations. Having higher levels of data literacy in an organisation is associated with three to five per cent higher levels of enterprise value, which is estimated to be worth around US$320-$534 million to businesses
Data Literacy Project, 2018a, Deloitte Access Economics*
Data Science Engineering is the hottest occupation in tech
Globally, big data and data engineering services are expected to expand. Quanthub reports predictions that from 2017-2025 the growth rates will range from 18% to 31%.** Additionally, the 2020 Dice Tech Job report named Data Engineering as the fastest-growing occupation in tech, with year over year growth of 50%. ***
What kinds of ICT jobs can you get with a Data Science Engineering degree?
Data Science Engineering is a broad qualification with many applications in growth areas such as the development of machine learning for automated systems, AI (artificial intelligence) and cybersecurity. Careers include:
- Data Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Data Analyst
- Data Architect
- Business Analyst
- Visualisation Analyst
- Developer, Big Data Platform Data Network Engineer
- Software and Systems Operations
Find out more about the Data Science Engineering major in the undergraduate Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Diploma in Professional Engineering Practice at UTS.
References:
*ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse, Unlocking the potential of Australia’s technology workforce, Deloitte, 2020 ; **DU BOIS, Jen - Will Demand for Data Engineers Fuel a Talent Shortage in 2020?, Quanthub.com, 18.3.2020; ***Dice Tech job report 2020 Issue 1 Q2 2020; Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash