Interested in pursuing a future in Data Science? Find resources, events, opportunities, and advice to confirm your interest and kickstart your career.

Explore a career path in Data Science

Data science is one of the fastest growing and most exciting fields out there today, transforming industries by turning raw data into actionable insights. It is interdisciplinary in nature, leveraging statistical modeling, machine learning, and data visualization techniques to extract value from data. Data scientists extract, clean, analyze, and visualize data, culminating in actionable insights that drive decision-making. 

Subdisciplines 

Data science is a broad field with many different subdisciplines. Read below to learn about some of the most popular specializations. 


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Data Analytics 

Data analytics denotes the latter stages of the data science lifecycle, during which information is analyzed and insights are drawn out using statistical tools and software. Typical outcomes include predictive models, explanations of past events, or data visualizations that communicate insights clearly to stakeholders using statistical and computational tools. 

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Data Mining

Data mining is the process of gaining information from large datasets through the use of machine learning, statistical analysis tools, and databases. Data miners are skilled at sifting through data to identify patterns and correlations that would not otherwise be readily apparent. Data miners play a crucial role in uncovering hidden insights that empower organizations to make data-driven decisions and gain a competitive edge. 

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Database Management

Database management involves the development, maintenance, and administration of databases, which are structured systems used to store and organize data. Database managers work to ensure the stability, security, performance, and accessibility of their systems, while continually adapting them to meet the evolving data needs of their organization. Their role is crucial in ensuring that data remains available, secure, and optimized for analysis and business operations. 

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Machine Learning

Machine learning fits within the data science umbrella as a tool that data scientists use to effectively work with data. Machine learning algorithms automate tasks like prediction, classification, and anomaly detection, allowing data scientists to analyze massive datasets at scale with greater efficiency and accuracy. This field is evolving with advancements in deep learning, allowing for greater capabilities from those tools.  

Exploring careers? Start with the Career Exploration Series!

The Career Exploration Series for November is now updated! This series is a collaboration between MIT departments, programs, and employers to help all undergraduate and graduate students learn about the different career and graduate/professional school options available to you.   

Visit the events page on Handshake and filter by the label “career …

By Joann Shi
Joann Shi Career Exploration Leader
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Liberty Mutual Neurodiversity Internship Program – Summer 2025

At Liberty Mutual, we recognize and value the unique skills and experiences of all individuals. Our Neurodiversity Internship Program offers an inclusive and supportive environment as you build key skills to drive your career forward and gain exposure working for …

By Kendel Jester
Kendel Jester Assistant Director, Early Career Engagement
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IAP Micro-internships are in Handshake – Apply now!

Looking for a short-term project or internship over IAP? Consider a micro-internship! Build skills, connect with employers and explore a career path. Check out these micro-internships:   

There are more projects in Handshake and it’s really easy to search for them.  …

By Tavi Sookhoo
Tavi Sookhoo Assistant Director, Career Prototypes
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Five Key Trends in AI and Data Science for 2024

These developing issues should be on every leader’s radar screen, data executives say. Artificial intelligence and data science became front-page news in 2023. The rise of generative AI, of course, drove this dramatic surge in visibility. So, what might happen …

By Mitchell Moise
Mitchell Moise Employer Relations Coordinator
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MIT Podcasts: AI in Hiring Trends

The dramatic advancements in AI over the past few years are omnipresent in the job search, and this collection of podcasts from MIT’s In Machines We Trust can shed light on ways AI might affect your experience in the job …

By Ariel Ackermann
Ariel Ackermann
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Featured Resources

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Handshake 101: What it is & how to use it

CAPD is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for everyone we serve. If you need any disability-related accommodations to …

In addition to Handshake, you can use the websites below to find jobs and internships related to data science. CAPD …

ELEVEL Academy: free skill learning (AI, design, programming, and more)

Based in Germany, ELEVEL Academy offers a variety of free courses and certifications in four skill categories, including Information Technology. …

Since the magazine was founded in 1956 New Scientist has also been helping to put brilliant scientists to work with …

Layoffs.fyi tracker

Live-tracking all tech startup layoffs since COVID-19. Data is compiled from public reports.