When the pandemic forced companies and employees to transform their workplaces into a work-from-home structure, it opened many eyes and changed many attitudes.
Many workers realized they didn’t have to endure long commutes, cubicle claustrophobia, and dress codes to be successful in their jobs. Even the most demanding critics of remote work had to admit how well so many companies could operate despite the radical change.
Now, research shows that " 60% of job seekers are interested in remote roles, and 20% are solely focusing their search on remote positions. At the same time, we know many companies are returning to the office, and not every job in the world is entirely remote-friendly.
If you’re in the field of data science, you might be wondering if remote data science jobs are available to you.
There are ample job opportunities for remote data scientists.
Spiceworks listed data scientists as part of its top remote tech jobs in 2023. They say about 30% of data scientist roles are promoted as remote jobs.
They also point out that if you are new to the field but have a bachelor’s degree coupled with data science bootcamp experience, you could earn a salary of around $108,000 annually – in an entry-level position!
Bert Bean, CEO of Insight Global, told CNBC there is an “overwhelming demand” for professionals in the tech industry, including software engineers, full-stack developers, and data scientists.
There are different types of remote data science jobs.
Stratascratch Founder Nathan Rosidi says you can now pursue several data scientist roles! He says technological advances have already created a world of remote workers many years ago. The pandemic simply accelerated it.
He says remote data science jobs that are in demand these days include:
• Remote Data Scientist (like the job at Florida Blue)
• Remote Data Analyst
• Remote Machine Learning Engineer (like these jobs on Glassdoor)
• Staff Machine Learning Engineer (Voice AI) – Any will be a big opportunity, and
Nathan says this one could earn you up to $216,000 a year.
Other examples included:
• Remote AI Researcher
• Remote Data Engineer
• Remote Data Visualization Specialist
• Remote Data Product Manager
• Remote Data Consultant
There are ways to optimize your remote work environment.
You may be already aware of some of the ways to effectively work in a remote data science job, including.
1. Technical Skills: Proficiency in programming languages (Python, R, etc.), statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization.
2. Stable Internet Connection and Hardware: Have this and make sure you have the necessary hardware (computer, webcam, microphone, etc.) for effective communication and analysis.
3. Create a Dedicated Workspace: This should be free from distractions and equipped with the tools you need to perform your job in a focused environment.
4. Communication Skills: Clear and concise communication is essential, and don't hesitate to seek clarification or provide updates when needed.
5. Familiarity with Collaboration Tools: Know collaboration tools like video conferencing platforms (Zoom, Microsoft Teams), messaging apps (Slack, Microsoft Teams), and data science platforms (Jupyter Notebook, RStudio).
6. Understand Company Policies: Familiarize yourself with the company's policies and expectations regarding remote work. This may include guidelines for communication, work hours, and performance metrics.
7. Set Clear Goals and Deadlines: Establish clear objectives for your work and communicate them to your team or manager. Set realistic deadlines and ensure you meet them consistently.
8. Build a Support Network: Connect with other data scientists or professionals in your field through forums, communities, or social media groups.
9. Embrace Flexibility: Remote work often offers more flexibility regarding when and where you work. Embrace this flexibility while also ensuring you meet your responsibilities and deadlines.
Airswift, a workforce solutions provider, also recommends that remote data scientists say it’s also essential to remain aware of changing data science trends. They also say learning about other cultures is equally important if you work for a global company.
By combining technical expertise with soft skills like communication, time management, and adaptability, you'll be well-prepared to excel in a remote data science role.