Data science is one of the hottest fields right now, but there's a lot of misinformation. Here's an honest overview from someone who advises students entering this field.

What Data Scientists Actually Do:

• Clean and prepare data (this is 60-80% of the job)
• Build statistical models and machine learning algorithms
• Communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders
• Design experiments and A/B tests
• Create dashboards and visualizations

Skills You Need:

• Strong foundation in statistics and probability
• Programming (Python, R, SQL)
• Machine learning fundamentals
• Data visualization
• Communication and storytelling with data

Best Undergraduate Paths:

• Computer Science + Statistics double major
• Applied Mathematics
• Statistics with CS minor
• Economics with quantitative focus
• Physics or Engineering (strong quantitative foundation)

Career Outlook:

• Median salary: $100,000-$130,000 for entry-level
• Strong demand across industries (tech, finance, healthcare, consulting)
• Master's degree increasingly expected for senior roles
• PhD valuable for research-focused positions

My Honest Assessment:

Data science is rewarding but demanding. If you love puzzles, enjoy coding, and are comfortable with ambiguity, it's a great fit. If you prefer clear-cut problems with definitive answers, consider software engineering instead.

The field is also evolving rapidly with AI. Stay adaptable and keep learning.