Financial technology, also known as fintech, becomes more important each year as technology continues to advance. Potential employees can improve their chances of getting a job in fintech, or working with fintech in another career, if they have a good understanding of data science. In this article, we will use the term data science as a general term for aggregating, analyzing, and otherwise learning from collected data and looking for patterns within it. Below are some ways anyone can learn more about data science and how it can help a person to get a job in fintech.
Earn a Degree in Data Science or a Related Field
Data science is one of the fastest-growing career fields in the United States. According to Glassdoor, the number one job in the United States for the last several years in a row has been a data scientist. While a person can get a bachelor’s degree in data science (or a related field like computer science), getting a master’s degree will open up career opportunities even more, both in and outside of fintech careers.
The number one job a person with a Master’s degree in data science is likely to get is as a data scientist. Some of the other possible careers include a machine learning engineer, applications architect, business intelligence developer, and statistician. Many of these jobs can be done either in-person or remotely for companies like Cane Bay Partners, Numerator, Sisence, and Oracle.
Learn About App Development and Maintenance
A person does not necessarily need to have a degree in data science to get a job in fintech. So long as you know a little something about app development, maintenance, or similar fields. While earning a college degree can accomplish this goal, it is not required. There are many certificate programs available in-person and online that any adult can take.
What coding languages are most popular for programming apps and other computer programs can vary from year to year. As of 2021, some of the most popular coding languages include Python, Java, C#, and MATLAB. An app developer does not need to be fluent in all of these coding languages, but they should be fluent in at least one of the languages. Getting a certificate in one or more of these languages can also help to pad up your resume.
Start by Working in IT
If you are having trouble getting a job directly in fintech, then you may want to start working in an adjacent field. Working in IT, whether for a financial company or even an entirely unrelated company, can help. Getting the extra job experience can also pad your resume. You can also meet people who can be future references when you apply to a job in fintech.
Working as a data scientist, whether in fintech or a related field, can be a highly lucrative career. Earning a college degree, learning how to write in one or more coding languages, and working in IT can all help you to get a great job in data science or fintech.