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Alternative careers for stem phds: life science consulting.

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With the increasingly competitive job market in academia for STEM PhDs, graduate students across the country are struggling to find employment commitments by the time they graduate. With the exception of computer science majors, the output of STEM PhD graduates far exceed the amount of jobs available . Furthermore, the predominant job opportunity for graduates in life sciences, physics, or chemistry is a post-doc position with a minimal $40K salary. It’s no wonder that so many STEM PhDs are leveraging their credentials toward alternative careers such as consulting .

The fast-growing consulting industry has an estimated global market value of US$250 billion . The consulting industry is segmented into various fields such as pharma, healthcare, or retail and hires at various levels of education including bachelor, MD, and PhD. To better understand the nature of the consulting industry and the mindset of STEM PhDs entering consulting, I spoke with Jesmine Cheung , an associate at DeciBio, and summarized 6 takeaway points at the end of the article. DeciBio is a boutique life science consulting company based in Santa Monica, California. Jesmine is a UCLA Biochemistry PhD graduate who studied mechanisms of mitochondrial protein import in the Carla Koehler laboratory. 

DeciBio-4145r.jpg

When in grad school did you begin to pursue this field? What caused you to change your career path?

I think it was about my second to third year that I really decided I did not want to do bench work for the rest of my life. The end goal would have been to graduate with a PhD and then do a post doc somewhere, or maybe work in industry. Ultimately, I felt research in either an academic or industry setting really isn’t for me. So I asked myself, what else could my PhD be used for? This is when I looked more into alternative careers and consulting was one of them.

What about consulting with a STEM PhD appeals to you?

At first I had no idea what consulting really was. My impression was that it was primarily for people with prior business expertise. But after looking deeper into it, I found that there are a lot of niche-based consulting companies such as in pharma or life sciences. Given my several years in academic research, I thought I would be more suited for those types of consulting jobs.

Do you think it offers a lot of leverage having a STEM PhD?

Absolutely, especially in niche related consulting firms that are science based. But beyond that, earning a PhD really allows you to harness your critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills, which are essential in consulting. Though I wouldn’t say it’s required to have a PhD, because there are a lot of business majors that get into consulting early on. But having a PhD can really help.

Many see consulting as a stepping stone into business-oriented job opportunities. Do you feel consulting is sustainable as a long-term career? What other careers do you think it prepares you for?

Well it really depends on the company. At larger firms like Bain, McKinsey, or LEK, I don't believe the lifestyle is really so sustainable. Consultants tend to work long hours, with an average of 60-70 hours per week, and the turnover for people is around 3 to 4 years. But smaller firms like mine seem to have much more reasonable hours. In terms of careers, a lot of consultants often end up working for one of their clients, which isn’t so surprising. Usually after gaining experience as a consultant you can get a foothold in various markets or research fields. Also, you end up growing your own network considerably because you’re constantly talking to and interviewing people. So consulting can certainly prepare you for a career in managing or marketing as well as lead to those types of opportunities.

What traits—personality or otherwise—do you feel are most suited for a career in consulting?

Having people skills is particularly important because you will be interacting with people all the time. This includes clients, colleagues, and experts in the field to which you are asking questions, emailing, or presenting throughout the day. Communication and teamwork skills are also highly desired because you are typically working on a case together, collecting data, analyzing and finding the best ways to present your findings to clients. This also means you need exceptional managing and analytical skills to apply the data and obtain meaningful outcomes.

I think we may have covered a little of this, but how do you feel having a STEM PhD helps you in this industry, if at all?

Analytical or critical thinking abilities are highly desired and obtaining a PhD, particularly in the science fields, helps to develop those skills. As a PhD student we are faced with challenges every day when things don’t work, or data isn’t reproducible. Then we must step back and find solutions to those problems. At some point it becomes natural to us and those abilities are essential in consulting. Also, presentation skills are important, and we get a lot of experience as PhD students from being TAs or presenting our work at seminars or conferences.

For many fields we don’t always have prior experience or knowledge yet. It’s usually through diligent research, interviews, and data collection that we become well-versed in the field and are able to provide useful advice

Now that you are in this industry, is there anything about it that you didn’t expect or that surprised you? Positive or negative?

No, not really actually. I had a pretty good idea about what it was, especially from doing interviewing and practicing case studies. You have to have a fair bit of understanding of what consulting is before you can be hired.

Is there anything you miss about research or wet lab work?

No, but I’m sure some people would. For me, research is often so focused on a very small area for long periods of time. After a while you start losing interest or motivation to find the answers. For consulting, a project lasts only weeks or months, and you can have a more definitive answer while quickly moving on to something else. I find that much more satisfying.

What does a normal work day look like for you? How has this changed from your days in research in academia?

No pipetting! It’s completely different from research. No experiments or lab work. Rather it’s a very office type of work. You go from meeting to meeting, contacting different experts in the field and emailing experts to gain insight. Ultimately, the output is basically a PowerPoint, which we present to the clients.

How did you prepare yourself for a career in consulting? Specifically, how did you prepare for the interviews?

The interviews are generally split in two parts. The first part is behavioral like most jobs to see if you’re a good match, personality or otherwise. The other half is the case interview, where you are presented with a mini or simplified case you would typically see at the firm, to see how you can think through a problem. For that you will have to practice a lot. But there are plenty of case books out there that you can read. And it’s always best to practice with somebody or in a group. There are usually consulting clubs on campus that meet and do cases that help with those things.

What about other ways to prepare your resume for a consulting job?

Well, any other activity aside from research or science, if you’re getting your STEM PhD to help your resume. Things like participating in case competitions or venture capital activities. Or if you’re able, try to find an internship somewhere in consulting or the biotech industry.

What advice do you have for those with STEM PhD’s and want to pursue a career in consulting?

Think hard if this is something you really want to do toward the beginning of your PhD and make a decision then. It’s very hard to start building your resume and getting ready for a consulting career when you are about to graduate.

  • STEM PhDs have an advantage when applying to consulting companies specializing in a market related to their degree.
  • Consulting projects are much shorter than research projects, lasting on average weeks to months, as opposed to years.
  • Boutique companies offer better work-life balance.
  • Unlike research at the bench, a main component of the job requires interactions with stakeholders.
  • Taking part in case competitions and practicing case studies are key to a successful interview.
  • If you think consulting is for you, build your experience and resume with relevant activities before you graduate.

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Article: The Science Careers guide to consulting careers for Ph.D. scientists

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Read more about why and how PhD scientists go into consulting careers in this article originally published on Science Careers.

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L.E.K. Consulting recruits outstanding candidates with strong quantitative skills and advanced degrees from leading universities.

Working alongside senior and junior members of the case team, these new recruits apply their unique skills and experiences to projects while receiving top training in strategic business consulting. Each person will take on responsibility for leading modules of project work and driving analytical insights.

The Role of the Life Sciences Specialist (LSS)

In our Americas, Europe, and Asia offices, we offer PhDs and MDs the unique position of Life Sciences Specialist (LSS). As an LSS, you gain comprehensive training that integrates science, business and economics to prepare you for strategic leadership in the healthcare and life sciences industry. You will not only be a technical expert, but also a business expert, developing cutting-edge strategic and managerial skills that provide a strong foundation for a career at L.E.K.  

Life Sciences Specialists work collaboratively with peers and senior leadership to define initial hypotheses, direct and control research and analytical work, and produce fact-based and analytically robust conclusions.

While casework needs will vary every day, your role will involve:

  • Conducting primary and secondary research on markets, competitors and customers
  • Applying your technical and scientific expertise to client issues
  • Performing rigorous analysis to pinpoint appropriate, practical recommendations for your clients
  • Collaborating with team members to transform research and analysis into thoughtful insights that deliver maximum impact for your clients

For Advanced Degree candidates, L.E.K. offers the opportunity to build on your academic foundation and follow a fast track to the role of Consultant. 

The Role of PhD Analyst

In our U.S. offices, we offer doctoral degree holders the unique position of PhD Analyst. As an L.E.K. PhD Analyst, you work across industry sectors and undergo top-tier training that comprehensively integrates analytics, economics and business. You gain experience as not only a technical expert, but a business expert. And you develop cutting-edge strategic and managerial skills that provide an excellent foundation for a career at L.E.K. and beyond.

As a PhD Analyst, you play a crucial role on each case team, managing analytical workstreams to draw conclusions that address core client issues. Your ability to apply your unique skills to the production of high-quality work is critical to the breakthroughs that create a lasting impact for our clients.

While casework needs will vary each day, your role will involve:

  • Using your expertise to contextualize key client issues as well as to define hypotheses and analytical approaches
  • Conducting primary and secondary research on clients’ markets, customers and competitors 
  • Developing rigorous analyses to drive business insights and actionable recommendations; examples include statistical models of market growth, discounted cash flow valuation models for companies or products, tests of customer sensitivity to product attributes using adaptive conjoint analysis, and probability distributions of acquisition value
  • Translating analytical output into thoughtful conclusions and recommendations, and collaborating with team members to communicate those conclusions and recommendations to clients 

PhD Analysts at L.E.K. typically have PhDs in highly quantitative fields, such as applied mathematics, physics, engineering or something similar.

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What jobs can you get with a biomedical science degree - A New Scientist Careers Guide

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What jobs can you get with a biomedical science degree?

Biomedical sciences include a wide range of scientific disciplines focused on human health. A degree in biomedical science showcases a good understanding of the human body and disease processes. Graduates learn various advanced research methods aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.

Studying at one of the best universities for biomedical science in the UK, as listed in the 2024 Complete University Guide, can open doors to many well-paying jobs . Institutions such as the University of Cambridge, University College London, the University of Oxford, Imperial College London and Durham University have established a strong reputation in this space.

A course as diverse as biomedical science can land you a job in several different sectors. The most common industries include: life sciences and academic research, clinical science, technology and engineering, and business and finance. This article discusses the top three highest-paying jobs with a biomedical science degree in these fields.

Life sciences & academic research

Biomedical science is one of the most rapidly evolving scientific disciplines, contributing to a substantial amount of high-impact research and medical advancements. Biomedical scientists opting for more traditional career paths normally work at research institutions or universities.

  • University professor

Job role: Professors teaching students doing a biomedical science degree at university typically specialise in a specific discipline, such as cell biology , molecular biology or human anatomy. They are leading experts in their field and conduct research in niche areas, such as stem cells or gene editing .

Route: You can either complete a master’s degree prior to starting a PhD or start a PhD immediately after your undergraduate degree if you performed exceptionally well. As a post-doc, you will spend a significant period of time conducting research and lecturing before you can apply for professorship. 

Average salary (experienced): £55,000; over £100,000 at some universities e.g. Imperial College London  

  • Pharmacologist

Job role: Pharmacologists analyse the biomolecular and physiological effects of various drugs and compounds on the human body. They predominantly work in a lab setting, designing studies and interpreting data to advance drug development . As such, they ensure the efficacy and safety of drugs for human consumption.

Route: While a degree in pharmacology is preferred, biomedical sciences, microbiology and physiology are also acceptable. Employers often seek candidates with postgraduate training and/or some experience in research or industry. For those aspiring to work in academia and teach at university, a PhD is typically required.

Average salary (experienced): £55,000  

  • Sports physiologist

Job role: Sports physiologists possess excellent understanding of human physiology. They help people optimise their athletic performance and general health. You could work in diverse settings, such as sports centres, hospitals or research institutions. Many additionally provide private consultations, offering advice to a variety of clients, including athletes.

Route: Typically, a degree in physiology, biology, biomedical science or other life science teaching integrated human physiology is required. Postgraduate training in sports physiology or exercise science could increase employment opportunities. Building a strong reputation could lead to opportunities such as starting your own consulting firm or working exclusively with elite athletes.

Average salary (experienced): £50,000

Clinical science

Biomedical scientists play an integral role in healthcare provision and the advancement of clinical science . In the UK, your degree will enable you to explore a plethora of jobs and opportunities offered by the National Health Service. To be able to take up any of the roles, you will need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council and complete the NHS Scientific Training Programme (STP) following your biomedical degree. 

To start working as a clinical biomedical scientist trainee, your course must additionally be accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.

  • Pathologist

Job role: Pathologists analyse tissue samples from patients to help diagnose medical conditions. They utilise sophisticated equipment, such as microscopes, and work primarily in hospital laboratories.

Route: Biomedical science is one of the preferred degrees to obtain prior to completing STP. Once you qualify, you could further specialise in a niche subfield and enter the Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) program to become a consultant pathologist.

Average salary (experienced): £69,000  

  • Clinical scientist

Job role: Clinical scientists work as part of a multidisciplinary team in specialised areas such as critical care, biochemistry and genomics, contributing to efficient and safe healthcare delivery. Duties vary based on specialisation and may include laboratory work or involve direct patient contact, diagnosis and treatment.

Route: A biomedical science degree provides a solid foundation for various specialisms within clinical science. With experience, you could take on managerial responsibilities or move into healthcare-related industries such as biotechnology . You could also complete HSST to achieve consultant status in your field.

Average salary (experienced): £68,000  

  • Audiologist

Job role: Audiologists assess individuals’ hearing and may work in hospitals or retail stores. Their duties include fitting, testing and repairing different types of hearing aids for their patients or clients. They often undertake ear wax removal and offer advice on ear health and hygiene. 

Route: Biomedical sciences, anatomy and neuroscience are some of the favourable pre-STP degrees for this role. With experience, you could manage hospital audiology departments, become a director of a store or specialise in areas such as cochlear implants. There is tremendous potential in the private sector.

Average salary (experienced): £65,000

Technology & engineering

Biomedical science graduates have great potential in the tech industry, particularly in fields such as biotechnology and health tech. With a strong background in medical science, they can contribute significantly to this sector as they understand the technological needs in medical research and healthcare.

  • IT systems architect

Job role: IT architects play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of a business. They are responsible for designing IT systems and software that align with their clients' technical needs. This work can be carried out either at their own office, at a client's office or remotely from home. With a degree in biomedical sciences, you could be an invaluable asset to health tech, biotech or pharmaceutical firms.

Route: You typically need a software engineering , maths or computer science degree. However, you can develop skills for this role by pursuing a master’s degree in a computer science subject after biomedicine or becoming self-taught. Your biomedical background may give you a competitive edge when applying to relevant companies. With experience, you could work as a consultant or run your own firm.

Average salary (experienced): £90,000  

  • Data scientist

Job role: Data science is considered one of the most lucrative fields in the tech sector. Data scientists are particularly important within life sciences as “big data” is generated constantly. Biomedical data scientists could work in a variety of settings, from universities to biotechnology firms, performing data analysis to provide actionable insights.

Route: Following your biomedical degree, you could either complete a master's degree in data science or teach yourself, as there are a huge number of online resources available. Machine learning and artificial intelligence can substantially enhance your job prospects. With experience, you could become a principal data scientist at a biotech company or an independent data science consultant.

Average salary (experienced): £82,500

  • Biomedical engineer

Job role: Biomedical engineers integrate concepts from biology, physics and engineering to develop medical machinery and devices, encompassing prosthetics, surgical robots and imaging devices . They research and design novel tools or devices that may aid clinical staff with their work or improve patient outcomes.

Route: While a primary biomedical engineering degree is the conventional path for this role, entry is still possible with a biomedical science degree. You would be expected to complete postgraduate biomedical engineering training or gain experience by taking up junior roles, such as a biological technician. 

Experienced biomedical engineers may specialise in specific areas, such as artificial organs, or work towards managerial positions in biotech firms.

Business & finance

Biomedical science doesn’t only equip graduates with scientific knowledge and technical skills, but also highly desirable transferable skills. Their excellent communication skills, analytical and critical thinking, numerical skills and problem-solving often help them thrive in business and the commercial sector.  

  • Managing director

Job role: Managing directors or CEOs ( chief executive officers ) are typically the face of an organisation. Their duties encompass various tasks, such as implementing policies, establishing the company's agenda, devising strategies to achieve goals, fostering relationships with business partners and task delegation. 

Route: Although higher education isn’t required to ultimately become a CEO, due to rising competition, academic qualifications or other forms of training, such as apprenticeships, do give you a competitive edge.

A degree in biomedical sciences puts you in a strong position to venture into health tech or biotech. Your knowledge could help you understand and innovate the company’s products or services. Nevertheless, to secure a junior role and work up the ladder to the role of a director, you will need to acquire relevant business and management skills, either through work experience or postgraduate training.

Average salary (experienced): £120,000  

  • Investment analyst

Job role: Investment analysts advise fund managers, stockbrokers, traders,

investment management companies or other organisations on investment strategies. They monitor markets and performance of target companies to identify investment opportunities. With a biomedical science degree, you could specialise in biotech or pharmaceutical firms.

Route: After your BSc degree, you could study a business degree, e.g. a master’s in business administration (MBA), or apply for graduate training schemes at investment banks. To fully qualify as an investment analyst, you must pass an exam approved by the Financial Conduct Authority, such as the investment management certificate or investment advice diploma.

Once you have established a decent reputation, you could become a fund manager, run your own investment bank or work as a freelance investment consultant.

Average salary (experienced): £65,000  

  • Management consultant

Job role: Consultancy involves advising organisations on ways to tackle business issues and improve operational efficiency. Management consultants work with various members of a company and analyse data to understand problems. They then make recommendations to their clients and support them with the implementation of a solution.

Route: As with investment banking, you could pursue an MBA or other relevant business degree, complete an internship or join a graduate training scheme at a firm. Whichever route you choose, ensure you develop a good grasp of business management skills, analytical thinking and customer service skills. With experience, you could become a partner at a company, run your own firm or work as a freelancer.

You may wish to apply for chartered status to demonstrate that your skills and knowledge meet industry standards.

Average salary (experienced): £60,000

Across several industries, there is no shortage of biomedical science graduate jobs. Your degree is one of the most highly valued within and outside the field of biomedical sciences. What is crucial is to tailor your programme according to your goals and gain relevant work experience and training during or after your course.

Resources  

  • Explore careers | National Careers Service [Internet]. Available from:  https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/explore-careers
  • Biomedical Sciences Rankings 2024 [Internet]. The Complete University Guide. Available from: https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings/biomedical-sciences
  • Home | Advance HE [Internet]. Available from: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/
  • Careers in pharmacology | British Pharmacological Society [Internet]. Available from: https://www.bps.ac.uk/careers
  • Careers Centre | British Association of Sports and Exercise Sciences (BASES). Available from: https://www.bases.org.uk/spage-students-careers_centre.html
  • NSHCS [Internet]. NSHCS. Available from: https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/healthcare-science/healthcare-science-specialisms-explained/
  • NSHCS [Internet]. NSHCS. Available from: http://www.nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/programmes/stp
  • Institute of Analytics - The Future is Here! [Internet]. IoA - Institute of Analytics. Available from:  https://ioaglobal.org/
  • Get into tech: How to launch a career in IT | BCS [Internet]. Available from: https://www.bcs.org/it-careers/get-into-tech-how-to-build-a-career-in-it/
  • Medical engineering [Internet]. Health Careers. 2019. Available from:  https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/healthcare-science/roles-healthcare-science/physical-sciences-and-biomedical-engineering/medical-engineering
  • Membership | CFA Institute. Available from: https://www.cfainstitute.org/membership
  • Institute of Consulting. Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Available from: https://www.managers.org.uk/institute-of-consulting/

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Intel® is a company of bold and curious inventors and problem solvers who create some of the most astounding technology advancements and experiences in the world. With a legacy of relentless innovation and a commitment to bringing smart, connected devices to every person on Earth, our diverse and brilliant teams are continually searching for tomorrow's technology and revel in the challenge that changing the world for the better brings.

Do you love to solve technical challenges that no one has solved yet? Do you enjoy working with cross-functional teams to deliver IP solutions for products that impact customer's lives? If so, come join us to do something wonderful.

We are looking for world-class AI Software Engineering graduate interns to help us build the future of technology.

As an AI software engineering intern, you would:

  • Partner closely with R&D organization, working in a highly collaborative environment where you’ll be exposed to the entire scope of a deliverable rather than just the ML portion of the project.
  • Quickly prototype and iterate on algorithmic concepts such as dynamic execution for LLM interference optimization, KV caching for Intel AI hardware.
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  • Work efficiently in a fast-paced startup-like environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

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  • Passion about delivering high-quality products, seeking to solve everyday problems in innovative ways.
  • Excellent problem solving and analytical skills.
  • Willingness to thrive in a collaborative environment and communicate clearly and confidently with partner teams.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

This position is not eligible for employment-based Intel immigration sponsorship.

You must possess the below minimum qualifications to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates. Experience listed below would be obtained through a combination of your schoolwork/classes/research and/or relevant previous job and/or internship experiences.

The candidate must be pursuing a Masters Degree or PhD in Computer Science, Deep Learning or Machine Learning or a relevant engineering discipline and 6+ months of experience in the following:

  • Machine Learning toolkits such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, etc.
  • Willingness to commit to 6-month internship.

Preferred Qualifications:

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From a fresh graduate to Intel Malaysia's first female principal engineer, Dr. Beth Yam's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Currently, she heads the Penang Disaggregation Manufacturing and continues to make her mark.

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AI Leadership: The Remarkable Journey of Srinivas Lingam

Srinivas Lingam, now VP, AI Acceleration Office & GM, Habana Labs India, has transitioned from a college geek to a respected industry veteran, contributing significantly to Intel's tech leadership.

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College Graduate Careers at Intel India

Follow the careers of Raj and Ankita who describe both their internship and early career experiences at Intel.

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Meet Martin, SoC Design Engineer and Former Intern

Martin shares his experience of converting from an intern to a full-time employee.

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Our Hiring Process

See all the steps of the recruitment process at Intel – from apply to interview.

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Interview Tips

Prepare for your interview at Intel using the resources, practice questions, tips and tricks we’ll provide here!

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We value diverse perspectives and we're dedicated to creating a responsible, inclusive, and sustainable world through technology.

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Diversity & Inclusion

See how we're ensuring that inclusivity and accountability are embedded in our culture globally.

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Global Impact (RISE)

Learn about our strategy and goals for a more responsible, inclusive, and sustainable world, enabled through technology and our collective actions.

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Location Spotlight: Austin

Discover how it's to work with us. See Intel jobs in Austin.

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Location Spotlight: Atlanta

Discover how it's to work with us. See Intel jobs in Atlanta.

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Our AI Teams

Apply your skill in advancing Artificial Intelligence to create solutions that will change the world. See AI and machine learning jobs at Intel.

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Our Corporate Functions Teams

Your role as a business professional at Intel will help us forge success with our products, finances, and people. See HR, finance, and other corporate jobs at Intel.

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Our Hardware Teams

Intel is a leading hardware company. See our job offers for hardware engineers: microprocessor jobs, PCB design or platform engineering jobs at Intel.

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Our Construction & Facilities Teams

Build Intel’s manufacturing sites’ infrastructure and develop strategies for complex projects. See facilities management and fab jobs at Intel.

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Our Manufacturing & Process Development Teams

Our manufacturing and process development specialists build some of the best processors in the world. See factory, technician and process engineer jobs at Intel.

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Our Sales & Marketing Teams

Our Sales and Marketing team manage strong, long-term relationships with partners to solve business problems. See sales and marketing jobs at Intel.

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Our Silicon Photonics Teams

Explore some of the most exciting applications of light-based data transfer among computer chips. See semiconductor and silicon jobs at Intel.

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Our Information Technology Teams

Join one of the best tech companies. Intel's IT team is looking for information technology engineers, support technicians, security specialists, and IT help desk support.

Manufacturing Technicians | Intel Careers

Our Manufacturing Technicians are critical to Intel and the future of technology. See manufacturing careers.

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Location Spotlight: Rio Rancho

Discover how it's to work with us. See Intel jobs in New Mexico.

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Location Spotlight: India

Discover how it's to work with us. See Intel jobs in India.

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Location Spotlight: Santa Clara

Discover how it's to work with us. See Intel jobs in Santa Clara.

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#Intern4Intel

This is the story of three women who started their careers as interns with Intel and are now full-time employees--listen to their journey!

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Intel in Romania

Discover how it is to work with us. See jobs in Romania.

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Location Spotlight: Fort Collins

Discover how it's to work with us. See Intel jobs in Colorado.

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Strength in Flexibility

Jennifer explains how the flexibility she has at Intel allows her to balance her career with caring for her daughter, Nora, who has a rare genetic disorder.

Location: Poland, Wroclaw

Learn more about Intel's Assembly and Test Facility in Poland, Wroclaw. Check out what kind of manufacturing jobs we are opening.

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Intel Foundry | Intel Careers

Intel Foundry is an independent foundry business that meets our customers’ unique product needs. View all foundry careers.

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Data Science and Analytics Teams

Solve real-world challenges, improve processes and use analysis to predict future trends. See data science, data analytics and other data jobs at Intel.

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Location Spotlight: Canada

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Best Master’s in Data Science for 2024

It’s no secret that the need for data experts is growing due to the exponential amount of data being generated every day. One of the best ways to gain the in-demand skills to be able to harness, analyze, and create value from data is pursuing a master’s degree. This ranking was last updated February 2024.

UC Berkeley’s Master’s in Data Science — Online

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Syracuse University MS in Applied Data Science Online

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1. Harvard University

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  • ACCEPTANCE RATE, 2023-24
  • AVERAGE UNDERGRADUATE GPA, 2023-24 ENROLLEES
  • FALL TERM ENROLLMENT, 2022–23
  • GRADUATION RATE, 2022-23
  • NUMBER OF APPLICANTS IN 2023-24
  • ONE-YEAR RETENTION RATE, 2022-23

2. University of North Texas

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3. New York University

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Earn Your Master’s in Data Science Online From SMU

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4. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

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5. Carnegie Mellon University

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6. University of California–Irvine

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7. University of Rochester

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8. Indiana University–Bloomington

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Maryville University Master of Science in Data Science | Online

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9. University of Arizona

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10. University of Delaware

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11. Appalachian State University

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12. University of Minnesota

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13. Oklahoma State University

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14. University of Missouri

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15. Georgia State University

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16. Maryville University

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17. University of Michigan–Dearborn

University of Michigan Dearborn

18. New York Institute of Technology

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19. University of San Francisco

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20. DePaul University

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21. Marquette University

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22. Willamette University

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23. Rochester Institute of Technology

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24. Texas Tech University

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25. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

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26. University of St. Thomas

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27. American University

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28. University of Maryland

University of Maryland

29. CUNY Graduate Center

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Frequently Asked Questions

Data science is one of the fastest growing fields—job openings are expected to grow by 35% by 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . And students graduating with a master’s in data science often land six figure salaries. The reason it’s a fast growing field, with high paying jobs, is because companies across all industries want data-savvy professionals in this era of digitization. Data provides companies and organizations with the resources they need to make better decisions—and in turn, they need professionals with data science skills who know how to understand and analyze data. 

The GPA you’ll need to get accepted into a master’s program for data science varies by school. For all of the programs ranked by Fortune for 2024, the average undergraduate GPA for enrollees was 3.27. Students at Harvard and New York University had the highest GPA, with 3.87 and 3.75, respectively. Marquette University enrollees had the lowest reported GPA—at 3.01.

Master’s degree programs in data science can be offered in person, online or in a hybrid format—and that might be the difference in what the “best program” for you means. Fortune ranks the top five in-person programs for 2024 as: Harvard University, the University of North Texas, New York University, University of Michigan—Ann Arbor, and Carnegie Mellon University. Additionally, our ranking of the top five online programs in 2023 include: University of Southern California, UC—Berkeley, Bay Path University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and Clemson University.

On average, it takes about one-and-a-half to two years to complete a master’s degree program in data science—with most programs requiring roughly anywhere from 25 to 60 credits to graduate. So it does depend on each individual program and whether you choose to be a full-time or part-time student. That said, thanks to a boost in salary and expanded career options, many students find it worthwhile to obtain a master’s degree in data science—and Gen Z considers the role of data scientist to be one of the most satisfying occupations .

A master’s degree in data science will teach you how to understand and analyze data. But because it’s a recently defined career path, how it’s applied can vary significantly. As Maurizio Porfiri, a New York University professor, told Fortune: “It’s a weird thing because it’s very vague. I discovered after a while that I had become a data scientist : people just started to refer to me as such.” But sometimes the first step to finding your place in the world of data science is picking a specialization—what type of problem you want to solve by using data. And a master’s degree can either help you find that specialization, or if you’ve already got the answer, will teach you the skills to pursue it.

Fortune compiled a list of seven universities that offer free online data science courses , which offers prospective students an opportunity to learn more about this field. Each university—Harvard University, the University of Michigan, UC Irvine, John Hopkins University, Columbia University, MIT, and Duke University—offers a different course, from linear regression to data science ethics to data science in real life. However, the common goal of these free courses is to give people an inside look into the field.

In 2022, data scientists earned median salaries of $103,500, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . But a degree from a top program might mean even more money; New York University’s (ranked third on Fortune’s best in-person data science programs) 2022-23 graduates with a master’s in data science earned an average salary of $143,000 four months after graduation, according to data provided by the university.

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Stanford PhD physicist applies for rural clerk job in central Chinese town

  • Su Zhen, with a doctorate from top US university, reportedly appears on civil servant candidate list in Anhui province, sparking speculation

Dannie Peng

In China, the civil service exam usually consists of a written test, interview and assessment – those listed on the screenshot still have to undergo their “political assessment” before the final decision is made and announced.

As the list has not yet been made public, the Post could not independently verify the original source of the screenshot. However the Post did confirm the authenticity of the case with two insiders, including one from Xiao county, a region of around 1 million people in northern Anhui province, where Su was born and graduated from a local high school.

One of Su’s high school classmates, who goes by the username Hyman, expressed his surprise on Monday on social media site Zhihu, a Quora-like online content platform.

He said when he heard the news from his high school alumni group, his first reaction was, “It’s impossible.”

He said he then turned to other classmates for confirmation, but was told that Su’s WeChat was no longer in use and others had lost contact with him a long time ago.

“I think his intelligence and diligence make him a better academic researcher than me, and there is no doubt that he has a bright future ahead of him,” he said.

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Su was one of the school’s top academic performers. According to Hyman, Su was the best student in his class – and the top student in USTC’s physics department.

During his studies at USTC, Su was awarded the Guo Moruo Scholarship, the university’s most prestigious scholarship. According to the university, of the 34 recipients in 2016, 26 went to the world’s most famous universities and research institutes. Su chose to head to Stanford.

Which is why his career choice now is seen by many as inexplicable.

science phd consulting jobs

“If he doesn’t want to go into academia and hopes to become a civil servant, a city in China’s economically developed coastal area is also a better choice,” he said.

Others, however, believe Su may have made his decision for personal reasons and his choice should be respected.

In March, there was a similar case in the Yuhang District Education Bureau in the eastern province of Zhejiang when they welcomed a new civil servant who had graduated from Harvard University.

Despite such similar cases, Yuan Lanfeng, a researcher at USTC, believes Su’s case is an anomaly that does not represent the general situation for graduates of prestigious universities.

“It’s not necessary to take such a grass-roots job, even if it’s very hard to find work,” Yuan said, adding that with his CV, the most obvious route for Su is academia, followed by companies, and there must be a personal reason for not going to any of these.

The Post has attempted to contact Su to ask him about his life experiences and career considerations, but has not yet received a reply.

The Post also contacted Mike Dunne, Su’s primary thesis adviser and a professor of photon science at Stanford, for comment, but he also did not respond.

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Landing cutting-edge jobs becomes reality with new MSU computing technology degrees

Contact: Harriet Laird

STARKVILLE, Miss.—The future is bright for those interested in cutting-edge jobs in computing technologies, and Mississippi State is offering three new degree paths this fall to get students on their way to professional success.

MSU’s new Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity, Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Master of Applied Data Science offer students hands-on training in occupations growing much faster for the next 12 years than the average for all jobs.

Currently, the university has existing programs that include a Bachelor of Cybersecurity, Bachelor of Data Science and a Master of Cybersecurity and Operations.

“As a comprehensive public research university, we want to ensure all our programs teach innovative and current best practices and prepare our students to be career ready when they graduate,” said MSU’s David Shaw, provost and executive vice president. “Every day, we’re looking at the whole picture—analyzing employers’ needs and workforce demands to offer top-notch academic programs.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 377,500 openings through 2032, on average, in computer and information technology occupations. While many openings are due to employment growth, an aging and retiring workforce also is a contributor. The bureau reports the median annual wage at $104,420 as of 2023, significantly higher than the median annual wage of $48,060 for all occupations.

Also this fall, MSU is introducing three additional applied science bachelor’s degrees—business office technology, healthcare administration and public management. Applied science bachelor’s degree programs are ideal for those who have completed or are finishing a two-year college or military Associate of Applied Science degree.

Hands type at a keyboard

Offering online, in-person and hybrid learning options, these degrees add flexibility for working adults and transfer students who have A.A.S. technical degrees in a variety of fields. Students in most of these programs will have the opportunity to gain credentials of value while earning their degree.

A graduate degree for teachers is a new addition as well. The Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Level Alternate Route is specifically designed to address the state’s challenge of recruiting and retaining quality teachers. More than 100 public school districts have critical teacher shortages.

New Degree Programs: A Closer Look

—The B.A.S. in Cybersecurity is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and expertise to become cybersecurity analysts. This program ensures graduates are well-versed in cybersecurity theoretical aspects and possess hands-on skills required in defending organizations against cyber threats.

—Students pursuing the B.S. in Artificial Intelligence gain core theoretical knowledge and skills training to design and develop artificial intelligence systems. Data analytics, machine learning, robotics and more are the foundation of a degree preparing graduates for careers such as AI researcher and data scientist in technology and healthcare and many other industries.

—MSU is offering the Master of Applied Data Science focused toward working adults who may have a variety of bachelor’s degrees. While students learn foundational data science concepts, they also gain practical skills using real world datasets in many application domains. Careers for data scientists are innumerable—from agriculture and athletics to finance and healthcare.

—The B.A.S. in Business Office Technology prepares those holding business/technology A.A.S. degrees for work as office managers, administrative supervisors, IT administrators and more. It is delivered in both online and face-to-face formats, accommodating the preferences and schedules of a diverse population interested in pursuing a BOT degree.

—Those with health-related A.A.S. degrees can pursue MSU’s B.A.S. in Healthcare Administration at MSU-Meridian, where students are prepared to become managers in such settings as hospitals, private practices, pharmaceutical agencies, insurance companies and more. The curriculum includes study and skills training in such subjects as healthcare finance, law and management.

—MSU’s new B.A.S. in Public Management is specifically to advance the education and career options of professionals with existing A.A.S. degrees in public safety areas such as fire science, law enforcement or emergency medical/management services. Jobs for graduates include city or emergency manager, criminal justice administrator, fire management officer and others.

—A new graduate-level licensure program, the M.A. in Teaching Elementary Level Alternate Route prepares students for highly competent instruction in kindergarten through sixth grade. The MSU-Meridian coursework includes planning and managing learning, assessment and serving children with special needs. A one-year residency includes diagnosing reading problems and more.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu .

Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - 1:30 pm

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Is a Master’s Degree in Data Science Worth It?

While it's not always necessary to hold a master's in data science, earning an advanced degree does feature several benefits. Learn more about whether it's right for you.

[Featured image] A young Black woman in a navy blue top smiles as she looks at her laptop.

Data science is a field where advanced knowledge and additional skills training can yield positive returns. While earning a master’s degree in data science comes with certain costs—in terms of both tuition and time—it can be a worthwhile investment when you’re interested in furthering your abilities to work with and parse data. 

In this article, we’ll go over the benefits and costs of earning your master’s degree in data science so you can determine whether it’s the best choice for you. 

Master’s in data science: Pivoting vs. advancing 

Your goal of earning a master’s in data science can strongly indicate whether a graduate education is the best course of action. Think about what you hope to get from a master’s program: Are you aiming to change careers or advance in your current one? 

When you’re interested in pivoting to a career in data science , earning a master’s can be useful. Many programs emphasize foundational knowledge, making it possible for students from many different backgrounds to learn about data science. However, some programs may have specific prerequisites you will need to fulfill first. 

On the other hand, if you’ve been working in data science for some time and are now interested in advancing your career , it may be best to find a master’s program that offers an opportunity to concentrate on an area, such as machine learning or bioinformatics. In other words, you may get more out of a program that provides niched concentrations or specializations.

Learn more about whether a master’s degree is worth it for your needs.

Linked image with text "See how your Coursera Learning can turn into master's degree credit at Illinois Tech"

6 benefits of earning your master’s degree in data science

Many benefits come with earning your master’s degree in data science:

1. Advanced roles

Becoming a data scientist typically requires a bachelor’s degree. Still, given the demand for this work across sectors, you may find that earning your master’s degree qualifies you for advanced roles that require more in-depth knowledge. 

2. Higher salaries

While earning a master’s degree, in general, has been shown to increase your earning power—a median of $240 more per week in the US compared to bachelor’s degree holders—data science as a field tends to pay more [ 1 ]. That means earning a graduate degree may lead to higher salaries because you qualify for senior-level or managerial roles.  

3. In demand

The demand for data scientists is extremely high, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data scientist openings are expected to grow 36 percent between 2021 and 2031 [ 2 ].

In fact, on Glassdoor’s list of 50 Best Jobs in America, which ranks occupations based on job openings, median base salary, and job satisfaction, two data roles occupy the top ten: data scientist ranks third, while data engineer ranks seventh [ 3 ].

4. Resume credential 

A graduate degree can be a strong way to stand out as a job candidate. Fifty-four percent of data scientists hold a bachelor’s degree, while 34 percent hold a master’s, according to Zippia [ 4 ]. Not only does a master’s degree add a notable credential to your resume, but it shows the time you’ve committed to furthering your knowledge. 

5. Specialized knowledge

Master’s degree programs tend to be more rigorous and focused than bachelor’s degree programs. Whereas bachelor’s degrees take between four and five years , with half of your coursework dedicated to gaining a general knowledge of many subjects, a master’s degree takes two years and concentrates exclusively on your area. What’s more, you may have the opportunity to specialize in an aspect of data science, such as bioinformatics or big data.

6. Network 

Enrolling in a master’s degree program can also be a great way to expand your network through the peers you meet and the faculty you work with. 

Learn more: Is a Master’s Degree Worth It?

Master’s degree in data science costs

The average total cost of a master’s degree is $62,650, according to the Education Data Initiative, though degrees can range anywhere from $30,000 and $120,000 [ 5 ].

It takes around two years to earn a master’s degree when you’re able to attend full-time, though several online master’s degrees in data science are optimized to take less time (around one year) when you’re able to commit a certain amount of hours per week on your studies. 

What can you do with a master’s in data science? 

With your master’s degree in data science, you can explore many data science jobs or continue your educational pursuits by applying for a PhD in data science. Let’s review each option. 

Master’s in data science jobs

The roles below illustrate some of the jobs you can pursue once you’ve earned your master’s degree in data science. Learn more about the kinds of salaries you may qualify for once you earn your master’s degree in data science:

Senior data scientist: Working as a data scientist typically requires a bachelor’s degree, but you may qualify for more senior-level roles with a master’s. Data scientists typically design algorithms to collect and interpret data. 

Data engineer: A data engineer designs and builds systems to handle a lot of data so that data scientists and data analysts can work with it. 

Data architect: A data architect drafts frameworks businesses can use to handle data, often with the goal of making sure it meets any compliance requirements. 

Machine learning engineer: Machine learning engineers often sit on data science teams. They design, build, and maintain machine learning algorithms and systems. 

Statistician: Statisticians can work for public or private organizations and often look for trends in data by collecting and interpreting it. 

SQL developer: This role sits in between software development and database engineering. SQL developers often work to create or maintain SQL-specific databases. 

Learn more: How to Become a Data Scientist

PhD in data science

A PhD in data science is a terminal degree —or the highest academic degree you can earn in a field. Many data science professionals go on to earn their PhD to pursue cutting-edge research or teach at the university level. These degrees tend to take around five years to complete , though it can be longer depending on your area of research. 

Other types of education 

Whether you’re interested in beginning or advancing your career in data science, you may find that completing projects, taking individual courses, and other self-guided learning can help you achieve your goals. 

Certificates: Earn a professional certificate in data science or an area of data science to strengthen your skill set. Certificates typically take one year or less to earn, focusing on practical knowledge and skills development. 

Courses: You can take massive open online courses (MOOCs), many for free, to acquire or improve your knowledge in data science. 

Projects: Find projects to build your skill in a particular area and demonstrate your knowledge. You can find ideas on YouTube or enroll in a Guided Project on Coursera.

Books: Read books on the area of data science you’re interested in learning. Not sure where to start? We’ve compiled lists of books on data analysis and books on machine learning to help point you in the right direction. 

Explore further

Earn your master’s degree from a highly-ranked university on Coursera. Explore the University of Michigan’s Master of Applied Data Science , University of Colorado Boulder’s Master of Data Science , Illinois’ Master of Computer Science in Data Science , or the University of London’s MSc in Applied Data Analytics . You can often enroll in a course before applying for the full program. 

Or check out professional certificates on Coursera, such as IBM’s Data Science Professional Certificate .

Article sources

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “ Education Pays , https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm.” Accessed January 19, 2023. 

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “ Data Scientists , https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm.” Accessed January 19, 2023. 

Glassdoor. “ 50 Best Jobs in America , https://www.glassdoor.com/List/Best-Jobs-in-America-LST_KQ0,20.htm.” Accessed December 8, 202.  

Zippia. “ Data Scientist Education Requirements , https://www.zippia.com/data-scientist-jobs/education/.” Accessed January 19, 2023. 

Education Data Initiative. “ Average Cost of a Master’s Degree , https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-a-masters-degree.” Accessed January 19, 2023. 

Keep reading

Coursera staff.

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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  1. The Science Careers guide to consulting careers for Ph.D. scientists

    According to the website GlassDoor.com, a junior consultant hired by BCG in the United States—most fresh Ph.D.s enter at this level—can expect to receive a starting salary of $115,000 to $145,000 annually. An entry-level associate with a master's degree can expect to start at $58,000 to $80,000.

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  7. Alternative Careers for STEM PhDs: Life Science Consulting

    Furthermore, the predominant job opportunity for graduates in life sciences, physics, or chemistry is a post-doc position with a minimal $40K salary. It's no wonder that so many STEM PhDs are leveraging their credentials toward alternative careers such as consulting. The fast-growing consulting industry has an estimated global market value of ...

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    Here are 15 industry positions well suited to PhDs…. 1. Data scientist. The data science field has continued to grow throughout the entire year and PhDs are a great fit for these positions. The continued collection and storage of massive amounts of data by companies drives the need for someone to handle, organize and analyze that data.

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    The Office of Career Strategy works with students and alums of Yale College and Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences as well as Yale postdoctoral scholars from all disciplines. The Office of Career Strategy advisors help students, alums, and postdocs to clarify career aspirations, identify opportunities, and offer support at every stage of ...

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