Career in data college courses
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Want a career in data? Here’s what you need to study

15 Feb 2017

It’s Data Week here at Siliconrepublic.com and for anyone who is looking for a career in data, but isn’t sure where to start, we’ve got you covered.

When you think of jobs in data, do you think of data scientists and analysts? They are essential parts of the data sphere and there is an increasing number of degrees and college courses on offer to pursue a data science career.

However, there are so many more career paths that someone with an interest in data can take. You might not even be sure where in the world of data you want to venture, but there are plenty of educational routes you can head down to expand your knowledge.

One of the biggest areas is security and privacy. With the number of hacks and privacy breaches increasing constantly, the data sector is crying out for cybersecurity professionals.

There are plenty of degrees and diplomas on offer that focus on cybersecurity. Last summer, Institute of Technology Carlow launched a bachelor’s degree in cybercrime and IT security.

Other ITs and universities with degrees in cybersecurity and forensics include:

More specifically for those interested in a career in data, University of Limerick has a degree in mobile communications and security, a diploma in mobile and secure cloud computing, and a master’s degree in information and network security.

Griffith College also has a master’s degree in information and network security, and a master’s degree in big data management and analytics. Even if you don’t want to be a data analyst, a qualification in the area of big data will help you in whatever path you take.

Information security isn’t your only career option when it comes to data. There are plenty of data technician, data engineer and data operator jobs available in data centres across the country and abroad.

If you don’t know what kind of data career you want, most jobs will only require a more general education. A degree in computer science, software engineering, physics, maths or statistics will all be useful.

Information systems is another option, with various types offered across the country. These include:

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Jenny Darmody
By Jenny Darmody

Jenny Darmody became the editor of Silicon Republic in 2023, having worked as the deputy editor since February 2020. When she’s not writing about the science and tech industry, she’s writing short stories and attempting novels. She continuously buys more books than she can read in a lifetime and pretty stationery is her kryptonite. She also believes seagulls to be the root of all evil and her baking is the stuff of legends.

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