data science
The field of study that deals with big amount of data using AI techniques such as machine learning algorithms to predict patterns and obtain useful information to make business decisions.
data science — the field of study that deals with big amount of data using AI techniques such as machine learning algorithms to predict patterns and obtain useful information to make business decisions. McKinsey's Skill Change Index places it in the declining band (SCI 54.79/100) — a skill likely to fall in demand as AI and automation cover more of its ground by 2030, and is one of the Technical AI skills McKinsey identifies as specialised for AI-building work. ESCO classifies it as a cross-sector (useful across many industries) skill within knowledge. It is currently listed by 5 occupations in our catalogue, including biometrician, knowledge engineer, chief data officer, and computer scientist.
Occupations that require data science
Showing top 5 of 5 occupations · ranked by India employment volume, then AI-durability.
Frequently asked questions
What is data science?
The field of study that deals with big amount of data using AI techniques such as machine learning algorithms to predict patterns and obtain useful information to make business decisions.
What category of skill is data science?
ESCO classifies data science under the knowledge category, specifically in the inter-disciplinary programmes and qualifications involving information and communication technologies (icts) subcategory.
Is data science an AI-durable skill?
McKinsey's Skill Change Index places it in the declining band (SCI 54.79/100) — a skill likely to fall in demand as AI and automation cover more of its ground by 2030. Prioritise this skill only when it directly enables paid work today — plan for AI to absorb more of it every year.
Is data science one of the Technical AI skills?
Yes — data science is on McKinsey's Technical AI shortlist, the set of specialised skills relevant to building, tuning, and deploying AI systems rather than just using them.
Which jobs require data science?
In our catalogue, 5 occupations list data science as a required or important skill. The top occupations by employment volume include biometrician, knowledge engineer, chief data officer, computer scientist, computer vision engineer.
How transferable is data science between industries?
ESCO tags data science as a cross-sector (useful across many industries) skill — a signal of how portable it is when you change field.
Is data science the same as data science process?
Yes — data science is also known as data science process, or science of data. They refer to the same underlying capability in the ESCO taxonomy.
How can I learn data science?
The most reliable path is to pick a job or project that demands data science and learn through delivery. Complement that with role-specific roadmaps and short courses. Explore the occupations below to see where this skill is used in practice.