Choosing between data science and cybersecurity can feel like picking a side in a superhero showdown. Both are powerful, lucrative, and in-demand tech careers—but they require different skills and strengths. So, how do you decide which path to take?
Here’s a simple checklist to help you figure out if you’re better suited for data science, cybersecurity, or maybe both.
Step 1: Ask yourself, “What kind of problems do I like solving?”
- Data science: If you love uncovering patterns, predicting outcomes, and explaining data through visuals, this is your arena. Data scientists dig deep into data to help businesses make smarter decisions.
- Cybersecurity: If you’re the type who enjoys outsmarting bad guys (digitally speaking), cybersecurity may be your calling. Cyber pros focus on protecting systems, stopping attacks, and keeping data safe.
Step 2: Consider the skills you want to learn
Both fields require a mix of technical and analytical skills, but the specifics vary.
Data science skills you’ll want to learn:
- Python programming: Essential for data manipulation, analysis, and building machine learning models. Learn the basics in GA’s Python Short Course.
- Data visualization: Tools like Tableau and Power BI help you turn complex data into easy-to-understand insights.
- Statistics and analytics: Data science is all about finding meaning in numbers, so you’ll need strong statistical skills.
- Machine learning: The art of teaching computers to predict outcomes and identify trends using data.
- Data cleaning: It’s not glamorous, but cleaning messy data is critical—and an underrated superpower for data pros.
Cybersecurity skills you’ll want to learn:
- Network security: Understanding firewalls, VPNs, and security protocols is key. Our IT & Cybersecurity Fundamentals Workshop covers the essentials.
- Threat detection: You’ll master tools like Splunk and Wireshark to identify suspicious activity.
- Incident response: Knowing how to respond to breaches and prevent damage is critical for cybersecurity pros.
- Penetration testing (ethical hacking): Learn to think like a hacker to expose vulnerabilities before the bad guys do.
- Risk management: Knowing how to assess risks and minimize their impact is essential for protecting an organization’s data.
Step 3: Choose your preferred learning path
Your ideal learning journey may also influence your decision. Here’s what you can expect from each field’s educational path:
Data science learning path:
- Start with Python fundamentals in our six-hour workshop.
- Dive into data cleaning, visualization, and machine learning in our 40-hour Data Science Short Course.
- Get immersive instruction, hands-on data science knowledge, and end-to-end career support in our Data Science Bootcamp to become job-ready in as little as 12 weeks.
Cybersecurity learning path:
- Begin with foundational IT skills in our six-hour IT & Cybersecurity Workshop.
- Get job-ready in just 12 weeks with immersive instruction, hands-on IT knowledge, and end-to-end career support in our IT Bootcamp.
- Learn about specialized cybersecurity topics like threat detection, risk management, and ethical hacking.
Step 4: Weigh the job market
Both fields are booming, but cybersecurity has a serious talent shortage. According to ISC@, the global cybersecurity workforce gap is over 3.4 million professionals. Meanwhile, the data science job market is growing by 35% annually, faster than most other fields.
In short: Cybersecurity offers more immediate job openings, while data science has strong long-term growth potential.
Step 5: Ask, “Where do I want to work?”
- Data science: Data scientists thrive in industries like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce, where insights drive decisions.
- Cybersecurity: Cyber pros are essential in sectors like government, tech, and retail, where data protection is a top priority.
Step 6: What does career success look like to you?
While both careers are rewarding, they offer different types of satisfaction:
- Data science: You’ll spend your days turning data into insights, building predictive models, and helping organizations make smarter decisions. If you enjoy digging into numbers and discovering hidden trends, this could be your path.
- Cybersecurity: Your focus will be on protecting systems, fighting threats, and ensuring digital security. If you like outsmarting attackers and staying on top of evolving threats, this may be your sweet spot.
Step 7: Follow your instincts (and your curiosity)
If you’re still torn, consider starting small. Try out a free coding class or data science class, or take a beginner-friendly workshop like our IT & Cybersecurity Fundamentals Workshop. These intro-level, no-experience-required experiences give you hands-on practice to help you decide what excites you most.
Ready to get started?
Whether you’re drawn to data’s storytelling power or the thrill of digital defense, we have the resources to help you succeed. Explore our data programs, IT & cybersecurity programs, and more to find your perfect tech path.