How difficult is it to get into the entry level job as a data analyst? Is data analytics (data analysts) becoming oversaturated?

Question

Hello!
I keep hearing that it is very difficult to get into the entry level position of data analytics, and that more than 100 applicants apply for the entry level data analyst position. Is this true?

Also, how difficult is it to get into the entry level job as a data analyst?

Is data analytics becoming oversaturated?

Answer 1

The field is saturated at the entry level, no question. It seems to be starting to lose a bit of luster, but there are still tons of bootcamp, micromaster, and MOOC graduates trying to break into the field every day.

Regarding the number of applicants, it depends. At the entry level it's a numbers game. There are tons of people who make well over 200 applications before they find their first job. The larger and more well known companies will attract tons of applicants. Smaller companies will still get several applicants, but nowhere near the number. There's also a big difference between the total number of applicants and the number of qualified applicants.

Anecdotally, we just opened up a Jr. Data Scientist role that had to be taken off the public facing site and moved to referral-based since we got close to 1000 applicants in 3 days.

Answer 2

There are more job titles out there that are not called data analyst, but they are still similar.

I also think that many people apply and apply, without doing any of the hustle you have to do, including research and getting referrals. All the people I know straight out of undergrad who hassled, did research on the jobs they would be a good fit, and got referrals, ended up getting jobs. They were probably good candidates too, because they were motivated and had good resumes.

Answer 3

I think if you combine the DS field with other fields that will be in high demand soon such as cybersecurity, you’ll continue to find jobs and be in demand.

In other words, it depends on the business are you focus on. It’s definitely becoming more specialized. In my experience data engineering still lacks in a lot of places.

Answer 4

I don't know your country, but here in France the entry level is fully saturated and it is very hard to find job as a data scientist or analyst junior.

However the mid level and experience position are still in high demand and difficult for the company to find a good candidate

Answer 5

How is this relevant to the sub?