School girls need data science education from early on

Schools are being urged to do more to promote careers for women in data science as early as possible in students’ academic lives, with only a fifth of females studying at degree level currently considering such roles.

New research carried out by Experian quizzed 1,204 UK consumers in education and found that most female students are put off simply because they do not think they have the right set of skills. In fact, nearly half (48%) suggested they had ruled out this career path due to a lack of confidence with science or maths.

The report is likely to pile even more pressure on a sector, which is already facing a huge shortage of talent.

A separate SAS report recommends that firms should try to reskill their workforce in data science techniques but Experian believes the answer lies elsewhere, and has signed up to the Digdata initiative.

Launched in 2021 by The Data Inspiration Group, set up by former Women in Data co-founder Rachel Keane, Digdata comprises bite-sized, virtual work-experience challenges, live online career panels and classroom resources and is designed for all students in secondary and tertiary education, as well as teaching staff and career leaders.

Promisingly, Experian’s survey showed that there is appetite amongst younger female students to learn more about careers in data. Nearly half (46%) of young women studying at further education level (such as A-Levels) say the curriculum should be updated so students learn how data and maths can address some of society’s major challenges, such as the climate crisis.

Many female university students also see the benefits of a career working in data. Among those definitely open to pursuing such a career path, 36% think that such jobs may pay more, while 30% say they have been inspired by someone they know working in the field.

However, education institutions and companies still clearly need to do more. Only 31% of women at degree level have noticed ads for data-related roles on social media.

Experian UK&I chief people officer Rachel Duncan said: “The world is changing rapidly, and data is at the heart of this transformation. Career paths across a wide spectrum, from fashion design to sports coaching, finance, and marketing, now require an element of data engineering expertise. Demand for ‘data professionals’ has tripled in last five years alone.

“Despite this trend, there are still barriers to overcome and government, education institutions and businesses need to work together to develop key skills and raise awareness about how a career working with data can offer a great career path for young people, from all backgrounds.

“The UK has an opportunity to be a world leader in data. By working on projects like Digdata we hope to be able to build confidence, enhance skills and generate more diversity in our workforce, embracing the opportunities that our digital economy presents and developing the next generation of talent.”

Digdata’s Keane added: “In line with the Government plan to ‘level up’ UK employment opportunities, coupled with the national shortage of data professionals, The Data Inspiration Group and the Digdata programme aims to help students upskill and develop their competency.

“As data teams increase their roles and influence, the skills they are looking for in prospective employees go beyond numeracy. The industry needs creative problem solvers, inquisitive thinkers, and good communicators – skills that are transferable from all curriculum subjects and that are relevant to multiple industry sectors.

“We want students from all backgrounds and academic abilities know that a career in data is a choice available to them.”