Emerging occupations typically are the result of:
- An increased human need (for example, alternate sources of energy)
- Technological advances
- Specialization within an occupation
Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore it can be difficult to define advancement opportunities or employment outlook. Some Albertans already are working in this emerging occupation, but future demand for data scientists is unknown.
Data scientists work for a variety of employers including:
- Medical and educational research agencies
- Natural resource companies
- Environmental research companies
- Market research companies
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Large retail companies
- Post-secondary schools
Most jobs are located in major urban areas. However, remote work from home or a different worksite is becoming more common.
Outstanding individuals who have graduate degrees and many years of experience may move into management positions or become private consultants.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- Trends and events affecting overall employment
- Location in Alberta
- Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
- Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
- Size of the occupation
In Alberta, the C072: Database Analysts and Data Administrators occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 41 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.