By Amanda Maslin, 25 May, 2026
If you’ve ever wondered what data science actually is, or whether it’s something you could study after high school, you’re not alone. In our recent webinar with Careers with STEM, three students and graduates at different stages of their data science journeys shared what the field really looks like, how they found their way into it, and why it’s not just about numbers and coding.
Watch the webinar
1. Data science is way broader than maths and coding
Most people imagine data science as sitting in front of a computer crunching numbers. But the panelists made it clear: data science is used everywhere. From healthcare to transport to environmental protection to Indigenous community wellbeing.
Nathan Li, a current Bachelor of Data Science student, said he originally wanted to study psychology or social work. What changed?
He realised data science ‘could go pretty much everywhere…there just seemed to be so many different areas.’
Jiya Thakran, now a graduate data scientist at NTI, works in transport insurance, a field she never expected. Her day involves analysing messy real-world data, supporting reports, and helping the business understand what’s going on behind the numbers.
Becki Cook, a PhD researcher, uses data science to support Indigenous communities in making decisions about health, wellbeing, and Country. She explained that data often represents people, so understanding where it comes from, and who it affects, is essential.
Takeaway:
If you like solving problems, understanding people, or improving how things work, data science can fit almost any interest area.
2. Pathways to data science are flexible
A huge relief for many students: none of the panelists had a straight, predictable path into data science.
'I never touched a piece of code in high school, yet here I am doing coding subjects,’ said Nathan.
‘In high school, I did economics and biology and business management,' said Jiya. 'My subjects were not necessarily related to data science.'
Jiya also explained that she didn’t take Specialist Maths in high school, but that support was built into the Data Science degree. If you’ve only done Mathematical Methods (or the equivalent), you start with a foundation maths unit that moves at a gentler pace, reinforces core concepts, and helps you build confidence before tackling more advanced material.
Becky didn’t even know data science existed when she graduated school.
And yet, all three found their way into the field.
‘Every area is using data more and more every day… it’s highly likely that if you have an area of interest, you’ll be able to apply data science skills in that field,’ said Becki.
Double degrees also came up as a great option for students torn between interests like business, IT, or data. Jiya shared examples of friends who combined business and data science, or property economics and data science, and ended up with unique, flexible careers.
Our Data Science double degree options:
Takeaway:
Your subject choices in Year 10 or 11 won’t lock you in forever. Follow your interests and the rest can be learned.
3. Data science careers are about people, ethics, and community
One of the strongest themes from all three of our panellists was that data science is deeply connected to society.
Jiya explained that in insurance, AI and machine‑learning tools are used carefully and responsibly. Rather than automating decisions about claims or pricing, her team focuses on models that support staff, improve insights, and help the business understand patterns, while ensuring customers are treated fairly.
Becky emphasised Indigenous data sovereignty, which means making sure communities control how their data is used. She described data literacy as ‘empowering communities to access and use data in ways that benefit them.’
And Nathan talked about the importance of community through QUT’s student clubs, where he met like‑minded people and industry mentors through BANDS, Business Analysis and Data Science Club.
Takeaway:
If you care about fairness, ethics, or helping others, data science needs people like you. Data science is a people-centred field. You need curiosity, communication, and empathy just as much as technical skills.
So… should you consider data science?
If you’re someone who likes solving problems, understanding how things work, or making a difference, data science is worth exploring. You don’t need to be perfect at maths. You don’t need to know how to code. You don’t need a five‑year plan.
Want to explore more?
Here are some great next steps:
- Read the Careers with STEM: Data Science issue featuring all three panellists
- Check out our Bachelor of Data Science course page
