To go back to school at 30?

[IsThisRidiculous]

Almost a lifetime ago, I was an ambitious student who did well for my A Levels, was reading PPE at uni which I really enjoyed, had great friends, excelled at my chosen sport etc. At 21 I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and eventually decided to drop out of uni. I've been cancer free for a few years now but my confidence has absolutely been shattered. I live off my mum, do basically nothing all day, and it has all been a downward spiral from there.

Recently I've decided that enough is enough. I'm currently contemplating applying for a data science degree at uni next year. Is it too late for me? Studies aside (which I am looking forward to), would anyone even hire a 33 year old data scientist, especially when there are 22 year olds vying for the same position? Just having a really horrible day today and wondering if I'm being ridiculous after all.

Do it. I work in that area - we can't recruit fast enough. Nobody will care how old you are if you're competent and articulate (the latter being as important as your technical skills).

I shifted from what I did before into a data and tech focused role at 49. Similar industry but new skills. I'm flying in my 50s. It's never too late. You're right at the beginning of your adult life. You have it all ahead of you. Go for it.

Omg, do it - I graduated at 43 😁

At 33 your maturity and life experience will be valued assets, plus I’m betting by then your enthusiasm to start the next chapter of your life will show through.

very best of luck to you

Go for it. I went back to Uni at 31, it was brilliant experience.

You’re acting like you’re ancient. Plenty of people change careers later than you. Find out what you have to bring (resilience springs to mind!) to the workplace and capitalise on it.

Definitely go for it. 30 isn't old at all to do a degree. lots of people (especially in other countries) would have just finished their degree by 30 anyway. I thought of doing another degree at 30 but didn't and regret it massively now.

I started working in a similar field in my forties with little prior experience. Data scientists are like gold dust at the moment and will continue to be.

You don't need a degree in data science to work as a data scientist by the way. You can pick up the skills yourself by doing various courses on LinkedIn, Coursera or udemy for example and then doing little personal projects. However, if you don't already have a degree (any degree) then I'd definitely study further as you can enter your career at a much more advanced position and with a higher salary.

Good luck!!

You don't need a degree to get started. But if you want to accelerate fast it really helps. Most of my team have masters and beyond.

Yes, as I said if op doesn't have a degree it's definitely worth getting one. You will start at a higher position, draw a higher salary and maybe progress faster.

However if you already have a degree especially in a related subject like maths, engineering or any technical subject then you don't necessarily need to do another degree.

However, I've just read the op again and I see this isn't the case so I'd totally recommend doing a degree in data science.

Have a look for a degree apprenticeship, which lets you take a degree which you work.

My current employer does a really good one, the apprentices are rotated through different departments every six months so they get a really good feel for different departments as well as a degree (which costs £250 registration fee instead of £9k each year.

There are openings in marketing, finance and technology. Data science would included in the technology version.

I'm a uni lecturer and I LOVE working with older students, who know what they want to do. I say go for it

There are loads of students your age at Uni studying a whole range of subjects.

It's never too late

That isn't good advice for someone of the OP's age. Maybe for an 18 year old.

Bollocks, Quoted wrong post. I meant the one about apprentichips vs degrees. Neither of which teach you about how to post on MN ☝

I did 2 degrees in my 30s and loved every minute of it. Do it for the love of learning.

Too old. Pah!! You’re a spring chicken mate! I graduated at 50. Just embarking on my new teaching career at 52. I am so happy and proud of myself 😉

I have just turned 33 and am about to go into my 3rd year of uni! It’s been a wild ride but I’m so glad I did it. I say for for it!

Can you find a junior role and study while you work? Apprenticeships are not just for 18 year olds. My DH works in data science and is completing his data science masters through the apprenticeship levy. Everyone on his course is of a similar age and older. He doesn’t need the qualification in data science for the role he is doing now but it will be helpful in future.