Data Science Jobs And Tech Scene in Edinburgh: A Comprehensive Guide
Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. But it's not just its historical allures and picturesque sceneries that make "Auld Reekie" famous. Edinburgh is also rapidly emerging as a global tech hub, and your dream data science, data engineering, or machine learning job could be waiting for you in this vibrant city.
The Tech Industry in Edinburgh
Edinburgh's tech industry is booming, eyeing to become a Digital Innovation Hub in the not-so-distant future. The city houses more than 100 tech meetup groups and tech events like Turing Festival, offering abundant opportunities for networking and skill enhancement. Particularly, it has developed a significant footprint in the areas of data science, data engineering, and AI/Machine learning.
Among an array of tech companies in Edinburgh, Skyscanner, FreeAgent, and FanDuel are some of the key players where you can find various tech roles. Amazon also has a Development Center and Data Center in Edinburgh, offering opportunities in data analysis and machine learning.
Data Science Education in the Region
Edinburgh isn't just seeing growth in tech jobs but also in data science-related education. The University of Edinburgh provides specialized courses in Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Science, and Data Science, producing skilled graduates in data-intensive disciplines.
Edinburgh Napier University and Heriot-Watt University also offer postgraduate programs in data science and AI. Various bootcamps and online courses are also gaining popularity for those seeking a career transition or skill upgrade in the data science field.
Making the Move to Edinburgh
Though not as frenetic as London, Edinburgh is recognized for its high standard of living, cultural diversity, beautiful landscapes, and rich history. The city's tech salaries are competitive, and its cost of living is relatively lower than other UK cities.
Whether you're after stunning architecture and rich history, or picturesque landscapes and countryside escapes, Edinburgh has it all, making it an ideal place to balance work and life.
In short, if you're a data science aspirant or professional eyeing a career-move, you may want to put Edinburgh on top of your job search locations.
A Local’s Perspective: Day in the Life of a Data Scientist in Edinburgh
To get a feel for what it's like to be a data scientist in the city, let's hear from Bevvy T., a local data specialist and statistics whizz who has lived and worked in Edinburgh for the last five years.
"My typical day involves working on data modelling and visualization, brainstorming with the team, solving data-related problems, and sometimes attending seminars about the latest in machine learning," says Bevvy.
Working for a local tech startup, she enjoys the thriving tech scene and collaborative work culture that Edinburgh offers.
"I feel lucky to work in such a dynamic and ever-growing industry in a city that supports tech innovation. Plus, with meetups and seminars that are held even outside work, I feel like I'm learning something new every day," she adds.
Edinburgh, with its focus on tech innovation and data science, its vibrant tech community, diverse pool of opportunities, educational options, and quality of life, certainly stands out as a promising destination for those looking to make a mark in the data science field.
About the Author
Lily Lancaster is a London-based data scientist with over six years of experience. In her personal life, she harbors a love for painting, photography, hiking, and volunteers to promote STEM education for young girls.