
Veterans in Data Science: A MilitaryâtoâCivilian Pathway into Analytical Careers
Introduction The UK Governmentâs National AI Strategy projects that dataâdriven innovation could add ÂŁ630âŻbillion to the economy by 2035. Employers across healthcare, defence, and fintech are scrambling for professionals who can turn raw data into actionable insights. In 2024 alone, jobâtracker Adzuna recorded a 42âŻ% yearâonâyear rise in dataâscience vacancies, with average advertised salaries surpassing ÂŁ65k. For veterans, that talent drought is a golden opportunity. Whether you plotted artillery trajectories, decrypted enemy comms, or managed aircraft engine logs, you have already practised the fundamentals of hypothesisâdriven analysis and statistical rigour. This guide explains how to translate your military experience into civilian dataâscience language, leverage Ministry of Defence (MoD) transition programmes, and land a rewarding role building predictive models that solve realâworld problems. Quick Win: Take a peek at our live Junior Data Scientist roles to see whoâs hiring this week.