<p>As a high school senior, I was looking up different computer-science-related careers, and I find data mining really interesting. I was wondering if you know of any similar careers and fields. Ever since I was little, I have been fascinated with organizing everything I can get my hands on, and I am taking AP Statistics currently, and it is one of my favourite classes. I love the idea of taking a bunch of data and sorting it all out, organizing it, and making sense of it.</p>
<p>Also, if I were to aim to go in to data mining, what sort of bachelor's/masters would I be looking at? CS and stats, maybe?</p>
<p>Also, if this matters, when I take Myers-Briggs tests I am usually typed as a pretty definite INTJ. Once or twice I have come close to being an ISTJ.</p>
<p>Same with the organizing and the INTJ. Generally data mining only requires a CS degree – that level of specialization comes in grad school. You can add stats as a double major if you enjoy it, though; it will probably be a fairly easy double major to do because there will be some overlap.</p>
<p>Another thought – the trend in CS lately is to get a Ph.D. and then go into private industry (not necessarily research). If you decide to do this, you will not need to get a masters, and the degree will be paid for.</p>
<p>Data mining falls somewhere under the umbrella of machine learning, which falls somewhere under the umbrella of artificial intelligence. If you browse job postings, most “data scientist” jobs require a minimum of a master’s degree, but PhDs are preferred.</p>
<p>My suggestion is to major in computer science and focus more on math and AI. If your school offers a math/CS hybrid major (like my school did) that may be a good choice for an undergrad major.</p>