[blablabla123]

My background is actually in Physics where DS seems an obvious choice. Although I didn't like experimental Physics much where people do lots of statistics. So I tried to shift focus on DS but I never really got off the ground, usually when I had the chance to work on something DS related it wasn't fun at all. (Also as you mention, model building seems not to be too popular) So I worked for years as Full stack engineer but shifted towards Backend. That I find most rewarding, sounds like Backend is also interesting for you. So I recommend applying there, I think the hiring stage is still competitive for people starting but far less then DS

[dorchadas]

How did you go about doing this? I'm most the way through a masters in Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics, and am going to be looking for jobs here in Ireland soon. My courses this term are pretty much all mathematical modelling over data science because they seemed more interesting, though I've also taken a module specifically on data programming with Python and one with Machine Learning with Python. Currently taking Advanced Computational Science, which is basically solving PDEs and models, as well as Climate & Weather Numerical Modelling course. I dropped Statistical Modelling and Maths of Machine Learning. My masters thesis is kinda a mixture between the two, making a model of how we can use statistical physics to predict collective behaviour and then testing it and validating it, etc. (though that latter might change given that it was supposed to be focused on Ukraine, where my supervisor had done it before after the 2014 annexation of Crimea).

I'd much rather do modelling than DS, even though I feel it'd be much harder to get a job with that. Or if I wanted to move into engineering. Basically, just looking for any advice for how you went about it.

I can work in Python and know enough JS to be dangerous. Built some stuff in the past for Irish-language learning, but it's all old and poorly implemented. Would also be willing to do other stuff for portfolio, etc.

Sorry for hijacking your comment, it's just what I'm struggling with now.

[blablabla123]

No worries! I guess I stayed very much on the theoretical side of things with not that much applied stuff. So I started working on the side while studying (also realizing that it's quite rewarding) and also tried my luck with a Web App. But later I looked for a fulltime job, created profiles on Stepstone and Monster. So recruiters were calling in and I went from there. Probably nowadays it makes sense to create a LinkedIn profile and as well of course write companies directly. Indeed.com has a lot of job ads, btw it's normal if job applicants only match 70% of the required skills.

Portfolio is good to have, esp. smaller companies will be happy to take a look at it. Large company usually have very standardized processes, your degree is more important and then it depends how interview and challenges go.