A bit of background:

• I did very well in pure mathematics during undergrad.
• My exposure to statistics and data analytics was relatively limited. I took probability courses and had a secondary field in applied data analytics, but I wouldn't consider myself strong in data science or analytics yet.
• I'm currently enrolled in a mathematics master's program, but I've realized I don't want a career in pure mathematics or academia.
• I have admission for a Master's in Business Analytics and AI (which isn't very technical) at Ontario Tech University starting this September.
• Im an extrovert and love to connect with new people

My main goal is practical: I want to build a career that is employable, pays well, and gives me opportunities in Canada.

Recently I've also been working with a friend who is an AI engineer/consultant. Through him, I'm learning AI automation, Claude Code, website development, and how businesses use AI to automate workflows. We're currently building a B2B solution for one of his clients, which has given me exposure to real projects, although I'm still very much a beginner.

The problem is that I feel pulled in several directions:

• Data Analyst
• Business Analyst (which is related to my future master)
• Data Analytics
• Data Science
• Data Engineering
• AI Engineering / AI Automation

The more I research, the less certain I become.

A few honest realities about my current situation:

• My Python skills are still beginner/intermediate.
• I don't know SQL well.
• I don't fully understand Git/GitHub yet.
• I have strong mathematical reasoning but not much industry experience.
• I enjoy solving problems, but I don't yet know whether I'd prefer engineering, analytics, consulting, or business-focused work.
• I also have entrepreneurial interests and eventually want to build something of my own.

If you were in my position, entering a Business Analytics & AI master's this September, what path would you prioritize over the next 2–3 years?

Would you focus on:

1. Data Engineering
2. Data Science
3. Business Analytics / Business Analyst roles
4. AI Engineering
5. AI Automation consulting

And why?

I'm especially interested in hearing from people working in Canada or those who have made a transition from mathematics into tech/data careers. But ready to listen to anyone with an opinion

A bit of background:

• I did very well in pure mathematics during undergrad.
• My exposure to statistics and data analytics was relatively limited. I took probability courses and had a secondary field in applied data analytics, but I wouldn't consider myself strong in data science or analytics yet.
• I'm currently enrolled in a mathematics master's program, but I've realized I don't want a career in pure mathematics or academia.
• I have admission for a Master's in Business Analytics and AI (which isn't very technical) at Ontario Tech University starting this September.
• Im an extrovert and love to connect with new people

My main goal is practical: I want to build a career that is employable, pays well, and gives me opportunities in Canada.

Recently I've also been working with a friend who is an AI engineer/consultant. Through him, I'm learning AI automation, Claude Code, website development, and how businesses use AI to automate workflows. We're currently building a B2B solution for one of his clients, which has given me exposure to real projects, although I'm still very much a beginner.

The problem is that I feel pulled in several directions:

• Data Analyst
• Business Analyst (which is related to my future master)
• Data Analytics
• Data Science
• Data Engineering
• AI Engineering / AI Automation

The more I research, the less certain I become.

A few honest realities about my current situation:

• My Python skills are still beginner/intermediate.
• I don't know SQL well.
• I don't fully understand Git/GitHub yet.
• I have strong mathematical reasoning but not much industry experience.
• I enjoy solving problems, but I don't yet know whether I'd prefer engineering, analytics, consulting, or business-focused work.
• I also have entrepreneurial interests and eventually want to build something of my own.

If you were in my position, entering a Business Analytics & AI master's this September, what path would you prioritize over the next 2–3 years?

Would you focus on:

1. Data Engineering
2. Data Science
3. Business Analytics / Business Analyst roles
4. AI Engineering
5. AI Automation consulting

And why?

I'm especially interested in hearing from people working in Canada or those who have made a transition from mathematics into tech/data careers. But ready to listen to anyone with an opinion