If you are in undergrad, I'd recommend something like,
Math or math-heavy science BS -> undergrad research -> computationally heavy PhD -> entry level DS or ML engineer job -> senior ML job (within a year or two)
If you are older and looking to pivot, I'd recommend,
Data engineer -> senior data engineer -> entry level DS -> senior DS
Math or math-heavy science BS -> undergrad research -> computationally heavy PhD -> entry level DS or ML engineer job -> senior ML job (within a year or two)
If you are older and looking to pivot, I'd recommend, Data engineer -> senior data engineer -> entry level DS -> senior DS