With all the buzz about data science, it seems like everyone has the idea to Start a Career in Data Science or become a data scientist these days. But what’s in it for you? What kinds of things will you actually be doing if you pursue this career? Here’s an overview of the benefits and responsibilities of working as a data scientist, plus some expert tips on how to get started on your path to becoming one.
Choose the Right School
The career of data science is growing—and it’s for good reason. Data scientists are becoming increasingly important as more companies turn to data and statistics-based decision making. Today, there are so many different degree options that it can be difficult to know where to start. And even if you do graduate with a degree in data science, some people also find value in taking courses from an online program or hiring consultants who will take time out of their schedules specifically for your business needs.
Choose the Right Tools
Learning basic programming skills is an integral part of understanding data science. These tools will help you get started with Python, Java, or other programming languages. They’ll also help you analyze and manipulate huge quantities of data—an integral part of data science that can sometimes be overlooked when learning how to start a career in data science.
Choose the Right Job
It’s difficult to start a career in data science if you don’t know what that career entails. Some data scientists use their expertise for for-profit organizations, and others work for government agencies or private nonprofits; some work full-time, while others do consulting projects on the side. Ultimately, it depends on your strengths and interests. Think about what your skills are and how you want to leverage them—then find a company that can help you do so.
Practice, Practice, Practice
It may seem obvious, but practicing data science techniques is key if you want to become proficient. If you’re just starting out, find other people who are passionate about data science and start brainstorming ideas with them. You can also take advantage of online resources and learn how to get started by reading blogs, tutorials and watching tutorials on important programming concepts like Python or R.
Learn From The Best
One of the best ways to start a career in data science is by learning from others. It’s helpful and inspiring to see how others got their start and what they did along their journey. Studying other people’s experience can make your own path clearer, less intimidating, and easier to navigate. There are many case studies, interviews, workshops, books, classes, and more that can help you on your way.
Take Advantage of Opportunities
The tech industry is filled with promising opportunities for professionals who are interested in working with data. From positions at big companies like IBM, Cisco and HP to those at software startups, there are plenty of jobs available for those who want to pursue careers in data science. If you’re looking for ways on how to start a career in data science, consider these tips
Related: