Data science is a new wave in the job market. Given layoffs in the IT sector and a recovering economy, the only hope seems to be data science. Due to automation, jobs are reduced by a considerable number, and the demand for advanced skills is increasing. The trends of the industry are changing, and dependency on computer-based data has become vital.
All critical decisions are taken on database reports. Those afraid of layoffs are diverting to new careers and achieving new skills to stand firm in the job market. There are many postgraduate degrees like MBA and Ph.D. to enhance your portfolio, but they are confined to specific jobs and not marketable.
The job in high demand is a data scientist’s job. Working professionals can enhance their opportunities for jobs with an additional degree in data science. While working, they cannot attend classroom courses because it is a loss of salary as well as time. There is a demand for attaining an online masters in Data Science. However, it is not that easy to jump into any course. You must know all the pros and cons of the course to avoid wasting money and time. Get complete information about the course. Let’s see what to examine before jumping into the deep end.
Data science is a serious subject and should not be taken lightly. If you join this course, be prepared to complete it with sincerity and passion. First, let’s see what the requirements of this job entail. It requires complicated programming, mathematics, and an analytical mind.
Evaluate yourself and determine whether you can do this. Then upskill yourself in programming languages like R, Python, and Hadoop. Brush up on mathematics from school days via books, notes and learn set theory, linear algebra, derivatives, eigenvalues, functions, vectors, statistics, matrices, and calculus. This will strengthen the foundation of your skills. Your course will contain advanced subjects which will depend on the basics.
Next, update yourself on current scenarios and market trends. Focus on deciding that part of data analysis you want to engage in. There are different job profiles like machine learner, analyst, visualizer, and programmer. Adopt the skill which you think is the best match if you don’t have it.
A report from data scientists is more valuable for companies, government and space technology, etc. Major decisions are taken on the analysis of this data concerning forecasts. You must be very methodical and patient.
Get ideas on different statistics from newspapers, and communicate with other data scientists in groups, on social media, and on blogs. Practice writing blogs yourself as well. Start analyzing every subject so that you will practice deducing inferences from given data.
For example, say data analyst jobs in your area are around 15% of total jobs of data analysts in the country. You can conclude that your area is providing 15% of the total number in your country. You can also estimate a further increase or decrease in jobs. During discussions on formulating the budget of a country, this information plays a strategic role, since the revenue and income data under various industries vary significantly.
Lastly, improve your communication skills, because you will have to present your analysis, observations, and suggestions. These skills are taught in universities that conduct data science courses. You can enroll in any university which is accredited, and which offers a course on campus or online.
Check that the degree you are getting has authentication in a place you are going to apply. If you wish to have a job in a local institution, enroll in a local college conducting the course. Rather than enrolling in an online course from an international university and having no chance of relocating due to visa policies, it is better to sign up for a local course which caters to local businesses. Remember that there is a rat race in the job market, so you will have to have the correct educational qualifications, the right amount of experience, and a matching skill set.
Check for placement records, alumni experiences, and the qualifications as well as experience of the tutors or mentors in that institution to make a properly informed decision.
