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How to get a job in data science with no experience
How to get a job in data science with no experience #science #computer-science #job
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7 answers
Updated
Natasha’s Answer
To build off what others have stated already:
-Stepping stone roles are great; I started off as a business analyst before transitioning to a data scientist role and it helps you get familiar working with data
-Find opportunities in your existing projects or roles to incorporate additional data science work
-Online courses like others have mentioned are helpful
-Kaggle projects/competitions and internships can help you get practical experience
-Data science degrees can be helpful, but it may be good to do initial exploration with online courses and resources first
-Getting a mentor along the way can also be beneficial to help guide you in the right direction
Data science is also a very broad field, some individuals will spend more time on data engineering, while others will spend more time on data analysis, machine learning, etc. Get to know each of these flavors at a high level and then decide which you want to explore more.
Also, consider applying to the Microsoft LEAP program: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/leap/
It's an apprenticeship program for individuals from non-traditional tech backgrounds. Best of luck!
-Stepping stone roles are great; I started off as a business analyst before transitioning to a data scientist role and it helps you get familiar working with data
-Find opportunities in your existing projects or roles to incorporate additional data science work
-Online courses like others have mentioned are helpful
-Kaggle projects/competitions and internships can help you get practical experience
-Data science degrees can be helpful, but it may be good to do initial exploration with online courses and resources first
-Getting a mentor along the way can also be beneficial to help guide you in the right direction
Data science is also a very broad field, some individuals will spend more time on data engineering, while others will spend more time on data analysis, machine learning, etc. Get to know each of these flavors at a high level and then decide which you want to explore more.
Also, consider applying to the Microsoft LEAP program: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/leap/
It's an apprenticeship program for individuals from non-traditional tech backgrounds. Best of luck!
Updated
Alejandra’s Answer
Hi Mani,
This is a great question, and a lot of people go into data science with no experience because of the great pay and you don't necessarily need a college degree! Here is what I recommend:
1. If you haven't already, learn basic languages like Python, R, and SQL. You can do this through online programs like Code Academy, or really by downloading the platforms and messing around. There are also mini meet-ups you can find in your area where people come together and discuss coding, learning, and tips and tricks.
2. Build a portfolio by showcasing work that you have done. This could literally be assignments you've completed in your self-studies, or maybe a data file you download and extract key information from.
3. Get side gigs so that a) you can practice using data science in a real setting and b) you can begin to add it to your resume to get some hands on experience
4. From here the next step would be an internship, or maybe even straight into a job that knows your a beginner!
Lastly, try to connect with as many data scientists as you know. This community is very friendly and they get excited when new people join or are also passionate about the field! Talk to them about what you're doing, what they did, and ask if there are any projects you could help on or even shadow. I got a great piece of advice from my mentor, he said when you're looking for a new career pivot tell EVERYONE about it. Even when you don't think someone has connections that could help you, more often then not they know someone who does and it's a great way of networking.
Good luck!
This is a great question, and a lot of people go into data science with no experience because of the great pay and you don't necessarily need a college degree! Here is what I recommend:
1. If you haven't already, learn basic languages like Python, R, and SQL. You can do this through online programs like Code Academy, or really by downloading the platforms and messing around. There are also mini meet-ups you can find in your area where people come together and discuss coding, learning, and tips and tricks.
2. Build a portfolio by showcasing work that you have done. This could literally be assignments you've completed in your self-studies, or maybe a data file you download and extract key information from.
3. Get side gigs so that a) you can practice using data science in a real setting and b) you can begin to add it to your resume to get some hands on experience
4. From here the next step would be an internship, or maybe even straight into a job that knows your a beginner!
Lastly, try to connect with as many data scientists as you know. This community is very friendly and they get excited when new people join or are also passionate about the field! Talk to them about what you're doing, what they did, and ask if there are any projects you could help on or even shadow. I got a great piece of advice from my mentor, he said when you're looking for a new career pivot tell EVERYONE about it. Even when you don't think someone has connections that could help you, more often then not they know someone who does and it's a great way of networking.
Good luck!
Thanks for your valuable time and advice!!
Mani
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
It helps if you're majoring in a relevant course such as Computer Science, Data Science, or anything STEM related so that you can have a solid foundation in Mathematics. I only have a bachelor's degree in Economics so I have grasped a decent foundation in maths, statistics and regression analysis which is good enough for you to land an internship.
Other than the academic foundation taught in school, you should actively search for online courses (Coursera, linkedin-learning or youtube; I highly recommend youtube actually) to have an understanding in Machine Learning. I recommend the youtube channel called StatQuest as he explains statistical and machine learning model concepts very detailed yet in an intuitive manner.
Once you acquired some level of theory, you should have some experience in programming. I personally recommend learning Python as your first programming language as it is fairly simple to learn. I will do this iteratively, first learn the basic programming concepts like for loops, dictionary, functions etc. Try out some mini projects along the way to practice what you learn. Once you think you have known enough (able to google your way through), start learning data science modules (numpy, pandas, matplotlib) which are essentially the core libraries used by Data Scientists. There are fantastic tutorials in youtube so following them works just fine. Once you know enough of programming, do some projects relating to data science so you're comfortable with the syntax.
With about 3-6months of doing this, you should be qualified enough to apply for your first internship. The real learning starts when you experience an internship and hopefully, your career as a data scientist will kick off from there. Most importantly, never stop learning. You will soon realize that the most important skill you need to have is to know how to read articles and know how to google.
Other than the academic foundation taught in school, you should actively search for online courses (Coursera, linkedin-learning or youtube; I highly recommend youtube actually) to have an understanding in Machine Learning. I recommend the youtube channel called StatQuest as he explains statistical and machine learning model concepts very detailed yet in an intuitive manner.
Once you acquired some level of theory, you should have some experience in programming. I personally recommend learning Python as your first programming language as it is fairly simple to learn. I will do this iteratively, first learn the basic programming concepts like for loops, dictionary, functions etc. Try out some mini projects along the way to practice what you learn. Once you think you have known enough (able to google your way through), start learning data science modules (numpy, pandas, matplotlib) which are essentially the core libraries used by Data Scientists. There are fantastic tutorials in youtube so following them works just fine. Once you know enough of programming, do some projects relating to data science so you're comfortable with the syntax.
With about 3-6months of doing this, you should be qualified enough to apply for your first internship. The real learning starts when you experience an internship and hopefully, your career as a data scientist will kick off from there. Most importantly, never stop learning. You will soon realize that the most important skill you need to have is to know how to read articles and know how to google.
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Mani,
I would also recommend looking for jobs that could be a stepping stone into a data scientist role. Things like business operations analysts, data analyst, or data exploration analyst could all be viewed as a more entry-level role for someone who will become a full-fledged data scientist. Sometimes it is more about getting your foot in the door and then moving to a role that is right for you.
Tom
I would also recommend looking for jobs that could be a stepping stone into a data scientist role. Things like business operations analysts, data analyst, or data exploration analyst could all be viewed as a more entry-level role for someone who will become a full-fledged data scientist. Sometimes it is more about getting your foot in the door and then moving to a role that is right for you.
Tom
Thanks Thomas for your valuable time and advice!!
Mani
Updated
Lithin Devassy’s Answer
1. Try to pick some Data Science Courses from Online learning Portals like Udemy, Coursera etc. to get some Idea about Data Science and related technologies
2. Try to get understanding of different programming languages that are commonly used and pick the one you are comfortable with - R, Python etc.
3. Once you have enough idea and want to continue to pursue your career as a Data Scientist you can select some reputed university like IIT's, select a relevant course and get yourself certified. These Universities will also help you with getting Internship and Job placements.
If you need any further guidance. Please feel free to get in touch. Good Luck!
2. Try to get understanding of different programming languages that are commonly used and pick the one you are comfortable with - R, Python etc.
3. Once you have enough idea and want to continue to pursue your career as a Data Scientist you can select some reputed university like IIT's, select a relevant course and get yourself certified. These Universities will also help you with getting Internship and Job placements.
If you need any further guidance. Please feel free to get in touch. Good Luck!
Updated
Victor’s Answer
Strong educational background relevant to data science would open the doors for you. Internship would help as well.
Thanks for your valuable time and advice !!
Mani
Updated
Shailesh’s Answer
Mani
I suggest starting out with an internship before applying for a full time data science position. Companies are more likely to give out internships to someone with no prior work experience. After completing an internship, it will be a lot easier for you to secure an entry-level position in the company.
I suggest starting out with an internship before applying for a full time data science position. Companies are more likely to give out internships to someone with no prior work experience. After completing an internship, it will be a lot easier for you to secure an entry-level position in the company.
Thanks for your valuable time and advice!!
Mani