How to Start Learning Data Science Without Quitting the Current Job ?

Everyone wants to accelerate their careers for a secure and high-paying job. It has become the new catalyst for growth and development in multiple sectors. Data Science has been sprawling its wings across the globe with massive career opportunities, and the ongoing circumstances only predict more. So, if you’re in a different department or field but are fascinated by the applications of Data Science it’s a good sign. Data Science is a very compelling subject that you can actually learn without having to sacrifice your job. Firstly, an aspirant needs to understand what skills are required for Data Science, such as fundamental mathematics and statistics, analytical skills, programming languages, data visualization, etc. In this article, we will maneuver through a detailed process of effective data learning without having to quit your job.

What are the skills required for Data Science?

Foundational Math and Statistics:

Mathematics and statistics are the roots of Data Science. So, technically, we started our journey into Data Science in our school days itself. Having extensive knowledge in Maths and Stats will come in very handy while pursuing Data Science as a passion gig. Additionally, it helps to propel you forward if you are familiar with calculus, algebra, and probability for a faster Data Science career switch. In order to advance in the Data Science field, these fundamental elements will help you a lot in sorting out topics like machine learning, deep learning, and data programming. Strong, unwavering foundations will help change careers to Data Science a moonwalk.

Analytical Skills

As a Data Science professional, you will have to deal with large amounts of data on a daily basis while maintaining a calm demeanor. So, the requisite analytical skills are vital in finding a data pattern, data identification, and other effective data maneuvers that will enhance business operations for growth. Data Science career switch should be your motive; and fundamental skills like analytics should act as your driving force. According to data stats, strong analytical skills can contribute to a seamless transition to Data Science.

Programming Languages

Programming is the headline of Data Science. It all begins and ends with your personal interest and professional knowledge in programming, though not every Data Science job requires programming skills. Data Science is an embodiment of the Python and R programming languages, along with other programming tools that complete the job. If you are a novice, it is recommended that you learn either R or Python for a seamless entry into the Data Science world.

Data Visualization

Data Science is the bridge that connects technology and business for larger growth. As the concept suggests, data visualization acts as a communication bridge between non-technical stakeholders and data professionals. Data visualization enables professionals to visualize data in the form of charts or graphs. Fortunately, data visualization is a fun, satisfying process that you can experiment with, in your spare time, without sacrificing anything.

If you are persistent and stay aligned with the above Data Science processes and objectives, then consider your career switch to Data Science a productive one that’s worth pursuing.

5 required steps to get into Data Science

Brush your fundamentals

Every champion is a constant revisitor of the basics. In the pursuit of Data Science, the chances of becoming malleable to the multiple facets of the subject are inevitable. So, keeping the fundamentals aligned with the advanced applications is the best way to stay relevant. Each successful step taken by a data aspirant showcases the strong fundamental skills of a professional. Staying in touch with the fundamentals of the subjects and constantly brushing them is a great way to get started. Every employer looks for the rigid fundamentals inculcated deeply in a newcomer. Basic skills like computing, SQL, programming, and relational databases are worth revisiting every now and then as they reflect your passion for the subject.

Learn programming for Data Science

We all associate programming with software development or something akin to application development. However, programming in Data Science is a different ballgame altogether. Unlike other programming languages, Data Science programming does not focus on a single user or platform. Data science programming is a two-edged sword. One is utilized to aggregate the data, while the other is used to analyze the data and transform it to meet business needs. Programming in Data Science is an alchemy of mathematics and processing. Relentless pursuit and hourly practice of fundamental programming languages like Python or R are essential. According to career change statistics in the Data Science field, having knowledge of programming gives you a cutting edge in a faster career switch.

Get Familiar With Data Visualization Tools

Data is indeed everywhere, and as a data professional, you are expected to deal with huge sets of data every single day. Large data sets can occasionally make it utterly difficult to extract any relevant information from them. Data visualizations can help with that. Data visualization software makes it simpler for designers to produce visual representations of huge data sets. A designer’s task is greatly facilitated by automating the process of constructing a visualization when working with data sets that contain hundreds of thousands or millions of data points.

As mentioned before, fundamental skills like mathematics and analytical skills greatly benefit the idea of data visualization. While gaining insights from data, visualization exemplifies the process and helps improve your fundamental skills. Data Scientists enjoy the limelight, and as Data Scientists, you are responsible for acting as a bridge of communication. Constant presentations and the impartation of data applications are part of a Data Scientist’s daily duties, so visualization can help you ace them.

Make yourself familiar with essential visualization tools like Tableau, Infogram, and Power BI to elevate yourself as a Data Scientist. Most of these tools are free to access on the web, so make sure to allow enough time for these practices.

Build a portfolio

In the corporate world, modesty is not the best policy. A budding Data Science professional must have the ability to demonstrate their skills, articulate their work experience, and demonstrate learned skills. A portfolio is an accumulation of skills and experiences you have earned as a professional. There are a lot of tutorials online that can help you figure out what the best portfolio template is for a budding Data Science aspirant. As a beginner, your portfolio can really open the gates for you to grab exciting opportunities and earn the trust of your employer. Keep your portfolio in a conversational style to make it easier for recruiters to learn about you. Demonstrate your interest in Data Science, what led you to it, and how you can present the difference clearly in your portfolio. Keep it simple, but effective.

Join a Data Science Bootcamp

Learning is part studying and part sharing. So, always be welcoming, or take the initiative to join a bootcamp or a skill-building session. Becoming part of a community where you can find people with similar synergy and aspirations can inspire you throughout your journey. Community learning is deemed the most effective way to imbibe a new skill as it enables students to access various sources, people of interest, and perspectives that will transform into great learning lessons in the long run. However, never make rash decisions when it comes to selecting the best Data Science bootcamp or site. Make efforts to learn why and how the bootcamp or program sharpens your existing skills. Do enough research and explore multiple options before coming to a conclusion.

Building your data analysis skills without quitting your job

Be Confident:

Everything completely depends on you. As generic as it may sound, it is your clarity that can bring out the big picture that data offers you in the future. Make a list of skills you want to learn and give it your best with utmost clarity.

Create a GitHub account:

GitHub is a great place to share, display, and post your coding skills. It can provide you with a lot of feedback and ideas. Additionally, GitHub allows you to explore fellow aspirants and collaborate on new ideas that can help your projects.

Manage time smartly:

Time management is a game changer. Build a timetable where you can function effectively between jobs and make a habit out of it. You should not be affected mentally or physically by your job or learning Data Science.

Work on your projects:

Never quantify your skills based on the time you have spent learning them. If you are confident enough, start a project of your own and try to give it your best. This way, you will understand what it is like to have a real-time experience while delving into the subject to its core.

You are your own cheerleader:

Learning a new skill while justifying your job is not an easy task. Whenever you feel overwhelmed or down, just remember that the skills you are learning today will shape your future. So be optimistic and never give up.

End Note

Data Science is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. It is one of the most sought-after jobs in the world, and the future of data is on the cusp of transforming into a global phenomenon. So, if you are ambitious to lead the data world forward, check out our student-centric programs such as the Full Stack Data Science course and Masters in Data Science where you can learn Data Science from the fundamentals to advanced applications with a 100% placement guarantee through our AlmaX program.

FAQs

• Can I learn Data Science while doing a job?

Yes! Data Science is a comprehensive subject that requires patience and familiarity with the fundamentals of mathematics and statistics. If you are ambitious about Data Science, you can enroll in Data Science programs or boot camps to learn Data Science without compromising your job schedule.

• How do I switch to a Data Science career without a career?

Working on self-projects and an effective portfolio can help you switch your career to Data Science. However, joining bootcamps or Data Science-exclusive programs that offer placement guarantees will help you switch to a Data Science career without having a pre-existing one.

• How can I switch my career to Data Science?

Identify the skills that can help you rise in the Data Science field and start working on them. Choosing an exclusive program where you can learn and build data applications would be an easier way to switch your career with job assurance. Focus on building your Data Science resume skills for a greater impression.

• What is an entry-level Data Scientist?

An entry-level Data Scientist is expected to examine, interpret, and collect large sets of data for organizational development. The responsibilities of an entry-level Data Scientist include extracting and processing information to find patterns and trends, using technology to analyze data, and creating a machine-learning algorithm or predictive model for data analysis.

• Is Data Science hard for beginners?

Nothing is hard when you have passion, and anything is easier with determination. Data science is an extremely comprehensive subject that deals with fundamental skills, primarily in mathematics and statistics. There are many career options in the Data Science field, each with a unique set of skills to rise and shine. So, if you are planning to switch your career to Data Science, kick-start your journey with no apprehensions.

Read our recent blog on “How to switch your career to Data Science - A detailed guide” for more information.