Why YOU should jump on the Data Science bandwagon?
The world is one big data problem. — by Andrew McAfee, co-director of the MIT Initiative
It’s the dream of most college graduates to work in the “Silicon Valley”, the haven of the biggest tech giants. However, the word technology presents a mental imagery corresponding to complex codes, techies slouching on their systems all day, along with bulky infrastructure. If you are fresh out of college, it’s normal to equate a “tech career” with only “coding.” But, that’s far from true. You can still secure that Silicon valley opportunity as a fresh graduate with ZERO CODING SKILLS
Big Data And Analytics is the Future
The demand for data scientists is exploding right now with a clear dearth of job skills and talent. In fact, the domain has been clinching the #1 spot as “Best Jobs in America” on Glassdoor for 4 years now [1]. Yet, most American graduates shy away from developing the right skills for multiple reasons such as misinformation to lack of support. It’s been long back when Harvard Business Review rated Data Science as one of the sexiest jobs of the 21st Century
From Meaningless to Meaningful Insights: Data Science in Action
Every business thrives on competition and for that to happen, a competitive edge is a mandate. Data science allows businesses to develop a highly accurate “prediction engine” that has the potential to derive meaningful insights out of raw data and to cater to the evolving needs of customers.
As tech firms are now able to capture billions and trillions of user data from the web, smartphones, and social media; organizing and analyzing that data can reveal a “Preference Pattern.” That knowledge can be the backbone for better targeting users with products and services specific to their interests
Data Science Fuels Our Everyday Life: Here’s How
Ever scrolled the recommendations on Netflix or Youtube? You must have. Data science makes that possible. Apart from that, Data science governs plenty in our regular lives including:
● Detecting a mail as “spam” or “no-spam” based on account analysis
● Spotting unusual patterns in your online banking activities and securing accounts
● Facial and speech recognition on smartphones and computing devices
The good news is, the demand for data science isn’t going to slow down anytime soon. According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, a whopping 11.5 million jobs will be on offer for data science graduates by 2026 [2].
More Use Cases and Applications
There are numerous applications of data science in our regular life. Here’re a few notable ones:
Recommendations:
Have you noticed the discounts you get on streaming apps and even supermarkets? That’s an intricate analysis of consumer behaviour with data modelling that reveals patterns. Data science makes that possible and helps companies maximize profits and build a brand.
Forecasting:
How’s the weather today? That person on BBC has all the weather data handy based on past trends. That’s how you get to know if you require an umbrella today or not.
Voice Commands:
“Hey Siri, I am not Feeling Good Today?” How does Siri respond so naturally? A myriad of data science algorithms makes that possible. Not only Siri, but your Amazon Alexa also uses Natural Language Processing to identify keywords and come up with intelligent suggestions. Facial recognition on smartphones works on a similar principle as well.
Social Media Reach
If you are using Linkedin for a job search, you can relate with the reach fluctuating all the time. That’s because a host of data science algorithms decide the relevance and value embedded in a post and pushes it to your connections. Moreover, data science systems get trained over time with constant inputs to ensure intelligent decision making and value assessment
Companies Hiring Data Science Graduates
All big tech firms in the US are going to hire data scientists in numbers, provided they prove their potential to perform. Here’re a few firms you can aim for:
● HP
● Hewlett Packard
● Microsoft
● Apple Inc
● Adobe Systems
Looks like a dream working for such firms at the entry-level right? A career in data science makes that possible as entry-level pay can go up to $80,000 whereas mid to senior-level paychecks are $1,30,000 to $1,50,000 [3].
A Glimpse of Data Science Roles on Offer
It’s quite a broad discipline with specializations in statistics, data analysis, machine learning, and even computer programs. However, these are the hot favourite roles opted by data science graduates:
● Data Engineer
● Decision Scientist
● Statistician
● Machine Learning Engineer
How to Become a Data Scientist: Structured Versus Unstructured Learning
To become a data scientist in record time, one has to be extremely learning agile. Although organizations expect a basic understanding of R and Python, it’s not a thumb rule. Data science embraces people from all walks of career; no matter if you are a business or humanities graduate. A background in natural language processing, Mathematics, and Engineering provides a definite edge, but not mandatory. Now, one can have two learning paths:
1. You can do
● Online research,
● Buy books,
● Organize group study sessions,
● Learn all the tools and techniques,
● Ace interview skills and Finally
OR
2. You can go the structured way and find a data science course developed by industry experts that
● Clears your basics,
● Builds your knowledge, and
● Handholds you until you pass your certification
Once you complete a basic or intermediate course on data science, the job is only half done. You have done all the groundwork and are now aware of the basics. But just like big organizations are running with “data in action”, you have to start building your own prediction engines too. That can happen in multiple ways,
- You can either find an internship online that allows you to execute everything that you have learned during the structured or unstructured learning process
- You can find a mentor in a firm that you want to target and start working on data sets with adequate handholding
- You can also play with data sets online to build your own prediction engines and use that as a testimony to apply for future job roles
- You can join data science forums online to network with aspiring and fellow data science professionals and get started
But no matter what, you have to get started with any of the steps to get ahead in your career as a data scientist.
The Road Ahead
Data science is going to rule the future for sure. Given covid times are wrecking so many careers, Data science can be a rewarding option. We have lived through one of the toughest times during the pandemic and data science saved the day there as well. That’s how governments across the world predicted which areas to lockdown based on real-time data and trends and healthcare bodies managed the constant influx of new patients with optimum services.
The good news, you can define your own timeline to excel in data science. You can be a student or a working professional; data science embraces each and one with open arms. Just a will to learn and you are good to go. You can start from the basics and make your way up and wear multiple hats in the industry.
Don’t wait for the right time, time is now so start shaping your career. How soon are you going to take the first step?
References:
[1] https://www.glassdoor.com/List/Best-Jobs-in-America-LST_KQ0,20.htm
[3] http://www.moderny.ind.br/edelbrock-pro-y3quf/software-engineer-salary-increase-per-year.html
