How to Become a Data Scientist
If you have a love of math and science, and are a talented problem-solver, a career as a data scientist is an excellent choice. Data science is one of the fastest growing careers in the world, and as such, data scientists are in high demand. To become a data scientist, you will need to blend a formal education with experience and networking.
Education to Become a Data Scientist
To become a data scientist, you will need to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in data science or a related field. Begin to investigate the various programs being offered by reputable and accredited institutions. The competition in the field is substantial, therefore completing at least a bachelor’s degree is a necessity, and if possible, combine a BA-MA program. Many colleges offer both on-campus and online degrees, and some have fast-track programs when combining the bachelor’s degree with the master’s degree.
Develop Skills in Data Science
You will need to learn to speak the language of data science. Begin to seek out and complete tutorials in the following areas:
1. Python
In 1991, Guido van Rossum created and released a high-level, yet simple programming language he titled Python. Mastery of Python is essential to becoming a data scientist. Basically, you will be learning a skill which will make writing and maintaining code easier. Python is known for its readability, versatility, large library, community support, cross-platform compatibility and extensibility. There are a plethora of free workshops, college based training and certification, books, etc. There are online learning platforms, such as Codecademy www.codecademy.com which offer free interactive Python courses for beginners such as Introduction to Generative AI, Introduction to ChatGPT, Prompt Engineering for Software Engineers, and Introduction to Hugging Face. Other online resources like edX www.edx.org include offers courses from major universities like Harvard, Columbia, and MIT. Many of these major colleges have classes listed which can be audited for free, and some offer a certificate of completion for a small fee.
2. Master Machine Learning
Machine learning is a subset or branch of artificial intelligence (AI) and consists of the programming of computers to perform tasks and execute demands based on data, without the assistance of human involvement. As a data scientist, you will be working with large data sets which will require tools to uncover patterns, automate decision making processes, and generate predictions. Since machine learning will play a major role in your becoming a data scientist, you will want to begin to understand its complexities and master its intricacies. As with Python, the websites mentioned above offer a range of instructional tools with regards to machine learning. Many of the courses are free of charge, even from top rated, prestigious universities like MIT, UC Berkeley, Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon University. Two interactive platforms to explore and use in becoming a proficient data scientist are Fast.ai and Kaggle. Fast.ai has a variety of extensive, high-quality free courses, for example “Practical Deep Learning” which was developed at the University of Queensland. The modules consist of 9 lessons which are 90 minutes in length, is based on the site’s 55-star rated book, and the course is free in its entirety. Begin to learn how to become a data scientist while either working on your degree, or in preparation for your academic pursuits by interacting with these valuable resources.
Network and Intern
A vital aspect of becoming a data scientist is learning the ropes of networking within the industry. The data scientific community offer robust professional associations like the following:
1. The Data Science Association (DSA) https://www.datascienceassn.org/
According to their website, “The Data Science Association is a non-profit professional association of data scientists that serves our members, improving the data science profession, eliminating bias, and enhancing diversity, and advancing ethical data science throughout the world. The DSA is committed to supporting the data science profession with practical resources for data professionals while improving the practice of data science, accrediting schools, and establishing model ethical codes. Membership is open to data scientists, scientists, students, academics, and others interested in science and the data science profession.”
2. The International Society for Data Science and Analytics (ISDSA) https://isdsa.org/
Another non-profit organization which will benefit you in becoming a data scientist is ISDSA. Basic membership is free, and there are varying levels of involvement. The site will assist you in training through their ISDSA Academy, which is open for students of all ages, even middle school students. The ISDSA has numerous literary tools, journals, and books available, as well as conventions, seminars, and a job opportunities division.
Also, make sure to become involved in at least one internship, while you are seeking to become a data scientist. These professional associations offer mentorship and the chance to inquire with those already successful in the field as to how you can secure an internship at a reputable institution or company.
Job Outlook For Data Scientists
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/), Data Scientists have amazing opportunities for the time period spanning 2022-2032. The field is growing by an unprecedented 35% per year, which is astonishing since the average job growth rate is 6%. Government experts predict that each year over 17,700 new jobs will become available (between 2022-2032). In 2022 there were 168,900 data science jobs. The median pay per year was $103,500, while the median hourly wage was $49.76. (As a reminder, the “median” amount is not an average, it is the middle value of a dataset. For the U.S. BLS definition go to: https://www.bls.gov/cps/definitions.htm#medianearnings ).
By pursuing your educational goals, networking, interning, and utilizing online learning resources, you will be on your way to a satisfying and rewarding career as a data scientist.
