The big data market is growing rapidly, and so is the demand for data scientists. Although the data science industry has stringent barriers to entry, an accredited data science boot camp can quickly eliminate those barriers and start your career in the growing profession.
According to the US Bureau of labor statistics, the job opportunities for data scientists are projected to grow more than 35% for the decade from 2021 to 2031. This technological revolution of big data and data science is penetrating and innovating almost every industry vertical, including healthcare, retail, IT, government organizations, etc. Due to the high demand and requirement for varied technical skills, data science jobs pay attractive salaries.
But, you may wonder how to select the right online data science courses that can assist your career growth. This article will help you understand the crucial steps in choosing the best online data science courses and a potential list of a few data science courses. Besides, if you are actively seeking more in-depth knowledge, a data science bootcamp from one of the best universities in the US will equip you with all the critical skills to scale your data science career.
What is a Data Science Bootcamp?
An online data science bootcamp is an immersive and interactive digital or in-person program designed to prepare you for employment in the data science profession. These courses range from a few months to a year, but it equips you with the most in-demand skills required to fill the increasing data science job roles. These courses are designed by industry experts and cover critical topics like Python programming, data analytics, visualization, machine learning, etc.
While you explore the various data science programs online, you may come across terms like data science boot camp and data science degree that sound familiar. However, these two terms have an enormous difference. A data science degree is a full-fledged undergraduate or postgraduate degree program.
However, you may already possess an undergraduate degree in an unrelated discipline. In that case, taking data science boot camps can be a great way to sharpen the skills you need to enter the field of data science.
How to Choose the Right Data Science Bootcamp?
Choosing the correct bootcamp course can be overwhelming due to so many choices offered by various educational institutions and digital platforms. Consider the following factors before deciding on a suitable online data science bootcamp.
1. Define your career goals
Identify and outline your career goals before looking for the data science bootcamps. Every data science course has its area of specialization that can give you a winning edge when you are growing your career in data science.
Some questions you might ask yourself are:
- Are you seeking an entry-level position or a higher-level position?
- Do you already have a relevant degree or work experience?
- What are the critical skills that the desired job role demands?
- What are the long-term capabilities or niche skills of data science you should cultivate to sustain your career?
When you answer such questions, you will gain greater clarity on the right kind of program you should choose to match your professional interests.
2. Assess your current skill set
Assessing your skills in advance helps you know what type of bootcamp would best fit you. If you need more handholding and focus on the basics, you can explore the data science bootcamps for beginners. However, if you are already familiar with the terms and concepts of data science, look for courses that train you in the advanced concepts and industry applications.
3. Research job requirements
Once you have outlined your career goals and assessed your current skill set, search for the capabilities required to perform in the desired job role successfully. Depending on your circumstances and goals, you may be required to possess a specific skill set to serve a particular data science position. Researching the required skills helps you narrow your choices to the best online data science courses that prepare you for those skills.
4. Research programs
Based on your time commitment, look for bootcamp courses that offer flexibility and best suit your professional interests to achieve your career goals. Some courses require a significant time commitment, making it challenging to balance with a full-time job. Also, research about the placement assistance, hiring partners, and job profiles offered post-completion of the data scientist bootcamp.
5. Know the Data Science Bootcamp cost, structure, and location
An essential choice when looking for data science bootcamps is whether you prefer online, in-person, or a hybrid program. An in-person bootcamp offers a more hands-on environment and networking opportunities for collaboration. Online data science bootcamp can be convenient for learning skills at your own pace without needing a comprehensive education. It requires you to be self-directed and motivated to complete the program.
Also, know minute details, like cost and available financial aid. There is no one size fits all approach to choosing the right data scientist bootcamp. Based on your financial situation and career goals, select a program that doesn’t put unnecessary strain on your finances.
Best Data Science Boot Camp courses online
You can explore the following data science bootcamps and see if it fits your future career choices:
- Caltech Data Science Boot camp
- Thinkful Data Science Flexible
- BrainStation Online Data Science Bootcamp
- Springboard Data Science Career Track
- Udacity School of Data Science
- Coding Nomads Data Science and Machine Learning Course
Conclusion
An online data science bootcamp is a great way to fast-track your career in this field. Enrolling in data science, bootcamps enables you to learn alongside like-minded individuals equally focused on career growth. Learn to make data-driven decisions and gain hands-on experience with interactive capstone projects through the best data science courses online. Also, you can supercharge your Data Science career with Simplilearn’s software engineer certifications. Validate your skills, gain a competitive edge, and open new doors in the world of Data Science.
