Data science is a fast-growing discipline that encompasses many subjects such as machine learning, predictive modeling, and business intelligence. Data scientists solve complex problems by using data and technology to develop actionable solutions.
You can use data science to analyze customer behavior, predict trends, or design more efficient products. Ideal for those looking to get into the field, data science certification programs are available through various organizations.
This article will provide you with everything you need to know about data science certification programs.
Is Data Science Easy to Learn?
Data science requires tremendous hard work and dedication to make it big in this niche like several other professional courses. This discipline shouldn’t be taken lightly owing to heavy competition and the periodical advancements in the industry.
Real-world application skills are highly essential in data science. Therefore, solely gaining theoretical knowledge through course materials and video lectures will be of little use to you. Consistent practice and earnest efforts to keep learning are the holy grails in this domain.
Who Is a Data Scientist?
The rapid evolution of the digital world gives rise to numerous data problems regularly. Data scientists use their expertise to crack these puzzles, mainly in statistical modeling, mathematics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and business analytics.
The data’s organization, packaging, and delivery are the core building blocks that data scientists work with to obtain the desired results. If your interests lie in mining, aggregation, and processing data, this career is tailor-made for you!
What Does a Data Scientist Do?
The chief tasks of data scientists include the following:
- Working in tandem with the mission of the organization and performing data analysis to suit requirements
- Collecting both forms of data – structured and unstructured – from heterogeneous sources and assembling them for usage
- Segregating the variables and data sets
- Validation and attestation of the data in hand and double-checking the accuracy and uniformity
- Discovery of recurring patterns and trends
- Selecting the best algorithms and applying them to work with big data
A data scientist should combine both technical expertise and manual processing methods to yield the required outcome. If you have prior experience in data visualization, computer science, big data analytics, and management processes, you can try your hand here.
Problem-solving is a crucial skill you should be equipped with to taste success in this field. Analyzing the data and coming up with solutions is one of the areas you will have to build your strength.
Careers in Data Science
Data science comprises different roles that require diverse skill sets. There is no scope for monotony in this field, and there is always room for upskilling yourself regularly. Data scientists often venture into other sub-categories in this profession based on their interests.
The different career options that you can explore under data science include:
- Data Analyst
- Data-Driven Manager
- Functional Analyst
- Data Systems Developer
- Data Engineer
- Data Architect
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Machine Learning Engineer
Why Become a Data Scientist?
The prominence of data science is sky-rocketing in the 21st century, making it a must-have job skill to survive in the rat race of the IT industry. With the traditional limitations of a profession in software gradually dissipating, it is essential to widen your horizon and increase exposure.
Job Security
One of the growing risks, be it any profession, is the feature of automation. Since most conventional jobs are facing potential extinction in varying industries, it is important to land a job that will not encounter recession at any juncture.
The requirement of data scientists does not see a dip anytime soon, with the average percentage increasing at a rate of 50%. Most digital platforms cannot provide advanced and intricate results under the trial of automation for data science.
Also, the automation of other industries is performed by data scientists themselves. Hence, data science jobs will take several years before they face the possibility of becoming automated.
High Salary Packages
Data scientists earn significantly more than the median salary of all the other professions in the USA combined. Even entry-level data scientists receive better packages than beginners in other industries.
Work experience is one of the crucial factors that decide the salary package of a data science professional. The education and the specific niche under data science that you have chosen all play a significant role.
Ever-Evolving Opportunities
If you are always on the lookout for excitement and challenges in your profession, data science will leave you with absolutely no shortage of them.
Since mind-boggling problems and their solutions form the general nature of this profession, you will never run out of scope for enhancement of your capabilities and boosting your problem-solving ability.
What if I Have No Experience in Data Science?
Starting from scratch in a field as expansive as data science can seem intimidating at first glance. However, you can gradually explore the nooks and corners of this field and build a portfolio that can establish your worth in no time!
You can begin with online certification programs that offer thorough comprehension and provide you with real-time projects that can help you commence this learning journey.
Deep learning, applied statistics, and financial modeling are some of the core skills you can concentrate on. Working on actual assignments can help you enhance your skillsets and help you land well-paying, top-tier positions in reputed organizations.
Why Should I Earn a Data Science Certificate?
You can initially begin your data science journey with self-study and build real-life projects. However, a data science certificate or degree is necessary if you aim to get placed in a big organization and become a part of their core team.
Owning a data science certificate will help you attract better opportunities with the same level of experience and skills a person without a certificate might not be able to access. Professional accreditation from a renowned institution seals the deal for companies.
Which Data Science Certification Is the Best?
Numerous reputed platforms such as Coursera, edX, Google Certification, Microsoft, and so on offer certificate courses in data science. Top institutes such as Harvard, Stanford, SAS academy, and so on also have their customized courses.
Now, let’s look at some of the highly pursued data science certifications in the industry.
1. Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate
Microsoft is synonymous with computer science and is one of the leading technical giants in this space. Therefore, you can rely on their Azure Data Scientist Associate to land you the best opportunities in this field, paired with incredible hands-on experience.
Suppose your core areas of interest include artificial intelligence and machine learning, with experience in Microsoft Azure. In that case, you need not look at any other course as this certification will suit you to the T.
There are two methods through which you can appear for their certification exam. You can either opt for an online certification or go for an instructor-led program as well.
After completing the 23 modules, you can appear for Exam DP-100: Designing and Implementing a Data Science Solution on Azure.
Duration: Self-Paced
Expiry: Never
2. IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
This program is available on Coursera. It is highly recommended if your interests lie in Python and SQL. Nature language processing, machine learning, and data visualization form the other core components of this certification.
You will gain a lot of expertise regarding open-source tools and time-series examples. Data sets and GitHub samples are also included in this course.
One of the major highlights of this certification is its “no prerequisites required” approach. Concepts are built from scratch, and passion is the only thing you need to be equipped with to get started!
You will be able to complete this course within a year if you devote 3-4 hours to it per week.
Duration: Self-Paced
Expiry: Never
3. Udacity’s Data Scientist Nanodegree
Udacity is renowned for its nano degrees. Hence, this course is unsuitable for beginners, as experience and prior knowledge are essential. Statistics, SQL, and Python are some concepts you need to understand before setting on this journey.
The proven mentor support is one of the noteworthy aspects of this nano degree. With their expert guidance, you will solve data problems and software engineering especially designed for data scientists.
Hands-on projects and designs are yet another prominent feature of this nano degree, as industrial experience is one of the main requirements for a high-ticket job in the industry.
Duration: 4 Months
Expiry: Never
4. SAS Certification
The SAS Academy is a celebrated name in the data science industry for the wide range of courses under multiple sub-categories. If you want to hone your existing decision-making and problem-solving abilities, this course will be highly relevant for you.
Several concepts such as data manipulation and data analysis are covered under this certification that is made up of 18 different courses teamed with five examinations.
You will have to complete one mandatory course on Data Curation. It will involve data management, Hadoop, and other core sections to help you cement your foundation.
The second course is customizable. You have a choice between Advanced Analytics and AI & Machine Learning professionals. Based on your area of interest, you can opt for one of these two and work towards a specific branch of data science.
Duration: Self-Paced
Expiry: Never
5. Google Professional Data Engineer Certification
If you have prior knowledge of the Google Cloud Platform, you can take up this course to add to your existing cognizance. This course is brief and focuses mainly on data processing systems and machine learning models.
All aspects such as designing, building, and operating machine learning tools are covered in this certification. This certification is not designed for beginners, and you will require around three years of industry experience and usage of GCP to tap the most out of this course.
Duration: 2 Hours
Expiry: Never
Who Can Receive Data Science Certifications?
Today, there are many trustworthy data science courses that industry experts swear by.
The level of difficulty of these courses ranges from an absolute beginner with no beforehand data science knowledge to advanced certifications that require in-depth prior expertise.
You can select the most suitable course for you based on your standing in the industry and your prime areas of interest.
All data science courses are different from each other, and there is no one-size-fits-all formula. Therefore, focusing on your specialization is the best resort.
What’s New for Upcoming Data Scientists?
There is no looking back as far as data science is concerned due to the massive development in the industry occurring in leaps and bounds. Data science has expanded its horizons in the following sectors and continues to enrich them with its potential.
- IT Industry
- Banking and Finance
- Automobile Industry
- Energy and Power
- Healthcare
All these industries are edging towards automation. This juncture is where data science steps in and improves the functioning of these industries immensely with the features it has to offer.
Data science has also proved its mettle in the league of security and privacy. It provides you with an iron-clad layer of protection that is highly resilient and practically impossible to breach.
Summing Up
Data science is the path of the future – there are no apprehensions about this fact. Hence, if you are sincerely interested in a career in this discipline, you can delve into it without any qualms or reservations.
The sheer number and variety of data science degrees and certifications reflect the significance of this niche and the potential it holds for the future. Renowned universities and online platforms are designing meritorious courses owing to the opportunities they can offer.
You may be a beginner or a professional with substantial experience; no one is left behind. The courses are designed to suit multiple levels of expertise and cater to a broad section of interested learners.
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