10 Steps to Become a Data Scientist from scratch
The Data Science needs highly qualified workers to fill a range of data-related positions. Data is the new oil, and becoming a data scientist is the sexiest profession of the twenty-first century, according to previous statements. We are constantly inundated with news of impressive advances in artificial intelligence.And you wish to participate in that? You will learn how to begin a career in data and see a little bit of reality thanks to this manual.
The data science sector offers a wide variety of jobs. A few of the various positions you may take on include data scientist, data engineer, expert in data visualisation, expert in machine learning, etc. Getting into one career could be simpler than another, depending on your history and professional experience. For instance, switching from software development to data engineering would not be difficult for you. You will thus be uncertain about the road to pursue and the talents to develop until and until you are clear about what you want to become.
Think about your talents, interests, and professional objectives before selecting a data science position. Data scientist, data analyst, machine learning engineer, and data engineer are a few popular roles in data science. Data scientists often build and use algorithms and models to address challenging issues. In order to offer insights and aid in decision-making, data analysts concentrate on analysing and interpreting data. Designing and implementing machine learning systems is a specialty of machine learning engineers. Building and maintaining data pipelines and infrastructure is the job of data engineers. To choose wisely, consider your preferences, strengths, and the particular requirements of each role.
2.Take a course and finish it.
The next natural step for you after choosing a position is to make a concerted effort to comprehend the role. This entails going beyond simply reviewing the role’s prerequisites. There are a tonne of courses and studies available to hold your hand and you can learn anything you want because there is such a high need for data scientists. Finding content to learn from isn’t difficult, but if you don’t put in the effort, learning it could be.
choose guidance:
Find courses that fit your interests and learning objectives. Examine elements including course content, instructor credentials, student testimonials, and the degree of difficulty.
Make a study plan:
Create a study plan that takes into account your availability and enables you to set aside time just for learning. To progress consistently, divide the course information into smaller, more manageable parts.
Set realistic targets:
Set clear learning goals for every study session or week. This will keep you inspired and allow you to monitor your development as the course progresses.
Engage actively:
Actively participate in the course by finishing assignments, contributing to discussion boards, and utilising any interactive features. Your learning experience may be improved by applying yourself to the material and communicating with others.
Seek clarification:
Don’t be afraid to ask the course teacher or other students for assistance if you run into problems or have queries. Use the tools at your disposal, such as discussion boards, Q&A sessions, or email correspondence, to acquire the assistance you require.
Be Organized
Maintain organisation by keeping tabs on due dates for tasks, assignments, and essential course materials. To keep organised and complete your course requirements, use tools like calendars, to-do lists, or project management software.
Set certain study time:
regularity is essential. To study for the course, set up regular, focused study time. Avoid putting off learning obligations and give them top priority.
Practice and review:
Give the ideas you acquired in each module or lesson some thought. Utilise exercises, projects, or real-world examples to apply the knowledge.
Stay motivated:
Remind yourself of the reasons why you enrolled in the course and the benefits it can bring to your personal or professional development. Celebrate small milestones along the way to stay motivated and encouraged.
3. Choose a Tool / Language and stick to it
You should experience a topic from beginning to conclusion, regardless of what you choose to study. Which language or tool should one choose while getting hands-on is a challenging decision.
The majority of novices’ questions are likely variations on this theme. The simplest response would be to start your data science adventure with any of the widely used tools or languages. Since tools are only methods for execution, it is more crucial to comprehend the concept.
Python is a programming language and tool that is often suggested for use. This is why:
- Popularity and Community Support: In the world of data science, Python is one of the most widely used languages. Because of the sizeable and active user base, there are many libraries, frameworks, and online resources available. You can use well-known libraries that are widely used in data science processes, such as NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, and scikit-learn.
- Flexibility: Python is a flexible language that can be used for many data science activities, such as data manipulation, analysis, visualisation, and machine learning. Additionally, it features strong integration capabilities that make it simpler to interact with other tools and technologies used frequently in data science, like TensorFlow, Apache Spark, and SQL databases.
Python offers a wide variety of specialized modules and frameworks that are made just for data science and machine learning. These include frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, and scikit-learn that let you create and use sophisticated machine learning models as well as effectively complete deep learning tasks.
Ease of Use and Readability: Python is easier to use and read than other programming languages because of its legible and plain syntax. Its simplicity enables more rapid development and simpler team communication. Python’s simplicity of use is also enhanced by its abundant documentation and community resources.
4 Join a peer group
Now that you know which role you want to opt for and are getting prepared for it, the next important thing for you to do would be to join a peer group. Why is this important? This is because a peer group keeps you motivated. Taking up a new field may seem a bit daunting when you do it alone, but when you have friends who are alongside you, the task seems a bit easier.
online communities
Find data science-focused online communities and forums by searching the web. You may interact with other data scientists, ask questions, and exchange insights on platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn groups, and websites with an emphasis on data science. Join debates and network with other professionals who share your interests.
Meetup groups
Explore regional Meetup groups that are devoted to data science, machine learning, or related subjects. Meet industry experts by attending their events, workshops, or networking gatherings. A well-known resource for finding these groups in your region is Meetup.com.
Data Science Association,
Join data science-related professional organisations such as the Data Science Association, the International Institute of Analytics, or specialised regional or industry groups. These groups frequently offer networking opportunities, seminars, webinars, and access to beneficial information.
Data Science Competitions and Hackathons
Participate in competitions or hackathons focusing on data science that are held on websites like Kaggle or DataHack. These occasions provide you the chance to interact and network with other participants in addition to giving you the chance to demonstrate your abilities.
5.Learn Python
Because of its simplicity, versatility, and pre-installed sophisticated libraries (including NumPy, SciPy, and Pandas) essential in data analysis and other elements of data science, Python is the most popular scripting language used by the majority of data scientists. The open-source programming language Python is compatible with several libraries.
key points to learn Python for data science.
- Python is a popular programming language used in data science because it’s beginner-friendly and has a wide range of libraries and tools for data analysis.
- You don’t need to be an expert programmer to start with Python. Its syntax is easy to read and understand, making it accessible to beginners.
- The most essential library for data science in Python is “NumPy.” It allows you to work with arrays and perform mathematical operations efficiently.
- Another crucial library is “Pandas,” which makes data manipulation and analysis a breeze with its data structures like DataFrames.
- Python’s “Matplotlib” and “Seaborn” libraries help create stunning visualizations, making it easier to understand and present data.
- When dealing with complex data, “SciPy” provides advanced mathematical functions and tools.
- Machine learning enthusiasts can dive into “Scikit-learn,” a powerful library for building and evaluating machine learning models.
- “Jupyter Notebook” is a fantastic tool for data science, allowing you to write, execute, and visualize code in an interactive environment.
- Python’s flexibility lets you combine data science with web development, automation, and more.
- Many companies and industries use Python extensively for data analysis, making it a valuable skill for job opportunities.
- You can find numerous online resources, tutorials, and communities to support your learning journey.
- Regular practice and hands-on projects are crucial to mastering Python for data science.
Remember, learning Python for data science is a journey, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. Don’t hesitate to explore and experiment as you progress, and most importantly, have fun along the way!
5.Improve your communication
Any data science profession requires excellent communication skills. It will be up to you as a data scientist to explain your conclusions and suggestions to non-technical coworkers. Senior management, other divisions of your business, or even customers may fall under this category. You must consequently master effective communication techniques.
Why, therefore, is it so crucial in data science?
First off, conveying complicated ideas simply and clearly is a key component of data science. In order for those who might not have a technical background to understand the implications of your results and make wise judgments, you must explain them.
Second, data scientists frequently collaborate with other departments’ stakeholders. Data scientists must comprehend the business environment and how their discoveries affect other departments of the firm in order to be productive.
Third, data science is a dynamic field that is always developing new methods and tools. It’s crucial for data scientists to stay on top of these changes and inform their team or company efficiently.
Fourth, data science may be applied in many ways, such as enhancing the customer experience, fostering creativity, or streamlining processes. If you want your team or business to invest in data science projects, you must be able to clearly explain their worth.
6.Master SQL Skills For Data Science
SQL’s importance?
All 25 of Facebook’s most recent job posts for data scientists listed SQL proficiency. Seven of the top 10 Indian startups on LinkedIn’s list for 2020 identify SQL as one of their Most Common Skill. One of the top abilities required not just in India but internationally is this underrated language. SQL will continue to play a significant role in data science as long as there is “data” in it. Despite being more than 40 years old, SQL is still relevant in the twenty-first century because of a number of significant benefits it provides over the alternatives.
some key points to learn SQL for data science.
- SQL (Structured Query Language) is a powerful tool used to manage and analyze structured data in databases.
- It’s commonly used in data science because many datasets are stored in relational databases, and SQL helps retrieve and manipulate data efficiently.
- SQL allows you to perform various operations on data, like selecting specific columns, filtering rows, sorting results, and aggregating information.
- To retrieve data from a database, you use the “SELECT” statement. It’s like asking the database a question to fetch the data you want.
- You can filter the data using the “WHERE” clause, which helps you specify conditions to get only the data that matches certain criteria.
- The “ORDER BY” clause lets you sort the results based on one or more columns in ascending or descending order.
- SQL provides powerful aggregate functions like “SUM,” “COUNT,” “AVG,” “MAX,” and “MIN” to perform calculations on groups of data.
- To combine data from multiple tables, you can use “JOIN” statements based on related columns, enabling you to create comprehensive datasets.
- The “GROUP BY” clause works with aggregate functions to summarize data and group it based on specific attributes.
- If you need to create or modify a table’s structure, you can use “CREATE TABLE,” “ALTER TABLE,” and “DROP TABLE” statements.
- SQL is not case-sensitive, making it more forgiving when writing queries.
- Practice is key to becoming proficient in SQL. The more you work with databases and write queries, the better you’ll become at data manipulation and analysis.
Remember, SQL is a valuable skill in data science, and learning it will open doors to handling and deriving insights from large datasets. So, start practicing, experiment with different queries, and have fun exploring the world of data through SQL!
7.create portfolio
What can you do to set yourself apart from the hundreds of applicants is the question.
Despite the fact that there are other methods to do this, like more internships, classes, MOOCs, etc., the one thing that has really benefited me is building a portfolio.
A data science portfolio should have two objectives. It enables you to first show a hiring manager your technical proficiency. If you are new to the field, this is extremely helpful. Second, creating a portfolio actively provides excellent educational opportunities. Building algorithms, implementing solutions, and effectively presenting outcomes will take time.
Here are some key points to create an engaging data science portfolio
Introduction:
Begin with a brief introduction, explaining who you are, your background in data science, and what excites you about it.
Projects Overview:
Provide a concise overview of the data science projects you have worked on. Use simple headings and descriptions to highlight the main objectives and outcomes.
Project Details:
For each project, explain the problem you tackled and the data you used. Describe the steps you took to analyze the data and any machine learning models you built.
Visualizations:
Include visually appealing charts and graphs to showcase your data analysis and insights. Use labels and captions to make the visuals easy to understand.
Code Samples:
Share snippets of your data analysis and modeling code to demonstrate your programming skills. Add comments to explain the steps and logic.
Data Cleaning and Preprocessing:
Highlight how you handled missing data and performed data cleaning and preprocessing before analysis.
Model Evaluation:
Discuss how you evaluated your machine learning models and the metrics used to assess their performance.
Results and Insights:
Clearly present the results of your analysis and any key insights you gained from the data. Use bullet points for clarity.
Tools and Technologies:
Mention the programming languages (e.g., Python, R), libraries, and data science tools you used in your projects.
GitHub Repository:
Provide a link to your GitHub repository where employers can explore your code and projects in-depth.
Data Storytelling:
Narrate your data science journey by explaining the challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the impact of your work.
Contact Information:
Include your contact details or links to your social profiles for potential employers to get in touch with you.
Remember, a well-organized and visually appealing portfolio will make a strong impression on recruiters and showcase your data science skills effectively. Keep it simple, easy to navigate, and regularly update it with new projects and experiences!
8.Focus on practical rather than theory
As you’re learning the basics of coding, you should start building projects that answer interesting questions that will showcase your data science skills.
The projects you build don’t have to be complex. For example, you could analyze Super Bowl winners to find patterns.
The key is to find interesting datasets, ask questions about the data, then answer those questions with code. If you need help finding datasets, check out this post for a good list of places to find them.
As you’re building projects, remember that:
Most data science work is data cleaning.
The most common machine learning technique is linear regression.
Everyone starts somewhere. Even if you feel like what you’re doing isn’t impressive, it’s still worth working on.
Networking
LinkedIn:
Create a compelling LinkedIn profile that showcases your data science skills, projects, and achievements. Connect with professionals in the data science field, including recruiters, data scientists, and industry experts. Engage in relevant discussions and share insightful content to establish yourself as a knowledgeable professional.
Data Science Events and Meetups:
Attend data science conferences, workshops, and local meetups to meet professionals in the field. These events provide excellent opportunities to learn about the latest trends, technologies, and job openings.
Online Forums and Communities:
Join data science forums, such as Kaggle, Stack Overflow, and Data Science Central, to participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your knowledge. Engaging in these communities can help you connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
Alumni Network:
Leverage your alumni network, especially if your alma mater has a strong data science or analytics program. Many universities have alumni career services that can connect you with graduates working in data science roles.
Informational Interviews:
Reach out to data scientists or data science managers in companies you are interested in. Request informational interviews to learn about their career paths, company culture, and potential job opportunities. These meetings can help you gain insights and build relationships.
Personal Projects and Open Source Contributions:
Work on data science projects and share them on platforms like GitHub. Contributing to open-source projects showcases your skills and attracts attention from potential employers.
Networking Events:
Attend industry-specific networking events or job fairs. These events often feature recruiters and representatives from companies looking to hire data scientists.
Referrals:
If you have contacts within a company you want to work for, ask them for a referral. Employee referrals can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers.
Social Media:
Follow data science influencers, companies, and job boards on platforms like Twitter and Reddit. They often share job openings and valuable insights into the industry.
Professional Data Science Organizations:
Consider joining data science associations and organizations like the Data Science Association, International Association for Data Science, or regional data science societies. These memberships can provide access to networking events and job postings.
Non-Technical Skills
Non-Technical Skills
Non-technical skills include collaboration, communication, task management, business knowledge, etc.
When delivering the results to the businesses, for which we are working as data scientists, teamwork is crucial.
Communication abilities enable us to convey our technological notions and ideas to numerous non-technical staff members and Firm authorities.
In order to offer the answer, task management needs careful management and planning.
For varied analyses and efficient solutions to challenges in those industries, business knowledge, acumen, or knowledge of the industry we operate in are crucial.
Q & A
To become a data scientist from scratch, you should start by focusing on building a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics, learning programming skills, and acquiring the basics of data manipulation and analysis.
Learning a programming language such as Python or R is crucial for data science. These languages are commonly used for data manipulation, analysis, and machine learning tasks.
You can develop data manipulation and analysis skills by practicing techniques like data cleaning, handling missing values, and performing exploratory data analysis (EDA) to understand patterns in the data.
Start with the fundamentals of machine learning algorithms. Learn about supervised and unsupervised learning, model training, evaluation, and how to fine-tune hyperparameters.
Domain knowledge helps you understand the specific challenges and nuances of a particular industry or field. This knowledge is valuable for making informed decisions during data analysis and model building.
You can learn to create meaningful data visualizations using libraries like Matplotlib, Seaborn, or Plotly. Visualization helps in conveying insights and trends from data.
Understanding big data technologies such as Hadoop and Spark is important as they enable you to handle and process large volumes of data efficiently.
Beyond the basics, you can delve into advanced topics like deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), and reinforcement learning to expand your machine learning expertise.
Creating a portfolio by working on personal projects and participating in competitions showcases your practical skills to potential employers and demonstrates your ability to solve real-world data problems.
Continuous learning is essential. Stay updated through blogs, research papers, and conferences. Engage with the data science community on platforms like GitHub, online forums, and networking events to share knowledge and experiences.