How to Make That Big Career Switch Into Data Science by Upskilling?

Making a career change is an exciting yet challenging endeavor, especially when transitioning into a dynamic and rapidly growing field as data science. Data science has become an extremely popular career choice among IT professionals due to its promising job prospects and lucrative salaries. In India, the average annual salary of a data scientist is ₹10 lakhs. This salary range reflects the demand and value placed on skilled data scientists in the Indian job market. You can choose a few of the best data science courses to become skilled with data to be useful for your organization.

As organizations increasingly recognize the importance of data-driven strategies, the demand for qualified data scientists has risen significantly. This demand and the scarcity of skilled professionals have led to attractive compensation packages for those working in this field.
This article will explore the key prerequisites and the need to choose the best data science courses to make a career switch.

What are the Prerequisites to Start a Career in Data Science in India?

Starting a career in data science doesn’t always require professionals to have a background in the field. It’s possible for anyone, whether a student, fresh graduate, or established professional in a different industry, to venture into data science due to the rising demand for data professionals.

For beginners, having a passion for data and a curiosity to explore its potential is a great starting point. Even if they don’t have a formal background in data science, they can develop the skills and gain individual experience in the field. The prerequisites that the field demands are categorized as follows:

1. Academics

Any aspirant who has graduated in computer science, information technology, mathematics, statistics, engineering, or any other related field, has the minimum qualification to pursue a career in Data Science. Additionally, an interest in statistical analysis and programming will be of help in mastering the skills needed to become a data scientist.

While having a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement, most companies prefer candidates with higher educational qualifications. Moreover, many data scientists also take up the best data science courses available to keep up with the latest technologies and skills.

2. Technical Skills

(a) Programming Skills

Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R is crucial in data science. These languages are widely used for data manipulation, analysis, and modeling. Additionally, having knowledge of SQL for working with databases and data querying can expedite the learning process.

(b) Statistics and Mathematics

A strong foundation in statistics and mathematics is essential for data science. Understanding concepts like probability, hypothesis testing, regression, and linear algebra is important for analyzing and interpreting data.

© Data Manipulation and Analysis

Familiarity with data manipulation and analysis tools and libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, and data visualization libraries like Matplotlib or Seaborn is valuable. These tools help in cleaning, preprocessing, and analyzing data efficiently.

(d) Machine Learning and Data Modeling

Knowledge of machine learning algorithms and techniques is crucial for building predictive models. Understanding concepts like supervised and unsupervised learning, feature selection, and model evaluation is essential. Familiarity with machine learning libraries like Scikit-Learn or TensorFlow is advantageous too.

(e) Data Visualization

Being able to effectively communicate insights from data is important. Skills in data visualization tools like Tableau or Matplotlib can help you create visually appealing and informative representations of data.

(f) Working with Unstructured Data

Data Scientists work with data daily, and there are two main types: structured and unstructured. Unstructured data is a bit different from structured data. It doesn’t fit neatly into tables or databases like structured data does. For data scientists, working with unstructured data means finding ways to make sense of this diverse and sometimes messy information. They use special techniques and tools to extract valuable insights from unstructured data.

3. Non-Technical Skills

Data Scientists play a crucial role in connecting business goals with product strategy. Along with technical skills, they also need certain non-technical skills to excel in their work. Let’s take a closer look at these skills.

(a) Communication Skills

Data scientists not only possess the technical expertise to analyze data but also need to convey their findings clearly and effectively to non-technical teams like sales, operations, or marketing.

(b) Data Intuition

It’s not a prerequisite that requires specific qualifications but rather develops through experience and the right training. Data scientists with strong data intuition have a knack for knowing where to look for valuable insights, especially when working with large datasets. They can uncover meaningful patterns and information that others may not immediately notice.

© Business Acumen

Since the ultimate goal of data science is to solve business problems, data scientists need to understand the industry, the challenges faced by the business, and the potential impact of their solutions.

(d) Management Principles and Interpersonal Skills

Collaboration, teamwork, and presentation abilities are essential. They often work closely with various stakeholders, such as product managers, designers, developers, executives, and clients. By collaborating effectively, they can generate innovative business solutions and strategies.

ALSO READ: What Does a Data Scientist Do?

What is the Scope of Data Science in India?

Data science is a booming field in India, growing incredibly. These days, abundant data is floating around, and companies are eager to harness its potential. They want to make sense of all the data available and find ways to apply it to their businesses. This growing interest in data has created a huge demand for data scientists in India.

According to Analytics Insight,

1. India’s Big Data industry is set to become a major player, accounting for 32% of the global market. As a result, the demand for data scientists in India has reached an all-time high, leading to promising career prospects and attractive salaries offered by companies.
2. As of August 2020, there were approximately 93,000 unfilled positions in Data Science across the country. Interestingly, 70% of these vacancies were for roles requiring less than five years of experience. This indicates ample opportunities for individuals who are relatively new to the field to secure employment and establish a successful career.
3. Experts and analysts forecast that by 2026, India will witness over 11 million job openings in the data science sector. This projection highlights the immense growth potential and the magnitude of opportunities that await aspiring data scientists in the country.

How Can the Best Data Science Courses Help One Become a Successful Data Scientist?

Standing at the threshold of an exciting career in data science, individuals often find themselves unsure of how to take that crucial first step. Fortunately, the best data science courses can serve as a guiding light, helping aspiring data scientists navigate this field’s vast and ever-evolving landscape. These courses are designed by experts in the industry, providing a structured learning path that equips learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed.

1. The best data science courses cover a wide range of topics, starting from the basics of statistics, mathematics, and programming and gradually progressing to more advanced concepts like machine learning, data visualization, and big data technologies. By following this well-structured curriculum, individuals gain a solid foundation in the key areas of data science.
2. Practical hands-on experience is a significant aspect of the best data science courses. They provide assignments and projects that allow learners to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
3. Furthermore, these courses often offer access to a supportive community of learners and instructors. Learners can engage with peers, clarify doubts, discuss challenges, and share insights.
4. Staying up-to-date with the rapidly evolving field of data science is essential, and the best data science courses understand this. They incorporate the latest tools, technologies, and methodologies to keep learners current.
5. Completing a recognized data science course can also add credibility to one’s resume. Employers value candidates who have demonstrated their commitment to learning and have acquired skills through reputable courses.

ALSO READ: Who is Data Scientist?

 What is the Average Salary of a Data Scientist in India?

The average salary of a data scientist in India is ₹10 lakhs. Here are the salaries for different job roles in data science with an experience of one year to eight years.

Salaries figures are as per Ambition Box

What Should One Look for Before Signing Up for a Course

Here are a few factors that one must look for, along with the best data science courses that the different institutes have to offer. These factors will help professionals make informed decisions and select a course that aligns with their learning goals and equips them with the necessary skills and connections for a career in data science.

• Reputation of the institution
• Faculty profile and expertise
• Emphasis on practical learning
• Integration of industry practices
• Availability of live projects
• Strength and size of the alumni network

How Emeritus Can Give Your Data Science Career a 360-Degree Flip

By enrolling in Emeritus’ data science courses, you can gain the necessary expertise and confidence to excel in your data science career. The comprehensive curriculum, industry integration, practical learning, and supportive community can truly give much-needed momentum to your data science career.