From Amateur to Data Scientist — 3 Months, is it enough?
From Amateur to Data Scientist — 3 Months, is it enough?
Story from Data Science Trainer Perspective
“Become a data scientist in just 3 months! We will guarantee that”
Is the passage something you often saw in the Data Science Bootcamp advertisement? While the words might would the same as you see out there, you get the point. Many Bootcamp would try to sell the prospective to become a data scientist in the shortest time possible.
Although is it possible? From totally clueless about data science to becoming a talent-ready data scientist? Here is my perspective from a former data science trainer in the Bootcamp.
Data Science Bootcamp
Why is Bootcamp brave enough to make such a statement? We need to know what the job market wants from the Data Scientist. I take the example of a Data Scientist job post requirement that I found on LinkedIn below.
Above is a typical job advertisement for Data Scientist that you could find everywhere. Excluding the job experience and any other skills listed there, mainly what I circled were Technical Skills.
This is what most Data Science Bootcamp often target to fulfill; preparing the Bootcamp students with the technical skills capability to ensure they are called for the job interview.
If we take a look at the Data Science online courses and Bootcamp out there, the learning outline will follow a similar aspect:
Learning Python/R (Programming Language)
Learning Visualization Package
Learning SQL
Learning Machine Learning
Learning Basic Probability/Statistic
This is what a data science boot camp often offers and what I teach to my students when working as a Data Science trainer.
Then is it enough in 3 months to learn all the above skills and guarantee the dream job as a data scientist? The short answer is No, but there is always room for an exception. Let me explain why.
Perspective From Trainer
Data Science Bootcamp
Data Science Trainer is the one who will teach you during your learning journey in your Data Science Bootcamp. For better or worse, not all trainers have similar experience and skills when teaching a student; nor does the Bootcamp institute itself — some do it for the sales.
During my time teaching as a Data Science Trainer, my workplace was not ready to have proper learning material and qualified people to teach.
Sure, there is a trainer who comes from a web and development programming background, and I admit their skills are god-like but teaching data science? It’s a big no.
The trainer is primarily young people who were pushed to teach data science because of their programming skills and have through some Udemy slides courses. Moreover, I was the only one who had experience working with data when I joined the company, so it was a big surprise for me.
With that experience, I would always take a Data Science Bootcamp with a big grain of salt. So, this is my first point as a former Data Scientist Trainer:
“You Need The Technical Expertise to Apply for the Data Science Job, but not all Data Science Bootcamp are equal in quality. Some are just bogus, and would hinder your chance as a Data Scientist.”
With that in mind, selecting a qualified Data Scientist Bootcamp is your first step to becoming a Data Scientist within three months — or as advertised.
Teacher and Student
When you have a good teaching institute and qualified teachers, would now I could become a Data Scientist? Your chance would be higher, but there is one thing that I need to remind you of; Not everyone would cut working in the data field. That is the harsh truth of the world, everyone is talented, but every person has their talent. Is the Data Science job even worth it? You could read about my opinion here.
While working as a trainer, I have seen many kinds of students — From experienced and talented to a total amateur. I could see a student’s capability to catch up with the study material and understand the new concept ranging from really fast to needing more time to learn.
It was hard for me to make sure every student understood the material because we had a limited time — Advertised from Bootcamp is three months, remember?. I need to teach all the available learning material in a short period.
It would be a breeze for a student with fast learning skills, but it would be an excruciating experience for a student without the skill to grasp a data science skill.
From my perspective as a trainer, the advertisement to work as a Data Scientist in three months was certainly a possibility for some students but almost impossible for others because of the different capabilities.
So, my second point is:
“Not all people are cut to work in the data field, especially with a longer time to grasp the necessary data skill. You might able to if you work harder, but it certainly takes more time than three months as advertised.”
My advice is if you are not sure about your skills, try to learn what kind of Data Scientist skills and prepare even before you go to the Data Science Bootcamp. It would help you a lot.
After Bootcamp
After the promised times and graduating from the Bootcamp, am I a Data Scientist now? I would hardly say so, now is the most challenging part — securing a job interview.
Some Bootcamp offers an opportunity to have an interview with various companies, but some don’t. I have seen many talented students having a hard time even landing a job interview, more so a job offer. Although some student still has a hard time during the interview.
Why is that student having a hard time? This is because most of the students only taught the Data Science technical skills, forgetting many other aspects, namely the business and communication.
I know many students who easily secure jobs are not the smartest or most talented, but they who have great communication skills and understand the company business. For me, learning this skill is the essential skill to stand out from the other candidate.
Anyway, what is essential about becoming Data Scientist is not just the technical skills but also the business and communication skills. Even some trainers could refer you to a Data Science job if you have a good relationship with them (This is my own experience).
So, my third point is:
“Techincal Skills from the Bootcamp is not the only things that the company look for when you are applying to become a Data Scientist. You might need another skill, such as Bussiness and Communication.”
Although, it is still possible to secure a Data Scientist job even if you lack the business. The world is a strange r all, with many variables that could affect your employment chances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would say that it is hard to become a Data Scientist, especially in three months. This is because:
Some Bootcamp is not qualified to teach you the necessary data science skills.
Not every student is talented enough to catch up with the learning material in a short time.
Many necessary skills are needed after finishing the Bootcamp.