Industries and organizations today are extremely reliant on data and analytics. A report from InsideBigData.com notes that higher efficiency rates, more profound operational insights, and revenue increases are some of the benefits that come with leveraging data and analytics.
Because of the far-reaching impacts of data, there has been an increase in demand for data professionals, especially highly qualified data scientists. In fact, numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that careers that require advanced knowledge in data science — such as management analysts, market research analysts, and operations research analysts — have high growth rates ranging from 11-25%.
However, there is also a ton of pressure on data scientists, as well as other data professionals, to keep up with the explosive and rapid growth of technology. For this reason, data scientists should constantly pursue upskilling opportunities to update their skillset and stand out among the competition.
In this post, we’ll discuss how data scientists can upskill themselves to put their best foot forward in today’s competitive job market.
Join a data science boot camp
Data scientists and other professionals who have a basic foundation in data and analytics can join boot camps to enhance their skills. Simply put, data science boot camps are comprehensive month-long programs that can help data scientists launch their careers. What’s great about data science boot camps is that they can be completed either on physical campuses or online. The length of these programs ranges from a few weeks to a year, making them perfect for professionals who don’t have the means and time to complete a data science degree. Data organizations such as DataQuest, General Assembly, and Thinkful offer plenty of data science boot camps that can help professionals develop current and relevant data and analytics skills.
Pursue further education
For professionals who have a bachelor’s degree, they can expand their knowledge in data science by pursuing a master’s degree. Aside from helping them improve their proficiency in areas such as machine learning, data mining, deep learning, and coding, a master’s degree in data science can also provide them with key leadership skills that allow them to manage teams and take charge in their organization. They can also opt to complete a master’s degree in business data analytics, which allows data professionals to become invaluable employees in commercial enterprises. With a business data analytics degree, data professionals can learn how to look for and analyze trends, recognize valuable opportunities, present complex information, and merge analytical tools with operational data.
Thankfully, most of today’s master’s degrees can be accessed online. Today’s universities have recognized the demand for remote higher education opportunities, and have subsequently formulated curriculums and programs that allow professionals to get their diplomas — without putting their careers on hold.
Engage with data science communities
Aside from the learning opportunities that we’ve listed above, data scientists should also be proactive and look for other ways to gain valuable experience and insight. This entails joining data science communities, networking with other data and analytics professionals, and taking on complicated data projects. As data scientists deepen their understanding of data and analytics, their chances of finding success in various organizations and industries also increase.
