Expert advice on how to build a successful career in data science, including tips on education, skills, and job searching.

Duncan Mugo - Aug 22 - - Dev Community

Data science has become an engine in the modern era; it can, therefore, be likened or compared to the new currency of a country. Its role has largely changed over the years. It encompasses various key concepts that include data cleaning, data analysis, and the creation of meaningful insights that are essential in the making of decisions. Today, data science is applied in different fields, including marketing, healthcare, tourism, education, and others, strengthening customer satisfaction and experiences. However, breaking into this career requires one to have the right education, competencies, skills and knowledge. Here are some tips on education, skills, and searching tips that would help one succeed in this area.
Education Background
Having the right education is vital for the success in this career. Therefore, one should have a related background in various fields such as Statistics, Mathematics, or Computer Science and Programming is considered to be an ideal starting point for becoming a data scientist. Additionally, it would be an added advantage if one pursues a Master's or a PhD in related disciplines like Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. These degrees are essential because they provide data scientists with a deeper understanding of data management approaches, statistical techniques, and algorithms. Online courses and certifications are also considered appropriate for data scientists, especially for those wishing to change from other courses to data science. Some of the certified platforms, such as Udacity, Coursera, and ALX, provide specialized programmes in Artificial intelligence, data engineering and science, and Machine learning. Enrolling in Data science boot camps also provides data scientists with intensive training and practical skills that prepare them for real-world challenges, especially when dealing with big data.
Skills
Technical and soft skills that are essential for data scientists. These skills are explained as shown below.
Technical Skills:

Success in this course requires one to have a range of technical skills which include machine learning, data visualization, statistics, and programming. Consequently, it is also essential for one to master more than one programming language, such as R, Python, SQL, and others. In addition, you should also familiarize yourself with the most common tools and models that are used for the analysis and presentation of statistical results; these include pandas, Matplotlib, beautiful Souls, Scikit Learn or Tenso flow. It is also essential for one to practice coding skills more often using various platforms like DataCamp, HackerRank or Kaggle.
Soft Skills
On top of the technical skills, a data scientist should possess essential soft skills, which include good adaptation and problem-solving skills, leadership and management skills, and communication and collaboration skills, among others. Having good communication skills will help me to effectively communicate and explain the findings of data analysis fluently. Effective collaboration and problem-solving skills are also vital for data scientists because they deal more with ambiguous and complex problems.
Job Searching
Navigating through a data science career is quite challenging; however, this is always an entry point for those with passion, skills and qualifications. One of the ways to get into the job market is through internships and junior entry jobs; this will enable one to improve their abilities and also establish new networks and connections. Another way to become successful in a data science career is by joining data science communities, taking online forms, attending conferences, and creating a strong resume.

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