Can You Be a Self-Taught Data Scientist? (Explained)

Are you interested in becoming a Data Scientist?

Want to know if you can be a self-taught Data Scientist?

In this article, we’ll discuss topics relating to being a self-taught Data Scientist

So can you be a self-taught Data Scientist?

Yes, it is possible to be a self-taught Data Scientist. Self-education in data science is possible, ideally through books and respected Coursera courses. If you have a good background in mathematics and computer science, you will have an advantage.

However, the answer is the same as for any “is anything difficult” question. It’s not that difficult once you’ve grasped it.

Before we go any further, it’s important to understand what a Data Scientist is,

Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, science, medicine, and other fields.

Data scientists search for patterns in massive amounts of raw data and utilize the information to uncover trends and patterns that can assist address real-world problems.

Now that we’ve addressed the major question, let’s move on to some associated questions

Can I Become An Data Scientist Without A Degree? (Solved)

Yes, you can become a Data Scientist without a degree. However, you do need to demonstrate to companies that want to hire people who know the field they are applying for, and you somehow have to prove that you have the skills.

There are certificates available, such as those offered by Coursera, that can provide you with certificates for completed courses that can be used to demonstrate your knowledge to potential employers.

These qualifications will improve the value of your resume and help you get an in-depth understanding of AI topics, as well as raise your income to match that of a Data Scientist.

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What Is The Easiest Way To Become A Self-Taught Data Scientist?

Online courses are the easiest way option to self-learn Data Science. The advantage of online classes is that you may learn at your own pace, from anywhere and at any time that is convenient for you.

And even better news the courses online are cheap and often free – just got to pick a reputable course.

It is important to begin with, the fundamentals and works your way up to more complicated courses in any learning journey.

Below are some reputable courses online through Coursera.

There are other Artificial Intelligence courses on Coursera, but the ones below are worth mentioning.

IBM Data Science Professional Certificate

Rating: 4. out of 5 Stars
Duration: Approx 11 months to complete 
655,928 already enrolled

This course is designed for beginners.

In this course, you will learn about Data Science & ML. Build data science skills, learn Python & SQL, analyze & visualize data, and build machine learning models. No degree or prior experience is required.

This course is run by IBM

Course Features

  • Learn what data science is, the various activities of a data scientist’s job, and methodology to think and work like a data scientist  
  • Import and clean data sets, analyze and visualize data, and build and evaluate machine learning models and pipelines using Python 
  • Develop hands-on skills using the tools, languages, and libraries used by professional data scientists  
  • Apply various data science skills, techniques, and tools to complete a project and publish a report  

The program consists of 9 online courses that will provide you with the latest job-ready tools and skills, including open-source tools and libraries, Python, databases, SQL, data visualization, data analysis, statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and machine learning algorithms.

You’ll learn data science through hands-on practice in the IBM Cloud using real data science tools and real-world data sets.

Upon completing these courses, you will have built a portfolio of data science projects to provide you with the confidence to plunge into an exciting profession in data science.

In addition to earning a Professional Certificate from Coursera, you’ll also receive a digital badge from IBM recognizing your proficiency in data science.

What The Reviews Are Saying

Very good introduction to data science. Some of the videos are very monotone, and it’s easy to lose track of where the conversation is going. If you pay attention, you can get some good information.

Source Coursera

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What Skills Do You Need To Become Data Scientist?

While the most in-demand skills vary by organisation, depending on business objectives, several essential competencies are valued by all companies in Data Scientists. Data Scientists must be able to examine enormous volumes of data for patterns, understand algorithms in-depth, and have problem-solving and math skills.

According to recent job postings, the major tech companies expect their Data Scientists to be comfortable and proficient with:

  • Fundamentals of Data Science
  • Statistics
  • Programming knowledge
  • Data Manipulation and Analysis
  • Data Visualization
  • Machine Learning
  • Deep Learning
  • Software Engineering
  • Model Deployment
  • Communication Skills
  • Structured Thinking
  • Curiosity

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can learn Data Science on your own. Self-education in Data Science, ideally through books and respected online courses such as Coursera. 

There are three basic methods for self-learning Data Science.

The first and most efficient method is to study through online courses, while the second is to study through traditional methods such as reading books.

Finally, the third and most costly is enrolling in and attending college.

Online learning is the most enjoyable, convenient, and cost-effective way to learn and study Data Science

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