How to Become a Data Scientist in 2024: Step-By-Step Guide

Data science is an excellent career choice in today’s data-driven world where approx 328.77 million terabytes of data are generated daily. And this number is only increasing day by day, which in turn increases the demand for skilled data scientists who can utilize this data to drive business growth. So, data science is undoubtedly one of the in-demand professions with good career prospects. Here comes the question- “How to Become a Data Scientist”. Let’s make this journey easier for you with our step-by-step approach.

What Does a Data Scientist Do? 

Data Scientists are individuals whose job role is to work with large and complex data sets and find valuable insights. Their main goal is to analyze the data and understand if there are any patterns or trends that can actually solve complex problems and drive better business decisions. All thanks to their expertise in programming, statistical-related concepts, mathematics, and computer science. Some of the tasks and responsibilities of a data scientist include –

• Extracting and cleaning data.
• Processing and analyzing large data sets.
• Presenting data using different visualization tools.
• Creating machine learning models and algorithms to predict outcomes.
• Communicating results to non-tech stakeholders effectively.
• Continuously learning and staying at the forefront of innovations in the field.

Data Scientist Vs Data Analyst – What’s the difference?

We know that both data scientists and data analysts work heavily on the data. They try to uncover hidden insights within the data and discover new ways or strategies to improve business operations and decision-making. But, data scientists tend to have more technical skills and handle more complex responsibilities than data analysts. Data analysis can be seen as an entry-level position for anyone interested in pursuing a career in data science. 

A data analyst primarily focuses on existing data to make sense of it by performing daily analysis and creating reports. A data scientist works on solving critical and complex problems using various data-driven approaches. In short, a data scientist is considered more senior than a data analyst. 

Data Scientist Qualifications and Eligibility Requirements

When looking to become a data scientist, many of you may wonder whether a degree is required or not. Well, being a data scientist doesn’t necessarily require a degree, as there are other routes you can take. But, a good way to start a career in data science is to get a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as computer science, statistics, mathematics, or engineering. Some companies also prefer candidates with master’s degrees.

Alternatively, you can become a certified data scientist by enrolling in online courses or joining accredited programs to prove your expertise to potential employers. Having strong mathematical and analytical skills is crucial to become a data scientist.   

For others who are looking for flexibility in their learning approach, self-directed learning is a great option. 

How to Become a Data Scientist: Step-by-Step Guide

Now, many of you may ask – “Is it difficult to become a data scientist?” The answer is No! Becoming a data scientist can be both challenging and rewarding. Let’s break down this process to make it easier for you. Here are some steps you can easily follow to start your journey to becoming a great data scientist-

Step 1. Pursue a Data Science Related Degree

Everything starts with the right education and a strong background knowledge. A degree may not be necessarily required to become a data scientist, but many employers look for academic credentials, especially if you are applying for entry-level positions. Even, many data scientist usually holds a bachelor’s degree in fields such as computer science, statistics, mathematics, or related disciplines. You can also consider registering for online courses in data science, analytics, or a related field for any advanced knowledge and specialization.

Explore Specialized Data Science Bachelor’s Degree

Research and consider enrolling in specialized data science programs by top institutions or colleges. Institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are great options as they offer renowned data science degrees.  

Online Learning Platforms

If you want flexibility and convenience in your learning schedule, then go for online learning platforms. Platforms like Udacity, Harvard Online, and Scaler provide quality Data Science Courses that are specially designed to improve your job-related skills and make you industry-ready.

Step 2. Enhance Your Core Data Science Skills

Now it’s time to focus on strengthening your core data science skills. Whether you are a fresher or someone looking for a career transition, you need to build a solid foundation and additional competencies in the following skills-  

2.1 Master Programming Languages

Being a data scientist requires you to use different programming languages to work with data. It can used for analysis, creating data visualizations, pulling data from multiple datasets, and many more. Following programming languages are essential to pursue a job in data science-

• Python
• R 
• SQL

2.2 Deepen Your Understanding of Statistics and Mathematics

In order to make informed decisions in data science and drive business growth, having a solid understanding of statistics and mathematical concepts is essential. Try focusing on areas like probability, statistics, and linear algebra. 

Probability Theory: Probability theory is fundamental for statistical inference and predictive modeling in data science. Key concepts like probability distributions, random variables, and probability density functions are essential for interpreting data and making probabilistic forecasts.

Statistics: Proficiency in statistical analysis allows data scientists to extract meaningful insights and draw reliable conclusions from data. Concepts such as hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and ANOVA enable the identification of patterns and trends, facilitating data-driven decision-making.

Linear Algebra: Linear algebra is crucial in machine learning and deep learning. Understanding concepts like vectors, matrices, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors is essential for algorithms such as linear regression, PCA, and neural networks. These techniques form the backbone of many data science models, enabling effective analysis and manipulation of high-dimensional datasets.

2.3 Learn Machine Learning Algorithms and Techniques

Data Scientists use machine learning to build models and algorithms to solve many business problems and help in better future outcomes. So, start familiarizing yourself with various machine learning algorithms, understand their principles, and learn when to apply them to different types of problems. Some popular algorithms are linear and logistic regression, decision trees, support vector machines, and neural networks. 

2.4 Gain Proficiency in Data Visualization and Interpretation

In data science, the ability to effectively communicate insights and findings is essential. Proficiency in data visualization is crucial for presenting complex information in a clear and understandable manner. Key areas to focus on include choosing appropriate visualization techniques, understanding data storytelling principles, and mastering tools. 

• Data Visualization Libraries: Practice creating informative and visually appealing data visualizations using libraries such as Matplotlib, Seaborn, Plotly, and ggplot2. Learn how to customize plots, create interactive visualizations, and convey insights effectively.
• Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA): Master the art of exploratory data analysis to understand the structure and characteristics of datasets. Use techniques like histograms, scatter plots, box plots, and correlation matrices to explore relationships and patterns in data.

2.5 Learn to Work With Big Data

Your ability to handle and analyze large sets of data is what makes you a skilled data scientist, setting you apart from other data scientists in the market. Start exploring tools and frameworks like Apache Hadoop, and Apache Spark that will help you in data processing, analyzing, and gaining valuable insights from complex data sets. 

You can also consider using cloud-based solutions to work efficiently with big data such as Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, AWS, and more.

Step 3. Get Data Science Related Certifications

Data science certifications are the most valuable tool that will directly showcase your expertise and skills to the organizations. You can get certified as a data scientist by completing accredited courses or programs offered by reputable institutes or online learning platforms. The data science market is huge, so you can choose from various software developer certifications available depending on your interests and professional goals. Here are a few of them – 

• IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
• AWS Certified Data Analytics Specialty 
• Google Professional Data Engineer 
• SAS (Statistical Analysis System) Certified Data Scientist 
• Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)
• Cloudera Certified Associate (CCA) Data Analyst 
• Microsoft Certified 

Step 4. Get Practical Experience through Projects and Case Studies

Once you have acquired relevant data science skills, start applying those skills in real-world situations. Working on data science projects and case studies is the best way to gain hands-on experience and solidify your understanding of data science concepts. These projects help you in learning how to tackle real-world problems and also give you exposure to different industry challenges. Here is a list of 200+ data science projects that can help you.

Working on these projects also helps you build a strong portfolio and prove your expertise to potential employers. Also, contributing to open-source projects or participating in online competitions enhances your networking opportunities, collaboration skills, and familiarity with diverse tool sets. 

Platforms like Github provide a lot of project ideas and case studies you can work on to boost your practical skills in data science.

Step 5. Build a Compelling Data Science Portfolio and Resume

Gaining skills and practical knowledge is all great, but how you demonstrate it to employers is the key. And for this, creating an effective Data Science portfolio and resume should be your first priority. Here’s what you can add- 

• Showcase Projects: Projects should be the main highlight of your portfolio. Add any relevant projects or case studies you’ve worked on to clearly demonstrate your problem-solving skills and practical knowledge to the employers. 
• Building ATS-Friendly Resume: Crafting a strong resume for a data scientist entails ensuring it is compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Tailor your resume by incorporating relevant keywords and essential data science skills, highlighting any unique abilities, and employing clear formatting techniques. Here is a list of templates to go through. 
• Online Presence: Create a professional online presence on platforms like LinkedIn, GitHub, and data science communities like Stack Overflow or Kaggle. It gives you the opportunity to connect with other data science professionals, share your insights, engage in meaningful conversations, and attract potential opportunities.

Step 6. Preparing for Entry Level Data Science Jobs/Internships

Once you have completed the above steps, you can now start applying for entry-level data science jobs or internships. According to LinkedIn, the most significant demand for data scientists is in the IT and tech industry, with nearly 49% of job postings.

Look for job openings on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, Instahire, and Glassdoor. You can also directly visit the career pages of company websites as most of them don’t post any job openings on online platforms. Before applying for any job role, it’s important to tailor your resume to the job description, highlighting relevant skills and projects.

When it comes to interview preparation, practice coding problems and review interview questions on platforms like InterviewBit. Research the company thoroughly, explore its products and services, and understand the projects they work on. Continue updating your knowledge and improving your skills with emerging technologies and data science trends.

Data Science Career Opportunities With Salary

Data science is currently one of the hottest fields in the job market, offering many job opportunities with lucrative salaries. Here are some of the highest-paying data science jobs you can consider –

Remember, the salary for each role can differ based on your experience, skill set, and the company you are applying for. Also, product-based companies tend to provide higher salaries than service-based companies. For example, in India, the average salary of a data scientist with 1-2 years of experience in a product-based company is around ₹18L/yr. But, in a service-based company, their salary can be around ₹10L/yr for the sample level of experience. Another factor can be whether the company is a startup or a big MNC. 

Top Product-based Companies for Data Scientists:

Microsoft, Amazon, Airbnb, Google, Walmart, Cloudera, Splunk.

Top Service-based Companies for Data Scientists: 

Accenture, TCS, IBM, Deloitte, Wipro, Capgemini, Infosys.

Future Trends and Growth Opportunities for Data Scientists

When choosing a career in data science, you might wonder what the future holds for you and whether is it worth considering or not. 
Once you master all the skills required to become a data scientist, it will open the door to numerous job opportunities available in the market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, Statistics, data scientist job roles are expected to grow 35% from 2022 to 2032. Data science is one of the fastest-growing professions, and it is predicted that there will be, on average, 17,700 data science job openings every year over the next decade. The below graph provides more clarity –

Still confused? You can check out how much a data scientist earns. The average salary for a Data scientist is ₹10,83000/yr in India and $1,57,095/yr in the United States, according to Glassdoor. 

How Scaler Can Help You Become a Data Scientist?

Beginning a journey into data science is both exhilarating and challenging. Scaler serves as your trusted partner, offering a comprehensive Data Science course designed to bridge the gap between your current skills and the demands of the industry. Here’s how our Data Science course will benefit you:

Practical Learning: Engage in hands-on projects and case studies to tackle real-world challenges.

Mastery of Tools: Master essential tools like Python, SQL, TensorFlow, and Tableau.

Personalized Mentorship: Receive tailored guidance from experienced data science professionals.

Career Support: Polish your resume, prepare for interviews, and explore job opportunities.

Strengthening Foundations: Address knowledge gaps and foster a growth mindset for success.

Scaler equips you with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to excel in the competitive data science landscape. Unlock your potential with us today.

Conclusion

The future for data scientists looks very bright with lots of job opportunities and career growth. According to a study by Statista, the big data market is expected to grow by $103 billion by 2027, which is double the market size expected in 2018. This simply means many companies will need data scientists who can help them make sense of all that information.

Overall, we can say that data scientists are not only in high demand, but it is also a rewarding career path with good salary packages. So, if you are someone who is interested in working with data and technology, then becoming a data scientist will be a smart career choice.

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