Source – https://www.techtimes.com/
In the world of big data, the demand for highly skilled data scientists has never been higher. But the competition for employment within this specialized field of IT is also fierce. That means that data science certification is essential if you aim to develop your career and land one of the top jobs.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the field of data science before then looking at your options for gaining data science certification while being based in India.
What is Data Science?
Historically, the focus has been on effective methods of capturing and then storing large volumes of data. But with effective technology now in place for both of these processes, there are growing demands to be able to analyze the information.
Data science utilizes a range of tools, algorithms, and machine learning strategies to identify patterns within the raw data. However, it isn’t just about looking to what’s already happened; the data scientist uses their results to make decisions and predictions as to future events. To do this, three fundamental approaches are used:
1. Predictive Causal Analytics
Being able to predict the likelihood of future events is incredibly important in a range of business sectors. This is where predictive casual analytics come into play to reduce risk factors. If, for example, you run a subscription-based service and you wanted to be able to model the likelihood of clients continuing their subscription payments over a period of time, then you would need to utilize predictive casual analytics to be able to make a judgment for this taking place.
2. Prescriptive Analytics
This relatively new field within data science develops a model to make decisions and modify dynamic parameters. Applying prescriptive analytics means that the client is provided with predictions and has suggestions for actions to be taken and their associated outcomes.
A hospital is one setting in which prescriptive analytics can make a significant difference in ensuring the most effective use of funds. Analyzing patient data can provide insights into the number of staff needed on shift, the demands on diagnostic equipment, and the volume of medical supplies that will be required.
3. Machine Learning.
There are two aspects of machine learning: firstly, making predictions and then completing pattern discovery. Predictions requires the data to already be available, which will then be used to train the machines. On the other hand, pattern discovery is used in situations where the parameters to make the predictions are not available. This then means that hidden patterns within the dataset need to be identified to then make meaningful predictions.
What To Look For in a Data Science Certification Course
When you’re committing both your time and money to your education, the course you choose must deliver results. Now while the effort and time you put in will have a significant impact on the likelihood of you achieving certification, you also need to ensure the course provides the following:
World-Class Faculty
Do you know who will be teaching? Do they have relevant and recent industry experience, or are they merely regurgitating information from a textbook? This is an industry that is going through rapid change; it sees new innovations and methodology on what seems to be a daily basis. That means that it’s essential that the faculty are teaching industry best practices.
Delivery Methods
Sometimes it’s just not possible to relocate to another part of India to take a course. Family commitments, funding, travel restrictions can all cause significant problems to the traditional classroom style of learning. So, that means that it’s essential that your data science certification provider can offer a range of delivery methods.
Online learning has become an accepted way to study and even more so since the Covid-19 pandemic. Ensuring that your provider can offer the right method of delivery for you means that your studies need not be interrupted no matter what else is going on in the world.
Faculty: Student Ratio
When you’re one of many, it can prove challenging to get the individual feedback you need to progress. Does your lecturer know who you are? Do they know your aspirations, the challenges you face, and the support you need? That’s why it’s essential to ask the provider what their faculty: student ratio is. If it’s much over 1:10, then it’s unlikely that you’re going to get the personalized attention you need to be successful.
Program Curriculum
Will you get the opportunity to focus on the topics which are of most interest to you? The ones which are most relevant to gain entry to the sector of your choice? While all courses will have core modules that everyone is required to take, you should also check whether there is an opportunity for electives. These might be in specialized areas such as data mining, robotics, or deep learning applications. Having that knowledge in a niche field of data science could be the key to launching your career in data science.
Application of Knowledge
It’s one thing to be able to discuss techniques, but it’s a whole other thing to be able to effectively apply them to real-life scenarios. Your data science course should have a strong emphasis on the application of your newly developed skillset.
So, you need to look for courses that include activities such as boot camps or hackathons. In these sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop your critical thinking abilities and work within a team, all while being up against strict deadlines. After all, they’re precisely the skills that your new employer will want to see.
Next Steps in Achieving Your Data Science Certification
If you’re sure that this is the right career direction for you, then the next step is to begin looking for providers who can offer opportunities for candidates based within India. This may sound straightforward, but every year students find themselves on courses that are just not a great match for their needs.
Perhaps the course doesn’t have collaborations with universities from across the world, limiting opportunities for future study. Or maybe the certification lacks recognition or standing within the industry. The time you spend now on researching courses and finding the right one for you is an essential investment in the success of your career within data science.