Data is everywhere! Research shows that the field of data science will expand even more in the future, as it is showing signs of notable transformation. Technology changed the way data is used, gaining strategic insights for numerous businesses. This digital shift signifies a transformation of traditional methods. In the U.S., 91% of companies say that data-driven decision-making is crucial to their business growth, and 73% of firms have increased their investment in analytics tools and technologies over the past few years (Deloitte, 2023). Data science professionals are extremely competitive, as they are constantly working on pursuing certifications, connecting in communities, and learning more about the tools and techniques to be used.
How important is skill validation?
As the field of data science is extremely competitive, many data science professionals are faced with challenges to make a smooth career transition. Skill validation not only demonstrates your theoretical knowledge but also your problem-solving skills. In such scenarios, having the best data science certification from credible institutes to validate your skills and add brownie points to your portfolio.
Here are some notable benefits you will find with skill validation:
- Gaining trust:
- With the help of online data science certifications from accredited places like the United States Data Science Institute, IBM, etc. you can show your employers the expertise you have gained.
- This builds trust among them, especially with a formal data science degree from a reputed institute.
- Creating a strong portfolio:
- A strong portfolio is extremely crucial to finding good job opportunities and growing significantly in your career.
- Meeting requirements of the job market:
- Many positions in data science require certifications on specific tools like Python, Machine Learning Framework, and SQL.
Here are some popular data science certification programs opted for by most professionals:
- Microsoft: Microsoft offers training for aspiring data scientists. They have the Azure Data Scientist Associate program, which trains professionals on implementing and running programs in Azure.
Certification details
- The program covers key topics like data exploration, preparation, and model training.
- This certification is ideal for those who want to demonstrate their data science abilities, especially if you plan to work with Microsoft Corporation.
- To earn this certification, you need to pass an exam that tests your understanding of these areas.
- USDSI® (United States Data Science Institute) is quite popular among professionals and experts as it offers globally renowned data science certification programs. Here you can opt for a Certified Data Science Professional (CDSP™) to become a successful data scientist.
Certification details
- This program has a duration of 4 to 25 weeks with flexibility in learning. It offers a self-paced learning format so you can manage your time and learn without missing out on anything.
- This program is ideal for anyone aiming to pursue a career in data science.
- This certification covers a broad range of topics, including data analysis, machine learning, data visualization, and big data technologies. You can also learn through their personalized self-books.
- IBM: This offers the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate, where you can learn different tools like Jupyter notebooks, Python, or other machine learning algorithms.
IBM Certification details:
- The course includes hands-on projects that let you practice what you learn.
- Once you complete the course, you’ll earn a certificate from IBM.
- The program covers a wide range of topics, including data analysis, data visualization, machine learning, and using tools like Python and SQL.
After you have pursued a data science certification online, you can join communities, other programs, or workshops to expand your network.
Career Paths to explore post-certification
A data science course can help you find clarity in terms of career and let you choose the right career from the pool of opportunities. However, choosing a specific field without any certifications can lead to a lot of problems.
Here are some popular career paths you can explore for better growth:
- Data Scientist
- Data Engineer
- Statistical Analyst
- Data Journalist, etc.
Note: All these are ranked according to their popularity and rate of growth.
Before you make the decision, here is a list of factors that you must consider:
- Relevant to your career goals: Choose the certification that aligns with your future goals. Pursuing a data science certification that aligns with your future can pave the way to achieve success quite easily.
- Practical application: Pursue a program or certification that exposes you to real-life situations or scenarios. Adding that to your portfolio will make things work in your favor.
- Flexibility: Programs that are flexible can be easily attended from anywhere. This applies mainly for the working professionals who have a hectic schedule.
Conclusion
In a recap, a best data science certification has the power to transform your career for the best. With the right programs aligning with your goals, you can easily build a successful data science career. These certifications are proof of your skills and accomplishments, which have the power to make you stand out. Hence, refer to these points and choose your certification wisely!
FAQs
- Why shall I opt for a certification?
Answer: A certification is an excellent way to validate your skills that will further give you good career opportunities both in the short and long term.
- Is investing in data science learning worth it?
Answer: Yes, it is worth investing in for numerous reasons, while the primary reason is better employment prospects as well as higher pay.
- How popular is data science certification?
