4 Ways to Prepare for Data Science Bootcamp

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Can anyone learn data science? What do you need to know before you go to data science bootcamp? Do you need a quantitative degree? We asked Metis’s Chief Data Scientist, Deborah Berebichez, how to know if you’re ready for a data science bootcamp, and how to set yourself up for success before the first day of class. Watch the video or read the summary.

• Don’t miss Metis’s FREE Demystifying Data Science online conference on September 27!

Tip 1: Understand what a data science bootcamp is

• Consider your options:
  • A master's or undergraduate degree takes 2-4 years
  • If your goals are to get a job in industry quickly, a bootcamp is a great option. A bootcamp is an intensive 12-week course, where you emerge with practical skills.
     
• You’ll learn these technical skills at a data science bootcamp:
  • The basic tools of dealing with data:
    • Web scraping
    • Github
    • Where to look for data
    • How to clean data
  • Algorithms:
    • Linear regression
    • Singular value decomposition
    • Machine learning – supervised and unsupervised
    • Deep learning
    • Big data
       
• Wondering what Data Science looks like in the real world? Here’s an example: You use Facebook every day to keep in touch with friends. But Data Scientists at Facebook are building the algorithms to place ads, engage communities, and optimize newsfeeds.

Tip 2: A little preparation goes a long way

• Before a data science bootcamp, you need a college-level understanding of:

  • Linear Algebra
  • Probability
  • Statistics
  • Calculus
  • Python
     
• That doesn’t mean you need a college degree in those subjects. You can learn on your own:
  • Take online courses
  • Use a book like Learn Python the Hard Way
     
• Other useful attributes for data science students:
  • Curiosity
  • Practical/technical abilities
  • Be able to gather data for analysis
  • Explain a project you’re interested in

Tip 3:  Embrace the data science attitude

• Students at data science bootcamps come from varied backgrounds:

  • Mathematics
  • Economics
  • Journalism
  • Marketing
  • English
  • Banking
  • Healthcare
     

“Being a good data scientist means that you can turn data into actionable insights for business.”
 

• More important than your background is your attitude. Successful data scientists master these three areas:
  • Use a computing language such as Python or R
  • Learn the math behind algorithms
  • Communicate insights to stakeholders

Tip 4: Set yourself up for success

“Let me be honest: a data science bootcamp is going to be hard!”

• You need 3 elements to succeed:
  • Curiosity to analyze data
  • Grit to keep going
  • Passion to discover the world
     
• To get over the challenges at a data science bootcamp, success also requires:
  • Creativity
  • Hard work
  • A good attitude
     
• Curiosity, grit, passion will get you over the initial challenges you’ll face in a data science bootcamp

Follow Deborah on Twitter @debbiebere. Deborah will also be a panelist at Metis’s free online conference Demystifying Data Science on September 27! Read Metis reviews on Course Report.