How to Become a Data Scientist Without a Degree: A Guide

Are you considering a career as a data scientist but don’t have a degree? No worries. It is still possible to become a data scientist without a degree.

This guide will provide insight into all the necessary steps to take, and the resources available, to help you reach your data science goals.

Gain the Necessary Skill Sets

A key ingredient of success in becoming a data scientist is to have the right skills needed for the job. It’s important to understand the basics of analytics and data science to become successful. Learning the proper coding languages, developing a good understanding of mathematics, and gaining statistical knowledge is essential.

Knowledge of Algorithms, Machine Learning and AI

Industries are increasingly taking on automation, and this will require data science professionals who understand and can implement algorithm development and automation tasks, as well as machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). You must also understand how to interpret data, and be familiar with data visualization tools and their uses.

Complete Certifications and Data Science Courses

Take data science courses from accredited institutions or sign up for online programs or specialized boot camps. Quality certifications and courses will increase your knowledge and credibility as a lesser credentialed data science professional. For example, the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate includes nine courses, and once completed, offers a badge that can be added to online profiles such as LinkedIn. Udemy is another great platform to find a wide variety of data science courses.

Additionally, several universities now have programs that offer a data science certificate without requiring you to have a degree.

Participate in Online Communities and Startups Projects

Make yourself known by participating in online and local data science communities; and volunteering or interning with startups. Participating in hackathons and other competitions will help build your skills and portfolio and put your name out there in the data science world.

Be Open to a Variety of Industries

Data science is an ever-growing field, so there are plenty of industries that need and value data scientists. Look beyond just the tech world and consider branching into other areas.

Create an Impressive Online Portfolio

Invest the time and effort to create an online portfolio that showcases your talents, projects, and certifications. Because of the competitive nature of the data science job market, employers look deep into a portfolio in order to find the right candidate.

What Does the Future Hold?

Advances in AI and machine learning will continue to rise, requiring more data scientists in the workplace. As a result, the demand for data scientists without degrees is likely to further increase in the near future.

Conclusion

Becoming a data scientist without a degree is possible. It can be a challenge, but the right combination of skills, certifications, community participation, portfolio building, and hard work can get you to your goals. Keep learning and stay motivated; the data science world awaits your contributions.