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How to become a data scientist without a degree

By Zippia Team - Sep. 7, 2022

You can become a data scientist without a degree by knowing how to wrangle big data, perform data analysis, and understand multiple programming languages. Although having a relevant degree can help, it is more important what you do with the data. There are many organizations that will hire data scientists without a degree.

Becoming a data scientist without a degree will require a significant time investment. You will have to gain a competitive advantage through portfolio projects or certifications. Mathematics and statistics are the foundation of data science. In order to determine usage trends and create forecasts, you will need knowledge of:

  • Probability

  • Variance

  • Standard deviation

  • Linear algebra

  • Calculus

More complex problems will require knowledge of logistic regression, decision trees, and linear regression. Knowing how to use relational databases is necessary for data science. If you lack skills in these areas, there are a number of data science boot camps available.

These comprehensive programs cover everything from the basics of data analytics to working with machine learning algorithms. They offer guidance, mentorship, and support from teachers and career counselors to get you workforce ready. Once you have a comfortable grasp of these skills, it is important to practice.

Test yourself with Kaggle or TopCoder competitions and apply the skills that you have learned. Doing this offers valuable hands-on experience with data science and gives you the chance to be noticed. You will also have opportunities to collaborate with some of the top data scientists in the country.

Use personal projects, boot camp projects, and competitions to build your portfolio. Use publicly available datasets and create your own dashboards and case studies. Look into internship opportunities with smaller companies and startups that will be happy to take data science interns for short-term projects. This is great for real-world work experience.

Lastly, practice your interview skills. Remember, there are applicants out there with advanced degrees in data science, so you will need to showcase your skills. Many organizations will use interview loops to measure your talent and qualifications regarding writing algorithms and SQL coding.

Be open to jobs that are related to data science, including data warehousing and data analysis. These may be good opportunities to get your foot in the door and make lateral moves towards your dream job.

How to become a data scientist without a degree

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