Data science bootcamps are a key factor for success in many aspiring data science professionals’ careers. They offer a combination of skill and experience that help job candidates achieve the careers they deserve.
A rise in workplace technology has made data more available and readily accessible than ever. This means more companies are embracing their internal and external data, along with the data scientists who make data assessment possible.
As a result, the demand for data science professionals has exponentially grown over the last decade, with more positions opening up every year without enough candidates to fill them.
Many people are too quick to write off a career in data science because they don’t have a bachelor’s degree in business, computer science or a related major, and they’ve been led to believe that a college degree is the only roadmap to success.
Today, there’s more than one way to become a data scientist.
A data science bootcamp, while not the right fit for everyone, is often the best next step for your career.
What are the benefits of a data science bootcamp?
The right data science bootcamp provides a wide variety of benefits, including career mobility data science skills, better access to industry experts, improved salary potential and virtual attendance.
Other benefits to a data science bootcamp include:
- Developing and refining a set of hard and soft skills in data science
- Networking with peers and experienced professionals
- Learning data science strategies without paying sky-high prices
- Accessing the most up-to-date knowledge and techniques
- Achieving a higher job placement probability
- Ongoing career services and support
Young and seasoned professionals alike gravitate towards the bootcamp education model given its flexibility, affordability and in-depth career support services.
What should I look for in a data science bootcamp?
The best data science bootcamps teach valuable skills, provide student-specific training, offer job placement assistance and connect students with industry mentors.
1. Job placement
The best data science bootcamps all share a common end of helping to place you in an official position after you complete the program. One of the biggest reasons people choose to pursue a bootcamp over a degree is the bootcamp’s commitment to helping you find a rewarding career.
Look for client testimonials or bootcamp-specific reviews that mention how enjoyable the program was, who landed a job upon graduation, why others didn’t and what graduates are professionally doing now.
2. Student-specific training
People learn differently; they have different strengths, weaknesses and goals that all uniquely influence their career path. This is why a generalized approach to data science is an ineffective method of educating and training; not only do people’s brains learn in different ways, but there is no one way of building a data science career.
Look for bootcamps that recognize and intentionally work with your professional needs and goals, whether that means offering flexible classes (live, on-demand, pre-recorded, replayable) or providing other levels of individualization.
3. Ongoing support
While many bootcamps have some element of self-paced learning (such as training videos to watch on your own time or modules to complete), mentorship shouldn’t be excluded entirely.
You’re going to have questions, require clarification or need one-on-one time to fully grasp or master certain concepts and techniques. The right data science bootcamp will be able to provide you with the support you need at every stage of the education process.
What should I avoid in a data science bootcamp?
Not all data science bootcamps are created equal, and varying factors such as price are not a reliable representation of the bootcamp’s quality and overall results.
When comparing bootcamps, the three biggest red flags you want to keep an eye out for are data science bootcamps that have a large number of negative reviews, are a one-size-fits-all approach or are teaching outdated concepts or strategies.
1. Negative reviews
There will always be a handful of negative reviews for every organization; employees and students alike can have bad days. Consistent negative reviews, however, especially ones that mention similar or even identical experiences, are an indicator the bootcamp isn’t an optimal choice.
2. One-size-fits-all programs
The best data science bootcamps are tailored to your unique career needs and goals; many will allow you to choose your own learning style, education pace and more. Bootcamps that teach every student in the same way are not only ineffective; they can directly hinder students’ ability to build a rewarding career in the industry at worst.
3. Outdated training methods
Data science is an ever-evolving field, which means bootcamps using teaching methods from the last decade are a red flag. If you aren’t sure if a bootcamp’s training methods are up to date, you can always ask the bootcamp’s support department for the latest updates surrounding the curriculum.
Is a data science bootcamp right for me?
If in-person learning is your preferred education model, or you want to pursue a traditional university diploma, a bootcamp likely isn’t the right option for you. For students who want a more accelerated and affordable learning option, a data science bootcamp is a viable way to refine the skills and experience you’ll need to succeed in the data science industry.
Pace’s number one priority is to help you achieve sustainable success in your career. Our Data Science Bootcamp offers 24 weeks of expert mentorship where you’ll be taught how to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence you need to surpass your biggest career goals.
In less than six months (even if you have zero prior industry experience), we’ll equip you with everything you’ll need to begin a rewarding, lucrative career in data science.
Send a message to our Admissions team to get your data science career started today.
