- Image by Tim Gouw
In 2012, Harvard Business Review dubbed Data Scientist the sexiest job of the 21st Century.
Is Data Science really the sexiest job of the 21st century? 🤷
Sure, you can say it is. But no one ever said Sexy = Easy.
To cut the long story short, Data Science is one of the toughest career paths out there. Let's have a look at some of the challenges a budding data scientist would face.
1. Where do I start? 🤔
This is one of the most asked questions in not just the Data Science field but any field at all in Information and Technology(IT). The plethora of tools and information which is generated on a daily basis and how fast things get obsolete in the IT field makes it an almost impossible feat to have an idea of where to start and how to "not waste time" on unnecessary info.
Of course, you would either turn to a "video tutorial" or the "best rated" book on Data science (in this context) to come to your aid but then you also realize, "I have to make sure this tutorial/book was released/publish not too long ago to prevent me from spending my time learning with old methods". Yes, this is just one question that never has a straightforward and clear answer.
2. What else should I know? 😒
Data Science? Ok, Machine Learning or Deep Learning? Or should I just pick both?
These questions arise when a data scientist decides its time to leave their comfort zone in order to get real-life experience and then take a look at job requirements and just get bewildered.
The fact that Data science has been a thing for years is one to take note of, but the market has nearly no room for budding data scientists. Companies and firms are almost never expecting you to be a newbie in the field, this then results in self-learning or unguided newbies trying to gulp these "requirements" as fast as possible in order to secure a job, and 50-65% (personal analysis) of the time, it ends in a disaster. The Data Science newbie ends up losing track and not getting a proper understanding of topics just to get those "skills" in their arsenal as fast as possible.
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” — Benjamin Franklin
3. This is overwhelming 😖
After making up his/her mind on the path to follow and take their time to learn, the Data Science newcomer realizes that after learning something new, they suddenly become aware of a vast number of "important" topics that they have completely no idea and knowledge of. Each of these topics also has main and sub-branches that go deeper as the clock ticks away, they wake up the next morning with a pile of new tools and discoveries in every field and then turn to the requirement page of job openings and just completely implode. "This is just too much", the very words that would run through their minds.
After all this, you sit and think. Yes, you've pointed out challenges one would face but you haven't mentioned how one can at least get around these problems. Well, let's have a look at that
Firstly, There is always this level of safety that comes when you're amongst people who are already experienced in the field (Data science in this case). Instead of just picking up video tutorials or books, try as much as possible to either get yourself under the wing of an experienced person or better still join a "community" related to that field. You can always google your way into communities that have their arms wide open to newbies. This would help very much.
Secondly, There are a lot of roles when it comes to Data Science (including other tech fields) therefore, knowing what you're after is a plus. Before you get into any tech field, ask yourself this question, "Why am I trying to build a career in this?" or "What would I like to achieve with this?". Questions like this save you the hassle of jumping around without a particular aim, these questions are the first criteria that set you on the right part to achieving your goal.
Finally, Always remember one thing, no matter how long it takes you or how old you are when you started your journey as a Data Scientist, there would and will always be job openings and problems to solve, so don't be in a haste to get to that position or the top.
“Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.” — African Proverb
Just a little add-on before we wrap things up.
In a scenario where you are ready to go job hunting but aren't confident or feel there is something you're lacking, try signing up for Internships, be it a free or a paid Internship, this sometimes overlooked idea almost always get you the required experience and additional knowledge you need to get yourself ready for that job you are fixated on and if for some reason, you can't find internships, try applying for short term freelance gigs, they would also do the trick.
Do not relent! 💪
Happy Coding! and Happy Hacking! 👍