Data science is a complex scientific field that combines a range of disciplines, including artificial intelligence, programming, statistics, math, and machine learning. Data Scientists work with large quantities of raw data so they can find solutions to problems and provide their organization with actionable insights aimed at helping them formulate strategic plans moving forward.
John Tukey was the first person to coin the term “data science” in 1960. He was a mathematician concerned with data analysis. Even though he named this skill set, it wasn’t for several more decades that the field of data science transformed to include the need for organizations to collect and process vast amounts of data. Today, Data Scientists work in many industries and career paths. Some create machine learning algorithms, others conduct research for academic journals, and some Data Scientists provide insights into how companies can improve their business strategies. Glassdoor listed data science as one of the top 50 job paths in the US in 2022. In the years since, the field has continued to grow and evolve as more organizations turn to data analytics to drive their innovations and revenue.
What Can You Do with Data Science Training?
From 2022-2032, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the field of data science will expand by 35%, which is well above the growth rate expected in other fields. Since data science training is essential to excel in nearly all public and private sectors, those with a background in data science can use this training to pursue many exciting career paths with high salaries. Data science training is useful in web development, healthcare, finance, machine learning, retail, and business analytics. This skill set can also help create positive changes for society at large. The information provided through data analysis can drive social change, find answers to difficult questions, and offer innovative solutions that have real-world impacts that drive global progress and sustainable initiatives. As emerging technologies like the Internet of Things, AI, and big data become more popular in data science, this field is expected to continue to transform the way everyday people leverage data.
Data science isn’t only an in-demand skill set among professionals; it also has a range of non-professional uses. Those who have knowledge of data science can use it for travel route optimization, speech recognition, product advertising, and medical imaging analysis. It also has applications for helping people better understand customer purchasing patterns and preferences, as well as helping non-professionals decide what to wear every morning once they watch a weather report.
What Will I Learn in a Data Science Class?
Signing up for a data science class in Orlando is a great way to receive hands-on training in many of the skills, tools, and programming languages necessary to work with big data. While the content of each class differs depending on variables like its difficulty level and focus, most learners will encounter several core data science skills during their studies:
Computer Programming
Computer programming is one of the most essential skills you can learn in a data science class. Coursework often teaches participants how to work with one or more coding languages such as Python, SQL, or R, so they will be able to clean and prepare data for analysis, as well as format this information and automate it to perform repetitive tasks like aggregating. Popular Python data science libraries like Pandas, Seaborn, and NumPy are also often taught during training programs.
Dashboards & Visualizations
Programs that teach data science often provide learners with instruction on how to visualize their data findings in the form of dashboards and other visualizations. Students may be taught tools like Excel or Tableau, which are useful for data analysis and visualization. Some programs also offer instruction on Python’s plotting and dashboard libraries like Plotly, Matplotlib, Seaborn, and Dash Enterprise are used. By the end of the program, students who enroll in data science training should have a solid understanding of how to create data visualizations for various audience members so they can easily access and understand otherwise complex conclusions.
Machine Learning Models
Machine learning models are a type of computer program in which algorithms are used that learn from data and provide predictions. Machine learning models can spot patterns in datasets so that decisions can be made based on previously unseen data. Data science training classes often teach students how to create machine learning models based on their data, as well as evaluate their performance. Courses also often teach students to work with Python libraries like scikit-learn for problem-solving and Pandas for data cleansing and balancing. Courses that provide machine learning instruction also teach participants how to analyze data results to spot places for improvement.
Critical Thinking
Coursework in data science is also a great opportunity for students to develop their critical thinking skills. Training helps them learn how to be better at formulating hypotheses, analyze important questions, and objectively review the results. This requires that students have a firm grasp of how to work with all available resources so they can evaluate a problem from different angles.
How Hard is It to Learn Data Science?
Because most data science careers require that applicants know a range of programming languages and technological requirements, some learners find it challenging to learn data science, especially compared to other fields of technology. Depending on their employer, Data Scientists should be familiar with coding languages like R, SQL, and Python. They also often need to use programs like Excel, Power BI, and Tableau, as well as have knowledge of machine learning and data analysis. Learners, especially those who are new to working with big data, often find it challenging to acquire this vast body of knowledge. Students who already know how to work with one or more tools may find learning data science much easier and faster than those who must start from scratch. Generally speaking, those hoping to learn data science basic concepts rather than acquire advanced-level training for professional reasons will find it easier to do so.
All learners approach the data science learning process in their own unique way. Some may prefer to learn Python as a component of a more intensive certificate program. Others may study Python or R simply because they are interested in learning back-end development. One common difficulty learners face when studying data science is learning it in-depth. This can require months of training or longer. One of the best ways to fully immerse in the range of tools required to become a Data Scientist is to sign up for a live course in San Francisco such as a bootcamp or certificate, which are open to learners at all levels.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Data Science?
Similar to any skill, the challenges associated with learning data science are relative and vary depending on the student. For many individuals, the main areas of difficulty involve learning a combination of hard and soft skills, acquiring knowledge of industry-specific tools, and staying current about developments and innovations.
Over the past decade, data science has rapidly evolved as tools like deep learning, machine learning, and AI become more prevalent. Some find it challenging to stay current on the sheer speed of innovations that are introduced. Additionally, because of the integral role data science plays across industries, the tools needed in one field may vary significantly from those used in others. For example, those who work in healthcare or retail will work with different tools than those hoping to apply their data science training to finance or marketing. Some professional roles seek out applicants who know Tableau, whereas others may prefer those who know Power BI.
Another aspect of learning data science that some may find challenging is how to handle data and determine its quality. It also can be difficult to evaluate if the data is of the highest quality. Using low-quality data can result in inaccurate or incomplete results that make it hard for Data Scientists to reach meaningful conclusions.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Data Science?
The length of time the average learner will need to learn data science is subjective and depends on the skills they bring to the learning process and their ultimate goals for studying data science. Most individuals will encounter challenges as they study data science, largely because of how in-depth this field is. Experts estimate that it will take most learners approximately six months to a full year to learn basic data practices and concepts. Attaining expertise in this field can take years for those looking to apply their training to the professional setting.
Should I Learn Data Science in Person or Online?
The decision of whether to learn data science through in-person study in the Bay Area or with online content is one all learners must make. Each type of training has its own advantages and drawbacks to consider.
Most individuals will find that in-person data science training is the most engaging and effective way to truly learn this field. Students in the Bay Area take classes in training facilities that have the most current tools and software already installed on computers. Live classes are a great opportunity for students to ask questions in real-time and receive immediate support. Those who attend live online sessions can even grant the instructor permission to share their screen for additional clarification. In the live training environment, participants also have the chance to connect with other learners, which can create a sense of community in the classroom.
In-person data science training requires that students be able to commute to and from classes at training facilities. Those who don’t have access to reliable transportation or who live far from the Bay Area may, therefore, find this type of coursework prohibitive. Those who attend live online classes complete their studies using a teleconferencing platform like Zoom, which eliminates the need to commute. However, these individuals will still need to be able to set aside the time to attend regularly scheduled classes, often multiple times a week. This can pose challenges for those with busy work schedules.
The most flexible way to study data science is through asynchronous coursework. Unlike live classes, which are taught in real-time with a live instructor, this type of training is pre-recorded and placed online. Students can access class content on their own time and determine their own learning speed. Learners have the power to rewind, pause, and even rewatch entire lessons. One major incentive of on-demand courses is cost. Live instruction can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, but self-paced training is often much more affordable. Those who opt for this type of training should remember that they won’t be able to connect with an instructor in real-time since course content is pre-recorded. For those who are new to data science or learners hoping to master advanced concepts and skills, this training format may pose challenges because it requires finding answers on your own to challenging questions.
Can I Learn Data Science Free Online?
If you’re interested in studying data science but aren’t ready to invest in formal training, many free online resources and tutorials in data science are available to help you get started:
- Noble Desktop has a data science blog, which is a good resource for information on data science. This site offers over 100 articles on topics like popular data science programming languages. Noble also offers a learn data science page that has links to free video tutorials and seminars on topics like Python coding and data visualization.
- Some publishers offer online publications like e-books or PDFs, which contain valuable data science information.
- Some learners may wish to consult industry news sources such as the Toward Data Science Blog (hosted by Medium), Data Science Central, or Google News, each of which offers relevant and free data science information.
- Major companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, provide data science and data analytics news stories and feeds that provide readers with helpful information.
Even though free online resources can be a great way to learn data science basics or find answers to specific questions, most students will need a more structured learning approach to master this field fully for professional development purposes.
What Should I Learn Alongside Data Science?
Data science is a broad field that requires knowledge of many skills and tools. Some learners may opt to learn these one at a time, whereas others may wish to study them simultaneously. Deciding which tools to study is up to the learner and depends on how they hope to use their data science training in a specific industry. Some may find it helpful to learn open-source programming languages like Python and R as part of their data science training, which are good languages for beginners and can handle large amounts of data. Other learners may instead want to explore languages like SQL, Julia, VBA, or JavaScript. Most data science training programs provide instruction in at least one of these languages.
Some aspiring Data Scientists may wish to explore machine learning or deep learning as part of their data science learning journey. These models have applications for data mining. Experience with data wrangling, or cleansing and organizing datasets, is also a popular skill to study alongside data science. Because Data Scientists often use cloud computing tools to analyze and visualize data, some learners may want to study cloud computing so they will know how to work with the information that’s stored in cloud platforms.
Industries That Use Data Science
Those who have data science training can apply it in many San Francisco industries and professions. This in-demand skill set has applications in industries like manufacturing, IT and software, social and digital media, and the nonprofit sector. Read on to learn more about its uses in each of these sectors.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing careers are the main source of income for the majority of Bay Area residents. Some of the area’s top manufacturers include PepsiCo, The Clorox Company, Tesla, and Philips. Within the manufacturing sector, data science training can help manufacturers improve operations and make data-driven decisions moving forward. It’s a powerful tool for inventory management, predictive analysis, and price optimization. Data science is also used to streamline factory operations, supply chain management, production processes, and quality control.
IT & Software
More than 300 IT and software firms are located in San Francisco. Major digital media companies like Sony, Pixar, and YouTube are headquartered there. Additionally, over 6,600 tech companies are concentrated in San Jose, including eBay and PayPal. The Bay Area employs over 407,000 people in tech or software-related roles. This is nearly 12% of the total employment in the area. Data science training has applications in IT because it can be used to analyze huge volumes of data that are created by apps and systems. Data science training also helps IT professionals leverage the data they analyze and use it to personalize user experience, create new features, and spot areas for improvement within their organizations.
Social & Digital Media
The San Francisco Bay Area is home to over 300 digital media companies, including X (formerly known as Twitter), DreamWorks SKG, Zynga, and YouTube. San Francisco State University is a US leader in digital media training, and its graduates fuel this expanding creative sector. Those who work in social and digital media rely on data science in several key ways. It helps provide users with personalized content recommendations based on their prior engagement patterns. It’s also a valuable tool in social media marketing campaigns, which rely on data analytics to provide a better understanding of their users' sentiments. Data science training is also useful for devising pricing strategies, providing better customer support, detecting fake news, creating paywalls, and predicting how likely a social media post is to go viral.
Data Science Job Titles and Salaries
Many Bay Area career paths rely on those with data science training. Read on to learn more about the integral role data science plays in data engineering, machine learning, and data analytics, as well as the salary ranges for each role.
Data Engineer
Data Engineers who work in the San Francisco Bay Area are hired to transform raw data into a format that can be used by Data Scientists and Business Analysts to uncover valuable insights. These professionals design systems to gather and sort these data so they can analyze them at scale. The daily tasks of Data Engineers include creating new data analysis tools and validation methods, designing algorithms for data transformation, and meeting with management to refine their organization’s goals and objectives. In the Bay Area, Data Engineers make a yearly salary of $180,000–$190,000.
Machine Learning Engineer
Those who work as Machine Learning Engineers in the Bay Area work with large datasets to create machine learning models that can make predictions. Those employed in this field must stay current on the latest trends in artificial intelligence and have knowledge of coding languages like Python and C. These professionals also perform tasks like conducting research on data, using statistical analysis to improve their models, and converting data science prototypes. Pay rates are competitive for Machine Learning Engineers in this location; the average salary is $264,000–$274,000 annually.
Data Analysts
Data Analysts are hired to gather, process, and analyze data. The insights they gain from analytics are then translated into actionable insights that help their organization improve its decision-making process. Data Analysts are found in many industries such as healthcare, retail, and tech. In San Francisco, Data Analysts make approximately $117,000–$127,000 a year.
Data Science Classes Near Me
If you’re interested in studying data science, you can search for data science classes in San Francisco using Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool.
Noble Desktop, an educator in New York City, provides several live online course offerings for aspiring Data Scientists. Its Python Machine Learning Bootcamp is a great training option for those interested in studying this popular programming language. Participants learn about algorithms like decision trees and random forests. Additionally, the mathematical foundations for each machine learning algorithm will be explained to learners visually, which means that students don’t have to have formal math training. As a prerequisite to this bootcamp, participants should be familiar with how to work with Python and its data science libraries. A supplemental 1-on-1 mentoring session is included with tuition.
Noble also has a Data Science & AI Certificate for those seeking entry-level data science or Python engineering positions. This beginner-level program covers Python programming basics, as well as how its science libraries are used in data analysis. Those enrolled create machine learning models and evaluate how they perform. They also make dashboards and other data visualizations and learn how to use GitHub to deploy these projects online. Six 1-on-1 mentoring sessions are included with this class. Registration also includes enrollment in Noble’s Python for AI: Create AI Apps with Flask & OpenAI at no additional cost. All Noble classes include a free course retake for up to a year.
General Assembly has several data science-related course offerings for those in the Bay Area. Its Data Science Bootcamp is geared toward those who want to analyze data to solve real-world problems. This intermediate-level class teaches students how to work with industry-standard tools like Power BI, Python, SQL, Tableau, and Excel to make ethical decisions. This provider also offers a Data Science Short Course that provides instruction on how to work with statistics and Python to create predictive models. This program gets students ready to use their data science training in a real-world setting that includes machine learning problems. Both of these classes are available in-person in San Francisco and live online.
SQL-specific classes are available from Certstaffix Training. Its SQL Querying—Advanced is a one-day program that teaches students to develop advanced SQL queries, perform advanced joining of tables, and use WHERE clauses. Additionally, Certstaffix Training offers MySQL Workbench: Data Modeling & Development. This comprehensive workshop covers skills like how to reverse engineer a database, work with the MySQL Workbench to create and maintain databases, and manage security. These classes are both taught live online; students can study from their own space or use the computer lab in Oakland.
Data Science Bootcamp, available from the Flatiron School, offers comprehensive data science training in topics like statistics, machine learning, SQL, and Python. Those enrolled also work with Jupyter Notebooks and machine learning statistics. All students in this beginner-level class receive job support and career coaching. This program, which is taught in-person in San Francisco, includes a money-back guarantee.
Data Science Corporate Training
Would data science training help those at your workplace perform their jobs better? If so, Noble Desktop can help. Noble offers several corporate and on-site data science training options that you can select for some or all of your employees, regardless of whether they’re new to working with big data or have prior analytics experience. Noble offers training sessions directly at your workplace in the Bay Area or can conduct sessions remotely using a teleconferencing platform.
Training options are available in a range of data science tools and skills such as Python, SQL, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Vouchers to Noble’s regularly scheduled courses can be purchased in bulk for a discount, or Noble can customize your employees’ training to ensure they get the most out of their studies.
To learn more about how Noble can help your employees master data science, feel free to contact Noble today.