Data science is an interdisciplinary field that requires knowledge of subjects like computer science, programming, data analysis, statistics, machine learning, math, and artificial intelligence. Data Scientists handle vast amounts of raw data to uncover solutions to problems facing their organizations and provide them with actionable insights for use in their decision-making process. This process involves conveying essential data findings through data visualization and storytelling.
The term “data science” was first coined in 1960 by John Tukey, a Mathematician focused on data analytics. Although he put a name to this vast skill set, it wasn’t until decades later that the field evolved to help organizations gather and process large amounts of data. Data Scientists now work in a range of sectors and career paths, from healthcare to retail. Some are hired to conduct research for academic journals, whereas others focus on machine learning algorithms. One of the main benefits of pursuing a career in data science is that it can provide valuable insights into how organizations can streamline business processes. In 2022, data science was listed as one of the top 50 career paths in the US by Glassdoor. Since then, the field has continued to experience rapid growth as more companies rely on data analytics to increase profits and fuel innovations.
What Can You Do with Data Science Training?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that in the decade from 2022 to 2032, the field of data science will expand by an impressive 35%, well above the growth rate anticipated in other fields. Because of the integral role data science knowledge plays in nearly all private and public sectors, those who have data science training can explore a range of high-paying career paths. Job opportunities are available in finance, web development, business analytics, and machine learning. A background in data science can also help more globally and can affect positive societal changes. The insights uncovered during the data analytics process can spur social change, provide answers to tough questions, and provide innovative solutions that have real-world ramifications. With the advent of new technologies, data science is expected to continue to transform how everyday people work with data.
In addition to its myriad professional uses, data science training also has many applications for non-data professionals. This skill set can be used to optimize travel routes, perform speech recognition, analyze medical images, or advertise products. It’s also a valuable tool for shedding light on customer purchasing patterns. Data science can even help everyday people determine what to wear in the morning based on a weather report.
What Will I Learn in a Data Science Class?
One of the most effective ways to fully immerse in data science is to enroll in a hands-on class in San Diego. Although the content taught in each program varies depending on the provider, the difficulty level, and the scope of instruction (whether the program focuses on a single programming language like Python or covers a range of data science skills), most students encounter several fundamental skills during coursework:
Dashboards & Visualizations
Data science classes often teach learners how to create dashboards and other data visualizations to illustrate their data findings. Coursework may prepare students to use Tableau or Excel for analyzing and visualizing data. Some classes also cover how Python’s dashboard and plotting libraries like Seaborn and Dash Enterprise are used. Graduates of data science classes generally leave with a solid understanding of how to create attention-grabbing data visualizations capable of breaking down complex information into a format that’s more accessible to audience members.
Computer Programming
Another core skill you’re likely to encounter during data science coursework is instruction in one or more programming languages. Students typically are taught Python, R, and/or SQL, which prepares them to clean and prepare data for analysis, format it, and automate it so it can perform aggregating or other repetitive tasks. Some training programs also teach students how to work with Pandas, NumPy, or other Python data science libraries.
Machine Learning Models
Data science classes in San Diego teach students how to create and work with machine learning models. These are computer programs in which algorithms learn from data and offer predictions. These models are capable of spotting patterns in datasets that may otherwise go unseen. Some classes teach students how to use Python libraries like scikit-learn for problem-solving or Pandas for data balancing and cleaning.
Critical Thinking
Not only does data science training prepare learners to work with the latest technology and coding languages, but it also helps them develop soft skills like critical thinking. Students who graduate from bootcamps or certificate programs are better able to study important questions, articulate hypotheses, and objectively study the results. To do so, participants must have a solid understanding of how to use all available resources, which allows them to study problems from many angles.
How Hard is It to Learn Data Science?
Some learners encounter challenges learning data science because it requires using several programming languages, as well as being proficient with different forms of technology. Depending on the job in which the skills will be applied, Data Scientists may need to know Python, R, and/or SQL. They also may work with programs like Excel, Tableau, and Power BI or use data analytics and machine learning. Some learners such as those who are just getting started handling large volumes of data, may find it difficult to acquire this range of skills. Students with prior training using one or more data science tools may find that their learning process is easier and faster than it would be for those learning from scratch. Like any skill, becoming familiar with the basics will take significantly less time than acquiring mystery for use in a professional setting.
All learners differ in their approach to studying data science. Some may study Python as a part of a more comprehensive certificate program. Other learners may work with R or Python for use in back-end development. Regardless of the learning approach students take, studying data science in-depth can take months or longer. One of the most effective ways to fully immerse in this field is to enroll in a live course like a bootcamp or certificate in San Diego.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Data Science?
Most learners will find that one challenge of learning data science is acquiring a range of hard and soft skills, as well as industry-specific knowledge of tools. It also means staying current on any innovations and developments in the field, which is an ongoing commitment. During the past decade, the field of data science has quickly evolved, with tools like AI and machine learning becoming more prevalent. The rapid speed at which innovations are introduced can make it hard for some learners to keep up.
Another challenge some encounter when studying data science is learning industry-specific tools. For example, those hoping to apply their data science training to retail or healthcare will require different tools than those who use it in marketing or finance. Some professional paths require Tableau knowledge, whereas others expect Power BI training. An additional component of learning data science that some may find difficult is determining data quality. Working with low-quality data can lead to incomplete or inaccurate results that will make it harder for Data Scientists to reach meaningful conclusions.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Data Science?
Learning data science is a subjective process that depends on the skills the learner brings to their studies and their goals for studying data science. Because this field is so robust, most people will encounter challenges as they study data science. Experts estimate that the average learner will need between six months and one year to grasp basic data science concepts and skills. Reaching a level of expertise for professional applications can take some people years.
Should I Learn Data Science in Person or Online?
Data science students can select between in-person classes in San Diego and online training options. Each training format offers its own advantages and drawbacks.
For most learners, studying data science through live coursework is the most interactive and engaging way to fully learn this skill set. In-person training takes place at a designated training facility in or near San Diego, where students have access to the most current software and programs already installed on computers. Those enrolled can ask questions and receive in-the-moment support. Those who attend live classes online through a teleconferencing platform can even opt to share their screen with the instructor (with permission) for additional assistance.
Attending in-person classes requires having access to a reliable form of transportation. It therefore may not be possible for those who cannot make a regular commute, or who live far from a training center in San Diego. Live online training that takes place on Zoom eliminates the need for commuting, but does require that participants be able to devote the time to attend regularly scheduled classes that sometimes occur several times a week. This type of study can be challenging for those who have regular work or professional commitments.
Asynchronous data science classes are the most flexible training format. This type of training differs from live coursework in that it’s pre-recorded and placed online. Students can access coursework on their own time and dictate their learning pace. Self-paced study affords the flexibility to pause, rewind, and rewatch entire lessons. Cost is another incentive for self-paced coursework. Unlike live training, which can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, asynchronous content is often a much less expensive alternative. Learners who are interested in on-demand data science training should remember that no instructor will be present for these classes. Those who are just getting started in data science or who are looking to learn it for use professionally, may find this type of training challenging since they will be on their own to find answers to questions.
Can I Learn Data Science Free Online?
Learning data science doesn’t have to cost a fortune; many free online resources and tutorials in data science can help you get started or find answers to questions:
- Noble Desktop offers a data science blog, which provides useful content on a range of data science topics. This site includes more than 100 articles on topics like which industries hire Data Scientists and how to evaluate machine learning models. Noble also has a learn data science page with video seminars and tutorials on topics like data visualization and Python programming.
- Major companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have free data analytics and data science stories that include useful and current information.
- Industry news sources like Data Science Central, Google News, and the Toward Data Science Blog (hosted by Medium) all provide useful, free data science content.
- Some providers, like Coursera and IBM, offer free courses in data science to learners at all levels, including beginners.
Free online resources can be a great place to start when learning this skill set because they offer a low-stakes learning environment. However, those who are seeking more than basic training or answers to specific data science-related questions will likely benefit more from a live course, which offers hands-on, structured training that can be applied toward professional development.
What Should I Learn Alongside Data Science?
Because of how broad the field of data science is, it requires knowledge of a range of tools and skills. Some may prefer learning these one at a time, whereas others may find it more useful to study these skills simultaneously for work-related reasons. Deciding which learning approach is right for you is subjective and will depend on which industry you intend to use your data science knowledge. For some, it may be useful to learn open-source programming languages like R or Python while studying data science. These are good languages for beginners and are capable of handling large amounts of data. Others, however, may find that studying languages like VBA, Julia, SQL, or JavaScript would be more useful. It’s common for data science training courses to provide instruction in one or more of these coding languages.
Some learners may want to study deep learning or machine learning to supplement their data science training. Additionally, experience with data wrangling is also useful for aspiring Data Scientists. Since cloud computing tools are becoming a common way to analyze and visualize data, students may also wish to explore cloud computing to ensure they know how to work with the information stored in cloud platforms.
Industries That Use Data Science
Data science training is used in many prominent San Diego industries, including defense, manufacturing, aerospace, and nonprofits. The following sections will examine how it’s applied in each sector.
Defense
One of the main sectors that contribute to San Diego’s economy is defense. This industry accounts for approximately one-fifth of the gross regional product in this area. More than 350,000 people are employed in defense-related careers in San Diego, including government employees, military, and defense contractors. The city is also home to the world’s largest concentration of military assets. The US Navy is the main employer in San Diego. Data science training is useful in defense-related careers because it can help transform data into actionable insights that improve how the Navy or other defense-related employers operate. Data science also has applications for improving cybersecurity, predicting threats, and optimizing logistics.
Manufacturing
Another prominent San Diego sector is manufacturing. The city has more manufacturing jobs than any other location in California and ranks in the top five in the US. The main manufacturers in the area are in sectors like defense, aerospace, shipbuilding, and craft brewing. Data science training has applications in the manufacturing sector because it can help manufacturers streamline operations and use data to make more informed decisions. It’s also used for predictive analysis, price optimization, quality control, and inventory management.
Aerospace
San Diego remains a powerhouse in aerospace development and production. The city is home to some of the largest aerospace companies around the globe such as Fuse and Lockheed Martin. In the aerospace industry, data science knowledge is useful for a range of tasks. It assists with predictive maintenance, air traffic management, flight route optimization, and in-flight food supply and sales. It also has applications for improving how electric plasma thrusters operate or training drone programs to find people who are lost in the wilderness.
Nonprofits
More than 11,000 nonprofits are located in San Diego County. They play an integral role in the local economy and generate nearly $15 billion in revenue. Data science training is useful in the nonprofit sector because it can help organizations better understand their data and use it to evaluate how effective their programs are, improve fundraising efforts, increase social media impact, and allocate resources.
Data Science Job Titles and Salaries
Knowledge of data science can lead to many high-paying career paths for those who live in San Diego. Read on to find out more about the role this in-demand skill set plays in career paths like Machine Learning Engineer, Data Engineer, and Decision Scientist, as well as salary ranges for each career.
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers who work in San Diego create and build software capable of automating AI and machine learning models. On a daily basis, they perform tasks like sourcing and preparing data, overseeing the data science pipeline, and deploying models. These professionals also perform research on data and work with statistical analysis to improve the models they create. In San Diego, Machine Learning Engineers make approximately $171,000-$181,000 a year.
Data Engineer
Those who are hired to work as Data Engineers in San Diego transform raw data into a format that Business Analysts and Data Scientists can use to unearth useful insights. Data Engineers create systems capable of collecting and sorting these data so they can be analyzed at scale. These professionals also create algorithms to transform data, design new validation methods and data analysis tools, and meet with management to better articulate their organization’s goals. Data Engineers in San Diego make an average yearly salary of $133,000-$143,000.
Decision Scientists
Decision Scientists draw from their knowledge of statistics, computer science, psychology, and mathematics to help individuals and organizations improve their decision-making process. On a daily basis, they assist with tasks like creating statistical and mathematical models, analyzing data, providing recommendations for actions, and communicating their data findings to relevant stakeholders. The average yearly salary for a Decision Scientist in San Diego is $157,000-$167,000.
Data Science Classes Near Me
If you want to learn data science, you can use Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool to find data science classes in San Diego.
Those who are interested in live online training can enroll in Noble Desktop’s Python ||CPN633||. This hands-on program teaches learners about algorithms like random forests and decision trees. This program focuses on helping students solve real-world problems with machine learning. The mathematical foundations for the algorithms taught will be explained visually without a formal math component. Those interested in enrolling should be familiar with Python and its data science libraries. All learners receive a 1-on-1 mentoring session as part of tuition.
Noble also offers a Data Science & AI Certificate that is geared toward those interested in securing an entry-level Python engineering or data science job. This beginner-friendly certificate teaches fundamental Python programming and how to work with its libraries for data analysis. Students create and evaluate machine learning models, create data visualizations, and explore how to deploy projects online with GitHub. Tuition includes six 1-on-1 mentoring sessions. Those who enroll in this certificate can also take Noble’s Python for AI: Create AI Apps with Flask & OpenAI for free. All Noble classes come with a free course retake option for up to a year.
In UC San Diego Extension Boot Camp’s Data Science and Visualization Boot Camp, students have the chance to fully immerse in learning the basic components of data science and visualization. Participants work with real-world datasets from business and government sectors. They become familiar with how to use Tableau, HTML and CSS, JavaScript, and Python. All learners have access to career services and tutoring while enrolled. Participants graduate with a professional-grade portfolio. This class is available in-person in San Diego.
General Assembly offers data science-related courses for those in San Diego. In Data Science Bootcamp, students learn how data analysis can be used to solve real-world problems. Those who attend this intermediate-level class learn how to make ethical decisions with SQL, Excel, Tableau, Python, and Power BI. This educational provider also has a Data Science Short Course, which prepares participants to apply their data science training to actual machine learning problems. Students also use Python and statistics to create predictive models. These courses are offered in-person in San Diego and live online.
In-person data science training in San Diego is also offered by Sonic Training. Students can enroll in SQL Training: Introduction & Intermediate to master this querying language’s basic elements. Students become familiar with how to work with essential SQL security protocols such as restricting access, encrypting data, creating audit trails, and assigning individual user roles. Tuition includes a free course retake for half a year.
Data Science Corporate Training
Would those at your workplace benefit from studying data science? If so, let Noble Desktop help. Noble has corporate and onsite data science training options for those who are new to this field, as well as employees who already have experience in data science and want to learn new programming languages or applications. Training sessions can be conducted at your workplace in San Diego or remotely using Zoom.
Training options are currently offered in a range of data-related tools and skills, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, Python, and SQL. If you want to provide training for multiple employees, you can purchase vouchers in bulk at a discount for them to attend Noble’s regularly scheduled courses. Training can also be customized to ensure those at your workplace get the most out of their studies.
Don’t hesitate to contact Noble today to learn more about the exciting corporate training options Noble can provide for your employees.