Machine learning (ML) is one of the essential skills required for today's data science and software engineering careers. ML can be a core segment of your education if you plan a career in data science, analytics, or business intelligence (BI).

Many machine learning novices get ML training through a broader data science or analytics curriculum. Bootcamps and certificate programs are the most popular choices, though some students attend a four-year college program in computer science or other disciplines. 

If you want to save time and money, machine learning bootcamps are a viable option to train for entry-level ML roles. Many companies consider bootcamps equivalent to a lengthy degree program: bootcamps are intensive, hands-on learning experiences featuring training in real-world challenges. Read on to learn more.

What is Machine Learning?

Machine learning (ML) is one of the best-known subcategories of artificial intelligence (AI). This complex multidisciplinary field can require training in programming languages like Python, databases like MySQL, and natural language processing (NLP). Common ML careers include Machine Learning Engineers, Data Scientists, and Business Intelligence (BI) Analysts.

Machine learning is often associated with Python programming and data science. Popular uses of ML in daily activities include voice recognition tools like Siri, recommendation lists from Amazon or Netflix, and user engagement icons on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. 

Read more about what machine learning is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do With Machine Learning?

Machine learning algorithms dominate today’s internet. Websites gather information based on search, social, and shopping. Top ML applications include:

• Social media - Meta Platforms was one of the first well-known companies to use ML to measure user activities. Other social media platforms using ML include Twitter and TikTok.
• Recommendation Engines - If you use Amazon or streaming services, you’ve seen the You May Like feature. Companies like Apple and Netflix use ML algorithms to customize experiences.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) - Analyzing text includes steps like identifying the language, syntax parsing, and sentiment analysis. Machine learning is essential to NLP.

Why Learn Machine Learning in a Bootcamp or Class?

Bootcamps that include or feature machine learning in the curriculum have several advantages. These immersive programs typically limit class sizes, provide career support services, and include hands-on portfolio projects you can present in job interviews. 

Many course providers offer bootcamps in person or live online via teleconferencing platforms like Zoom. Expert instructors provide real-time answers to your questions and can even share the screen with your permission. Read more about how bootcamps and certificate programs compare with other training options.

Bootcamps Compared to College

Bootcamps differ from four-year degree programs in significant ways. For one, students in most college and university classes are around the same age and have similar experience levels. In bootcamps and certificate programs, participants come from all walks of life and varying industries. Some are recent high school grads, while others attend bootcamps to level up from existing tech positions.

That’s one of the intangible benefits of bootcamps: interaction with peers and instructors can look quite different from college courses. Particularly in study groups or hands-on assignments, bootcamp attendees often provide a wealth of experience that can benefit their classmates.

While some companies require computer science or comparable degrees for specific jobs, others consider bootcamps as good as or even better than a four-year degree. The combination of practical knowledge and hands-on experience in bootcamps provide appeals to many employers, especially for entry-level positions.

One example of a machine learning bootcamp that covers a massive amount of knowledge in just 30 hours is the Python Machine Learning Bootcamp from Noble Desktop. The course includes training in regression analysis, classification, and decision trees, among other topics. Applicants should be comfortable working with Python libraries like NumPy and Pandas. Students can also save by taking the Python ML Bootcamp as part of Noble’s Data Science Certificate program.

Bootcamps Compared to Self-Paced Courses

Bootcamps and self-paced courses differ even more than other training options. Self-paced classes range from free 1-hour seminars to programs that last weeks or months. Bootcamps typically run for long periods and feature a level of interaction beyond what self-paced courses can provide.

This training format provides much less engagement or student accountability than in-person or online live coursework. Consider on-demand training only under two conditions:

1) You are new to machine learning and want to master some fundamentals before you commit to a full-length bootcamp or certificate.

2) Your current schedule prevents you from adding formal training to your responsibilities.

If you want to try a self-paced class with no obligation, you may be able to do so on a trial basis. Some providers charge a monthly subscription fee but allow new subscribers to cancel during the first week with no charge. For example, Udemy offers an on-demand course called Machine Learning & Deep Learning in Python & R. You can try it for free for a week. However, this course is 33 hours long, so you must commit to learning it all that week to get it for free.

Bootcamps Compared to Free Training Options

For free training resources, check out the Learn Hub from Noble Desktop. Here, you can find free videos and tutorials on topics related to machine learning, like data science, Excel, and Python. Some are articles or blog posts, and others are videos hosted on the Noble Desktop YouTube channel.

While you can find plenty of free articles and videos about ML online, sifting through them to separate the wheat from the chaff can be a fool's errand. Unless you already know machine learning, your best bet is to avoid misinformation or outdated materials by taking a course emphasizing current ML tools and skills.

Watch some videos and read articles to prepare for formal training rather than consider them a primary training method. Once you know you want to pursue it, find the best bootcamp or certificate program to meet your skill set, availability, and budget.

Learn Machine Learning Skills with Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers in-person and live online bootcamps and certificates featuring machine learning (ML), like:

• Data Science Certificate - This program provides data science fundamentals before advancing through ML, Python for automation, and Structured Query Language (SQL).

• Python Machine Learning Bootcamp - Programmers already comfortable with Python data science can save by taking this bootcamp as part of the Data Science Certificate.

• Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp - This bootcamp combines ML and Python training modules from the Data Science Certificate but without the SQL bootcamp. 

• Check out Noble Desktop's full-time and part-time data science programs here.

Key Takeaways

• Machine learning (ML) is one of the best-known subcategories of artificial intelligence (AI).

• Common ML careers include:
• Data Scientists
• ML Engineers
• Business Intelligence (BI) Analysts
• Popular uses of machine learning in consumer activities include:
• Voice recognition (Siri, Alexa)
• Recommendation lists (Netflix, Amazon)
• User engagement icons (Instagram, TikTok)
• Check out ML training through in-person or live online bootcamps and certificate programs. These offer an alternative to college or university degrees.

• Bootcamps also compare favorably to on-demand programs. Most bootcamps run longer than self-paced programs and feature a higher interaction level.

• Noble Desktop offers multiple training options for machine learning. Top courses include:
• Python Machine Learning Bootcamp
• Data Science Certificate
• Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp