Changes are difficult for many of us.
And if you are switching or planning a career change, the process might feel scary and intimidating.
For many, the first step is learning about statistics, ML, or NLP and taking as many online courses as possible – just to end up with dozens of unfinished courses and feeling lost 😓
Have you been in that situation?
So to help you on your transition, I recorded a video sharing the only 7 steps you need to have a successful career transition to Data Science.
Step 1. Define your end goal. Start by defining your niche in the vast field of Data Science.
Step 2. Define your transferable skills and the new skills you’ll need to add to your skill set (if any). Then, learn those skills using the wealth of online content available.
Step 3. Create an easy-to-share/easy-to-read portfolio with projects divided into two categories: Category 1. Projects that demonstrate your expertise and fundamental knowledge, like data cleaning and removing errors and inconsistencies from big datasets, version control with git, data visualization, etc. Category 2. Projects that demonstrate your expertise in the DS niche you selected in Step 1.
Step 4. Networking. Use your network, post, connect, and communicate your knowledge as often as possible on social media. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey.
Step 5. Apply to all the job positions you’re really interested in, and stop wasting time sending CVs to jobs you don’t really want. If you’re a woman, send your CV even if you don’t meet all the requirements.
Step 6. Prepare for the interview process and possible tests. Prepare for the most common interview questions using experts’ blog posts and YouTube videos. I can 100% guarantee you’ll be asked these two questions: tell me about yourself. Why do you want to work at this company? Start with information advantage; take the time to learn about the role and the company.
Step 7. Persistence is the name of the game. You’ll get rejected, feel nervous most of the time, get strange interviews with people who seem like they don’t care, get interviews with friendly people, be ghosted, etc. But despite all of that, you need to try again and again.
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And remember, every transition is a process. Don’t rush things out; be as compassionate as possible with yourself, and take it one step at a time.
Lina Marieth xx 💛