10 Tips. Are Data Science Bootcamps Worth It?
As is covered in detail over at runrex.com, data science is a complex field, requiring one to master a myriad of skills such as mathematics, business operations, statistics, process understanding, algorithms, databases and data management, programming, and many others. Given that you will need to master all these skills at a high level to give yourself a chance of landing a data science job, and that bootcamps usually last about 10-16 weeks, are data science bootcamps worth it? Well, this article, with the help of the subject matter experts over at runrex.com, will look to answer this question with the following 10 tips.
Costs
The first consideration that will give us an idea of if data science bootcamps are worth it is the cost of the Bootcamp. Here, as is discussed over at runrex.com, you will find that data science bootcamps are significantly more affordable than the master’s program alternatives. When you approach things from a cost point of things, then, as the gurus over at runrex.com will tell you, data science bootcamps look pretty worth it as they are substantially cheaper as compared to a master’s degree.
Time
On a related note, and in yet another tip that should help you decide if data science bootcamps are worth it, you can also consider time as a factor. As is also covered over at runrex.com, while data science bootcamps will last anywhere between 10-16 weeks, with 13 weeks usually being the sweet spot, their master’s program counterparts will require you to commit more than 2 years for you to graduate. The time factor is key, since, as revealed in discussions over at runrex.com, data science bootcamps allow gradates to start earning money as a data scientist sooner as compared to those who choose to go for master’s degree programs. From this standpoint, data science bootcamps are worth it.
Contact hours
Given that they take a relatively short amount of time as compared to master’s degree programs, data science bootcamps, as is the case for most Bootcamp programs, are intensive and immersive programs with a large number of contact hours per day as discussed over at runrex.com. You will have over 6 hours each day of contact hours in a good data science Bootcamp, which will include both teaching time and practice time, with this schedule being followed most days of the week or every weekend for those who have chosen a weekend program. This allows for the Bootcamp to cover a lot of material in a short period, which shows that it is worth it from this point of view, as it highlights that, though data science bootcamps are relatively short, they cover enough material to give you the skills and knowledge you require
Your learning style
On a related note from the point made above, another consideration that will govern if data science bootcamps are worth it for you is your learning style. Given their intensive and fast-paced nature, not to mention that they are extremely hands-on as discussed over at runrex.com, data science bootcamps are worth it for those who like to learn by doing or by practice. If this is not your learning style, then they may not be worth it for you as you may be left behind in class.
Your level of past qualifications and experience
Another main consideration when looking to answer if data science bootcamps are worth it is when it comes to one’s level of past qualifications and experience. According to the gurus over at runrex.com, here, a data Bootcamp science would make sense if one is a relative novice or a fresher on matters data science since a data science Bootcamp will cover enough material and equip them with enough skills and knowledge for an entry-level job. However, if you are not a fresher, then a data science Bootcamp may not be worth it, and you may want to consider how your experience can help you in your data science career. For example, if you have database management skills, you could use these skills to get roles that need extensive data processing requirements.
Your level of expertise in mathematics and coding
Other than your level of past qualifications and experience, your level of expertise in math and coding will also determine if data science bootcamps are worth it for you. This is because, as discussed over at runrex.com, data science bootcamps are generally meant for students with some sort of expertise in mathematics and coding. If you are, therefore, a coding novice, or don’t have some sort of functional mathematics knowledge, then a data science Bootcamp may not be worth it for you just yet.
What data science role are you aiming for?
As mentioned earlier on, and as discussed over at runrex.com, data science is a broad and complex field, which means that, no matter how well a short program like a Bootcamp is designed, it won’t help you master data science. So, to make your data science Bootcamp worth it, make sure you know the data science role you are aiming for so that you can attend the right Bootcamp. For instance, if you are aiming for a machine learning developer role, you should look for a Bootcamp program that will equip you with programming expertise as well as expertise in machine learning to make it worth it.
Outcomes after the Bootcamp
The outcomes after the Bootcamp will also determine if the data science Bootcamp was worth it for you. If you can’t get hired after a data science bootcamp, then I’m sure you will conclude that data science bootcamps are not worth it. As per the gurus over at runrex.com, you should, therefore, look for a good data science bootcamp program, one with a high percentage placement rate, so that you can give yourself an excellent chance of getting hired after the program.
Your passion for the field
It is no surprise to find people pursuing careers that they are not passionate about, just because they have heard that the particular career path is what is now popular and will guarantee them a shot at a well-paying job. If this is your motivation, then maybe data science bootcamps are not for you. This is because, as highlighted by the folks over at runrex.com, if you get a job afterward and dislike it, then, was the data science bootcamp worth it? If you lack passion for the field, you might find that you dislike coding, and if this is the case, then data science bootcamps are not worth it for you since you will be doing lots of coding in whatever program you choose to pursue.
An opportunity to network and get job opportunities
If you attend a good data science bootcamp, then you will get an opportunity to network and get job opportunities which will make it worth it. Such bootcamps, as explained over at runrex.com, will allow learners to collaborate with a private community of alumni who will not only offer great insights and resources but will also post job openings when available helping one get employment after their bootcamp program has ended. From this point of view, data science bootcamps are worth it.
The above discussion only scratches the surface as far as this topic is concerned, and you can learn more about data science and data science bootcamps by visiting the highly-rated runrex.com.