Choosing the right data science program for your career: Tips and strategies

Data science continues to rise as one of today’s tech sector’s most demanding and proliferating career paths. Beyond data analysis, extraction, and programming, data scientists are now combining codes with different statistics to bring transformation. The data science career path is interdisciplinary and integral to our everyday big and small tasks, from restocking grocery stores and medical records. Moreover, the demand for data scientists is expected to grow 36% from 2021 to 2031. Read ahead if data science sounds interesting and to know some tips and tricks to ace your degree!

Also read: How to transition into a data science career after your graduation?

Overview of Popular Data Science Programs

There are ample data science programs available worldwide and bifurcated into several institutions. However, not all of them might be suitable for your career. The following are the best data science programs for career advancement:

1. PGCP in Data Science & Machine Learning

The postgraduate certificate program in Data Science & Machine Learning helps students learn about machine learning tools and techniques – Python, database management & SQL, EDA, and data visualization. This program helps students to explore career paths as predictive modelers, data scientists, data architects, AI developers, etc.

2. M.Sc. in Data Science (MSC-DS)

Master’s degree program in Data Science enlightens students to excel in the in-demand field of data science. Gaining practical experience in ML applications and predictive modeling with real-world data enables students to develop strategic recommendations. This program opens roles in AI engineering, machine learning, big data engineering, etc.

3. M.Tech in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

This master’s degree course is becoming famous for market demand as qualified data scientists try to hone their data handling, modeling, prediction, or result interpretation skills. Technology schools offer this program as a full-time 2-year course, including classroom teaching and internships.

Must read: ROI of an MSc in Data Science: How it pays off in the long run

Factors to consider when choosing a data science program

Read these strategies for selecting a data science program before enrolling for data science courses to find the best job-oriented program:

• Data scientists possess strong knowledge of statistics, machine learning, and coding languages like Python. Take advantage of all topics throughout your career, and networking with people from the same field is advisable.
• Check the experience of the mentor or trainer before enrolling for a course to know if their teaching methods and experience match what you want.
• Go through the college’s placement cell before admission to ensure you get a promising job after course completion.

Developing Professional Skills for Data Scientist Jobs

If you are an aspiring student of a data science course, the following skills will help you build a lucrative career in data science:

Researching Program Options Online

Researching different program options online in Data Science becomes easier with prerequisite criteria and preparations. The following are some tips for choosing the right data science program after gaining basic knowledge in the related field:

1. Use data science books, articles, and journals to learn about the career before enrolling for the course. 
2. Opt for online courses before enrolling in degree programs like data analysis and machine learning to get an idea.
3. Research the fee structure in different institutes and decide on a cost-effective option.
4. Understand the job market to assess future job opportunities.
5. Join a peer group like communities, forums, or groups to stay updated about programs and the latest technology related to data sciences.

Evaluating Training Costs & Opportunities

One of the key considerations in selecting a data science program is the training cost or fees. Renowned institutions like MAHE provide flexible learning for all aspiring data science students. However, regardless of the training provider, classroom training varies from INR 30,000 to 3,50,000 (examination cost + training fees). Students can expect an average 10% decrease in fees for online courses. A Master’s Degree from MAHE costs around INR 2,60,000.

Check Out the League of Mentors

Researching and finding a suitable mentor is essential for choosing the appropriate data science course since they have vast experience working on industry projects. The mentor can guide you depending on your interests and goals. This helps you expand your professional network and access different job markets. Mentors can also help students build better resumes to showcase their skills during interviews. Moreover, students become accountable for their plans with the help of a mentor’s guidance. 

Interacting with Alumni

Interacting with the alumni association helps you learn in-depth about the data science programs. You will receive genuine information about placement records, mentor experience, course details, and the curriculum. Past students can also guide you about future opportunities in this field and whether they are satisfied with the institute’s placement and benefits.

Why is the MSc Data Science by MAHE the best?

If you want a professional transition, choosing a Master of Science in Data Science from Manipal University of Higher Education (MAHE) is the right choice for you. This program from MAHE will help increase your earnings by opening new avenues to emerge as a data science expert in the latest technology. Learn more about the course from our courses page and enroll in online MSc Data Science at MAHE today. We are here to make online master’s degree courses approachable in the job market with the necessary tools and resources.