Top 4 online data science bootcamps to upskill in 2020

Data science is a fast-growing in-demand industry, due to the explosive and rapid growth of advanced technology. Today, more and more companies are in need of data scientists to analyse and interpret data that has become increasingly available due to big data and cloud computing technology.

Back in 2012, the job of a data scientist was described by the Harvard Business Review as “the sexiest job of the 21st century”, and the job demand remains on an upward trajectory.

According to an analysis of job-listing data by Thinknum in 2019, “We looked at job listings for more than 5,000 companies since 2016 to gain an understanding of how demand for data science professionals has grown. Demand for data scientists has been on a steady upslope, with more than 3,200 openings as of this month.”

An IBM study also found that 59% of all data science jobs are in Finance and Insurance, Professional Services, and IT, but Thinknum’s analysis pointed out that demand is diversifying across several other fields.

“In short, everyone needs data scientists.”

Those interested in data analytics and algorithms can upskill or reskill in this fascinating field through online data science bootcamps, so that they can develop the knowledge and skill necessary to build a career in data science in a short amount of time.

Bootcamps are also an excellent way to upskill if you already have a foundation in data science, as you can add more skills to your portfolio and stand out among the job competition.

SwitchUp has ranked 18 of the best data science bootcamps around the online that offer online programmes. The rankings are based on reviews from previous students, covering factors such as job support and curriculum.

Here are the top four providers of online data science bootcamps:

NYC Data Science Academy

Although based in New York, this academy offers online data science bootcamps such as the 12-week Data Science bootcamps, 6-week Big Data with Hadoop and Spark, and 5-week Data Science with Python: Data Analysis and Visualisation.

According to SwitchUp, this academy took the top spot as it offers “top-rated data science training in courses ranging from four to 12 weeks in length, with real-world data challenges and lectures that prepare students for employment.”

The majority of graduates are able to land jobs within six months, and job interview training is available to help ensure their success.

Dataquest

Dataquest offers line, 24-week project-based data science courses focused on data analysis using R and Python, teaching data science through interactive coding challenges and projects.

The bootcamps take students through a step-by-step curriculum to develop the skills needed to be job-ready, with four unique job paths:  Data Analyst in R, Data Analyst in Python, Data Scientist in Python, or Data Engineer.

According to the website, Dataquest takes a project-based approach to the curriculum so that students can get their hands on real-world data and start working with it as soon as possible. Classes use real data sets to analyse interesting problems, and guided projects offer additional opportunities for hands-on learning.

Springboard

On Springboard, you can take an online, self-paced Data Science Bootcamp in partnership with DataCamp, typically finished over six months.

Plus, you are guaranteed a data science job within six months of graduating or you’ll get your money back, and the course includes portfolio projects and one-to-one mentoring.

The curriculum is split into 18 units covering topics such as Machine Learning, Statistical Inference, Software Engineering for Data Science, and Data Science at Scale.

In addition to small projects designed to reinforce specific technical concepts, students also complete two capstone projects focused on realistic data science scenarios that they can show to future employers.

RMOTR

You can take 16-week online bootcamps in data science and web development, featuring live and self-paced instruction, as well as interaction with mentors and classmates on RMOTR, an online platform for people looking to learn Python for web development and data science.

These include courses such as Intro to Programming with Python and Modules and Packages with Python.

According to the website, “With award-winning content developed by experts in the field, you can conquer the crucial skills required to succeed as a Data Scientist. Our curriculum is broken down into easy-to-digest segments that will help you maintain consistent, steady progress.”