Are internships necessary for transitioning into data science?

[EngWiPy]

Hello,

I want to switch careers from EE to data science. I am taking courses in the field, reading books, and will do some online projects. Do I need to take internships on top of that? If yes, how willing are the companies to take interns? Would they respond if I emailed them without advertising that they are taking interns?

Thanks

 

[Locrian]

I don't know whether you "need" to get one, but it would really help and you should try.

I'm familiar with a handful of data science departments at different companies and they all take interns. It seems widespread in the industry to me; others may have a wider view.