Can Online Courses Alone Help Me Get a Data Job?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the value of online courses in securing a job in Data Science, particularly for someone transitioning from a background in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Participants explore the necessity of practical experience and projects alongside online learning to enhance employability in this new field.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether online courses alone are sufficient to enhance a CV or if practical projects are necessary to demonstrate skills to potential employers.
  • Another participant suggests that a background in Electrical and Computer Engineering may provide relevant experience for transitioning into Data Science, particularly if there is a strong programming foundation.
  • Concerns are raised about the rigor and standards of online courses, with some participants expressing uncertainty about whether these courses adequately prepare candidates for the job market.
  • A participant shares their programming experience in MATLAB, C++, and C#, and mentions their ongoing learning in R and Python, indicating a belief that their background in statistics and wireless communications could be beneficial in Data Science.
  • There is a mention of the participant's challenges in securing interviews despite applying for various positions, highlighting the competitive nature of the job market in Data Science.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness of online courses alone in securing a job in Data Science. While some believe that practical experience and projects are essential, others suggest that a relevant educational background may suffice. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to enhance employability in this field.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the necessity of practical experience versus online courses, and there are varying opinions on the adequacy of online education standards in preparing candidates for Data Science roles.

EngWiPy
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Hello,

I'm thinking to take some online courses like on Udemy, but I am not sure if this will add value to my CV by itself or I need to do some projects on the topic of interest to show employers what I know. What do you think?

Thanks
 
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For clarification: I first posted this on career guidance because it is pertaining to finding a job. I didn't go into much details, but I want to find a job in a field in which I have no practical experience or official credentials. The new field is Data Science, and my background is Electrical and Computer Engineering.
 
S_David said:
For clarification: I first posted this on career guidance because it is pertaining to finding a job. I didn't go into much details, but I want to find a job in a field in which I have no practical experience or official credentials. The new field is Data Science, and my background is Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Depending on your background in EE and CPE I wouldn't say you have no practical experience...

If you have a strong programming background you are in a close parallel field. I know more than a few EEs that moved to the data field.
Even if you are a hardware engineer, the background can be similar. For example if you have experience working with large (referring to the data) MATLAB simulations.

The issue with online courses is the standards they are held to and the standards you are held to when given a pass fail. The issue is the amount of rigor. But they will show one thing... You have a strong desire to move into that field. I don't know if they will actually show that you are a qualified candidate, but they will (hopefully) teach you the skills you need to succeed in the field

Do you currently work? Are you a student? are you looking for a job out of school but haven't found one yet?
 
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I have some programming backgrounds in MATLAB (during my mater and PhD degrees) and C++ and C# (during my bachelor's degree). I am learning R and Python. I don't know SQL, yet. My background in EE is wireless communications, and thus I have a strong background in statistics. I think I have the backgrounds the will help me in the data field. I applied to many positions in the data field (junior and senior) , but all seem to think I am not qualified to even be called for an interview (I had just one phone interview)! Currently, I am not working. I finished school, and worked as a postdoc for 2 years. I am searching for a full-time position in the job market.
 

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