Resources to Improve Your Data Science Skills

By Carly Batist

Data Science Skills Resources

Photo by Ilya Pavlov on Unsplash

Jobs in the field of data science are becoming increasingly popular. However, they require you to have a particular skillset that might not be built into the curriculum of your graduate program. Taking on the task of learning R, Python, SQL, or other programming languages on your own can seem overwhelming, but there are countless online learning platforms geared towards helping you achieve your goals. This blog post describes six of those resources, including online courses and bootcamps, that you can use to improve your data science skills and enter this growing field.

A Note on Digital Badging

Many of the platforms below have implemented “digital badging” for their courses. Digital badges are certifications that you have completed a course or training module. LinkedIn and Twitter allow you to embed these badges into your profile, and you can also include them on your CV. Host platforms may maintain directories of all users who have been awarded badges so that companies can confirm your credentials. These digital badges are becoming increasingly recognized around the world as markers that an applicant has acquired certain skills and competencies.

5 Resources To Help Improve Your Data Science Skills

Coursera

Coursera offers many courses and certificates in data science including deep learning, data visualization, biostatistics in public health, and more. While courses are hosted by Coursera, they are developed by universities and companies such as IBM, Google Cloud Platform, and Johns Hopkins. Many are designed to be completed in under a month.

While Coursera does charge a monthly fee after their free 7-day trial, they also offer financial aid. Additionally, all Google courses hosted on Coursera come with a free month of services, and students can get 13 free Google Cloud courses by signing up with their school email.

DataCamp

DataCamp offers courses and “skill tracks” designed to help sharpen your data science skills in R, Python, SQL, git, shell, spreadsheets, theory, Scala, and Tableau. The free subscription to DataCamp includes the first chapters in all courses, 100+ coding challenges and 7 projects. Basic and premium subscriptions allow access to even more.

Microsoft AI School

The completely free Microsoft AI School has a Path Builder tool that creates a personalized lesson plan for you based on your job, existing skills, and what you want to learn. Courses are organized into modules: AI business, conversational AI, AI services, machine learning, autonomous systems, and responsible AI. Microsoft also has funding opportunities for researchers working at the intersection of AI, machine learning, and society (e.g., AI for Good Idea Challenge and AI for Earth Grants).

Google Resources

Google’s Digital Garage offers a free 40-hour course called Fundamentals of Digital Marketing. When you pass, you receive an internationally recognized certificate that you can link to on your professional profiles.

Google also maintains a series of Cloud and Developers certifications that are recognized globally as a gold-standard. Also, check out Grow with Google for free events and workshops, including remote webinars.

CUNY Upskilling

A curated list of no-cost virtual trainings that will help you get the latest professional skills and knowledge to discover your strengths, give yourself a leg up in your job search and help you shine to prospective employers. A series of training opportunities offered by CUNY that focus on high-growth tech fields. Visit CUNY Upskilling for information and to register.