Data Science Training for Veterans

Are you a veteran returning to civilian life or a member of a veteran’s family aiming to avail yourself of entitlements and benefits? This article is designed to help you navigate your options for taking advantage of available veterans benefits. You can use these benefits to enter a professional skills training program and learn the data science skills you’ve always wanted to acquire. Individuals with data science training not only have many job options to select from, but they also receive competitive salaries for their work. This job can be both lucrative and fulfilling. Data Scientists contribute to their organizations in many ways, such as by improving efficiency, lowering costs, solving problems, and increasing revenue and employee productivity.

Explore your data science training options as a veteran or member of a veteran's family. There are many entitlements and benefits for professional skills training in this field. Learn about the vast job options in data science, competitive salaries, and how data science skills can contribute to various organizations in multiple ways. These Noble Desktop bootcamps and certificate programs have been approved for the training of veterans and other eligible persons using the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), the Veteran Readiness and Employment Program (Chapter 31), and the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35).

Noble Desktop Data Science Training Courses Approved by the VA:  

• Data Science Certificate 
• Digital Marketing Certificate 
• Digital Design Certificate 
• Python Developer Certificate 
• Data Analytics Certificate

Key Insights

• Data science, a broad field incorporating disciplines like mathematics, computer programming, and AI, provides professionals with numerous career options and competitive salaries.
• Various sectors such as health and wellness, retail, web and application development, banking, finance, and governmental agencies require data science expertise.
• Professionals in roles such as Business Analysts, Machine Learning Engineers, and Enterprise Architects use data science on a day-to-day basis in sectors like banking, marketing, advertising, and healthcare.
• Veterans wishing to study data science can avail themselves of support from programs like the GI Bill, the Forever GI Bill, and the VET TEC program.
• Noble Desktop offers VA-supported programs in an in-person learning environment in New York City, providing data science classes for veterans on topics like data science, full stack web development, Python, and data analytics.
• The average Data Scientist in the U.S. makes around $100,000 a year, and the profession is expected to grow by 36 percent over the next decade.

What is Data Science?

Data science is the practice of studying data in order to discover patterns and meaningful insights. It is a broad field that encompasses the disciplines of mathematics, computer programming, and artificial intelligence (AI). Data professionals such as Data Scientists and Data Analysts use advanced techniques like machine learning algorithms to find patterns in a vast amount of information. This process can provide actionable insights to stakeholders, from Product Managers to C-suite executives.

Today nearly every sector requires data science expertise, whether public or private. Among the top sectors where data science is critical are health and wellness, retail, web and application development, banking and finance, and governmental agencies. The field continues to project dramatic growth over the next decade.

People have been analyzing data for hundreds of years, but data science as it exists today is the result of advances in technology that have made it possible to gather and analyze very large quantities of data. Around the world, huge amounts of data are collected every day. In a post titled “Big Data For Sustainable Development,” the United Nations explains, “The volume of data in the world is increasing exponentially. In 2020, 64.2 zettabytes of data were created, that is a 314 percent increase from 2015.” It stresses that all this data is a valuable resource that can be used in a wide variety of ways, from helping people better understand human experiences, to making more informed decisions about a variety of practical issues.

Read more about what Data Science is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Data Science Skills?

Data science has so many applications in different industries that a comprehensive review could fill a book. Professionals as diverse as Business Analysts, Machine Learning Engineers, and Enterprise Architects use data science in their day-to-day activities. Top sectors for data science include banking and finance, marketing and advertising, and healthcare:

• Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) - Business Analysts and Data Scientists use data for everything from fraud detection to customized financial advice. Machine learning algorithms can assist with risk analytics, stock trading, and other tasks.

• Marketing and Advertising - Data Analysts and Marketing Analysts use data science in advertising to create targeted ad copy, recommend products and services, and leverage social media platforms. Programming languages like Python and R--often key to data science positions--help experts analyze data and make recommendations.

• Healthcare - Data Scientists create algorithms to create care plans and improve patient services. Using data analysis in medical imaging can help care providers with diagnoses and treatment decisions.

Data science has also proven crucial to many other sectors, from retail and manufacturing to the public sector. If you want to combine challenging work with job security, start with data science.

An In-Demand Field

The future job outlook for data science jobs is extremely positive. One reason for this is a shortage of qualified data science professionals. At present, many employers report that they are struggling to fill data science positions. The World Data Science Initiative reports on its website that this is a worldwide problem. In a post titled, “Why Data Science Is the Most In-Demand Skill Now and How Can You Prepare for It?” the organization maintains, “Organizations around the world are finding it a big challenge to handle the enormous amounts of data at their disposal, and an even bigger challenge is how to manage the future datasets that will be exponentially larger.” As a result, it says, “With talent deficit and the amount of data doubling at a variable speed, it is hardly surprising that Data Science professionals are high in demand and data science is the most in-demand skill currently.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a federal agency that publishes U.S. labor market data. It predicts that over the next decade, data science jobs will grow by an astounding 36 percent. The average U.S. job growth rate is just 4 percent. BLS says, “Employment growth for data scientists is expected to stem from an increased demand for data-driven decisions. The volume of data available and the potential uses for that data will increase over the projections decade. As a result, organizations will likely need more data scientists to mine and analyze the large amounts of information and data collected.” 

Support for Veterans

If you’re a veteran who wants to study data science, you may be eligible to receive government aid that will cover some--or all--of the cost of your education. The GI Bill, also referred to as the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, was introduced to ensure that World War II veterans could take advantage of a range of benefits including money for tuition, books, and living expenses. The first GI Bill was passed after World War II, and since then there have been a number of updates. The Post-9/11 GI Bill was signed in 2008 and provides eligible veterans with many educational benefits, including money for tuition, books, and living expenses. The Forever GI Bill, signed in 2012, improved or expanded some of the benefits of the 2008 bill. Currently, the GI Bill’s educational benefits are managed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These benefits are available to active-duty service members, veterans, and their dependents. Overall, the GI Bill has helped millions of veterans get education and vocational training, and more than $400 billion has been paid out through this program since its inception.

If you’re interested in using the GI Bill to cover your education, it supports a range of training options, from associate to bachelor to advanced degrees. Non-college degree programs, such as vocational or technical training, are also covered under the GI Bill. Additionally, the benefits provided by the GI Bill can be applied toward on-the-job training, apprenticeships, licensing, and certifications. Other educational pursuits and professional training options are also covered, like flight training, correspondence training, tutorial assistance, and work-study programs.

Veterans and their dependents can also explore the VET TEC program. This program was designed to help veterans get started in a career in technology or learn computer skills. Participants in this program are eligible to receive training in fields like data processing, media applications, information science, computer software, and computer programming. (The programs offered by Noble Desktop do not currently qualify for VET TEC funding.) 

The Forever GI Bill is also available to veterans to help with education. Also known as the Harry W. Coleman Veterans Educational Assistance Act, the Forever GI Bill gets rid of the 15-year limit that had been previously imposed on veterans for using their educational benefits. The Forever Bill doesn’t expire and provides those who are eligible with indefinite access to a range of educational benefits.

If you are the child or spouse of a veteran or service member who is missing, captured, or dead, or who has disabilities, you might be eligible to receive financial assistance for job training under the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance program. This program is also known as Chapter 35. For eligibility requirements, visit the VA website. Note that Chapter 35 payments may not cover the full cost of tuition.

Applying for Benefits

Specific benefit amounts under the GI bill vary from person to person and depend on many factors, including how long a veteran served and what type of school the benefits are being used for. Veterans can also transfer some benefits of the GI Bill to a spouse or children. To get benefits under the GI Bill, you need to apply online orin person at the VA nearest you. The VA will process your application and then you will receive a certification of eligibility letter detailing how much of the GI Bill you’re eligible for. Students can only apply for benefits directly through the VA; training service providers often cannot assist with this process.

If you want to learn more about VA-supported programs, you can explore Noble Desktop’s Veterans Support page to find a range of data science classes for veterans. Course offerings are available in topics like data science, full stack web development, Python, and data analytics. Noble currently offers VA-supported programs in the in-person learning environment in New York City. The VA typically supports full-time study.

Why Should Veterans Learn Data Science?

There’s never been a better time to study data science. The Harvard Business Review recently declared that data science is the “sexiest job of the 21st century.” Learning to work with data is a valuable skill across professions and industries. Regardless of whether you’re entering or reentering the workforce after military service, data science skills are in high demand in the U.S. This is because we are surrounded by data. Every day, approximately 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are made. In 2021 alone, two trillion Google searches were performed, three million emails were sent every second, and a quarter-million kinds of malware were made daily. With our increasing reliance on streaming services, online banking, and social media, the amount of data being created will only increase.

Even with the onslaught of raw data, these numbers aren’t actionable until someone with a background in data science can make sense of this information, locate patterns or trends, and share these findings with others. This is why more organizations are interested in hiring individuals who can help them find value in the data. The insights Data Scientists provide their organization are beneficial in many ways; they can help a business reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and generate more revenue. Even the VA uses data analytics to predict the occurrence of disease or injury in veterans. 

A High-Paying Field

In addition to the many benefits Data Scientists provide their organizations, this field also offers competitive pay. Although pay rates depend on factors like job title, experience level, location, and employer, Data Scientists generally earn good salaries for their contributions. The median pay for a Data Scientist is $108,000, according to BLS. The agency finds that California, Texas, and New York employ the most Data Scientists. Washington, California, and Virginia pay the most, at around $140,000 or more yearly. In some top-paying cities, the annual wage for a Data Scientist is even higher. For instance, according to BLS, in Seattle it is about $151,000, and in San Francisco approximately $159,000. The median wage in San Jose is about $180,000. 

A Rewarding Occupation

Many people also find that working in data science is extremely rewarding. This work is both challenging and satisfying. You’ll work on real world problems, learn about exciting new technology, and continually grow as a professional. In its overview of the role of Data Scientist, U.S. News & World Report quotes data science expert Chris Holdgraf, who says, “Being a data scientist gives me the flexibility to work with people with many different kinds of backgrounds and to work on problems that are meaningful to lots of different communities, which I really enjoy.” U.S. News & World Report ranks Data Scientist as fourth in Best Technology Jobs, seventh in Best Stem Jobs, and eighth in 100 Best Jobs. It also ranks this job high when it comes to opportunities for advancement.

Why Choose a Skills Bootcamp?

If you’re a veteran looking to learn data science, you may wonder which learning format is best for you. Many colleges and universities offer coursework or a major in data science. However, enrolling in a traditional university or college can cost tens of thousands of dollars a year. In addition to the financial commitment, university study often takes four or more years to finish. This makes studying data science in this format prohibitive to some learners. In addition, because college study typically requires completing a range of general education requirements, it’s not the most efficient way to learn data science since only a portion of your coursework would be specific to data science.

One popular alternative to studying data science in college is to learn this skill set through a certificate program. Certificates in data science offer a more focused study format, providing hands-on training in the skills, programs, and tools needed to work as a Data Scientist. Noble Desktop’s Data Science Certificate is an excellent option for those seeking to learn a range of foundational data science skills. Those enrolled in this certificate are mentored by industry experts in topics like using Python to analyze data, querying databases with SQL, and designing machine learning models and data visualizations. Certificate programs like this are typically much shorter than college study, spanning just a few weeks or months. They also cost significantly less than most four-year degrees.

Data science bootcamps are another effective way to prepare for a data career. Unlike college study, which requires completing coursework in more than one subject, bootcamps provide skill-specific training in one data science tool or programming language, like Python, Tableau, or SQL. In addition, bootcamps are usually a much shorter learning option than certificate study; most require only several days or weeks of study to learn a particular data science skill. Another benefit of bootcamps is the cost. Bootcamps usually are much less expensive than college or certificate study, typically ranging in price from several hundred to several thousand dollars. This makes them a great learning alternative for those interested in learning job-specific skills like data visualization or how to query a database but don’t want to spend years and tens of thousands of dollars on study.

Whether you choose a certificate program or a bootcamp, you’re likely to have access to a wide range of career support services, which is also a significant advantage. Because these types of programs are designed to get students career-ready, they typically include career support such as resume advice and interview practice. For instance, many Noble Desktop programs include one-on-one mentoring sessions that can be used for these purposes. Most bootcamps and certificate programs also focus on helping students build a professional portfolio showcasing their data science skills, which is essential to finding employment in this field. 

Learn Data Science at Noble Desktop

Because data science is a broad field, targeted training can prepare you for a data-centered position or even help you choose a specific role. You might think you’ll need a four-year data science degree, but this isn’t necessarily so. The bootcamp or certificate educational model has become increasingly popular for data professionals, thanks to features like small class sizes, hands-on training from industry experts, and individual mentoring. Noble Desktop offers a wide range of data science programs to help get you started.

• The Data Science and AI Certificate is a comprehensive, multi-week course that is designed to prepare you for an entry-level job in data science or Python engineering and covers Python, data science, SQL, and machine learning. When you take this class, you’ll get hands-on training and you’ll also receive mentoring from industry experts. You’ll learn Python programming fundamentals and how to use Pandas, Numpy, and Matplotlib for data analysis. You’ll also learn how to read and write complex queries to a database, and how to automate tasks with Python. In addition, you’ll learn how to create machine learning models and use them to solve real-world problems, and you’ll learn how to make dashboards and visualizations. This course includes six one-on-one mentoring sessions.

• The comprehensive Data Analytics Certificate program offers the perfect training ground for Data Analysts, Business Intelligence Analysts, and Marketing Analysts. With a heavy emphasis on Tableau data visualization software, you’ll learn skills like Python programming, SQL, and machine learning, among others. Registrants of the Data Analytics Certificate or Data Science Certificate can also attend Noble’s Power BI Bootcamp at no additional charge.

• The Python Developer Certificate is a multi-week program that will prepare you to work as a Back End Developer, Software Developer, or Python Developer. In this class, you’ll learn to use Django, Django REST, Git, and SQL. You’ll also learn about dictionaries, custom functions, sorting algorithms, and working with APIs. In addition, you’ll work on projects for a portfolio. The class comes with four one-on-one mentoring sessions. To take the class, you should be able to code with HTML and basic CSS. If you need to learn these skills, Noble Desktop offers a basic HTML and CSS class.

Check out all the Noble data science classes and bootcamps for additional options, like the Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp, Python for Data Science Bootcamp, or Python Machine Learning Bootcamp.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Learning

Noble Desktop data science courses are generally offered in two different formats--full-time and part-time--so that students can have a lot of flexibility in the learning process. Each of these formats has its own unique advantages. A full-time class is usually the quickest way to learn data science. When you study full-time you can complete the coursework as quickly as possible. This is also the most immersive option because your education is your main focus. If you have the time, then a full-time course will let you finish your education quickly, however, if you are also employed in a regular job or have other obligations, a full-time program may not be a viable option.

If you need to take a bit more time with your education you can choose a part-time class. Part-time programs take longer to complete, however, this actually has advantages. One is that you’ll have more time to master all the new information you’re covering, practice your new skills, and develop a portfolio of projects that can help in your job search. With part-time learning, you can also spread out the cost of your education over a longer period of time. Another advantage of learning part-time is that you have more time to gain related work experience, which can increase your chances of finding work after your education is complete. 

Benefits of Live Classes

Noble Desktop’s veteran’s training classes all take place in a live format, which affords students numerous advantages. The biggest is the presence of a live instructor who lectures in real-time and is available to answer all of your questions. Many students find this to be the most engaging way to learn, and instructors often report that this format makes it easier for them to tailor the lesson to the specific needs of students. A live instructor can also provide regular feedback, which can help you learn from both your successes and failures and constantly improve your skills. Another benefit of a live class is that you’ll learn as part of a group of students. Interaction with that group can further enrich the learning process by giving you access to multiple perspectives, and it can lead to valuable networking connections.