Which Data Science Training Format Is Right for Me?

When comparing types of data science training, there are many factors to consider. Everyone learns differently, and choosing the best training for your learning style is critical to your experience. Data science cuts across virtually every industry. The need for skilled data pros in sectors like finance, healthcare, and retail, in particular, is growing by leaps and bounds. If you want to combine challenging work with job security, consider a career in data science.

Read on to learn more about the different formats of data science training, how they compare, and how to determine which is best for you.

What is Data Science?

Data science 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; Glassdoor even listed Data Scientist as number three in its 50 Best Jobs in America in 2022.

Read more about what data science is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with Data Science?

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 & 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 & 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.

• In 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 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.

Training Formats for Data Science

Students looking to learn data science skills can choose from numerous training formats. As a rule, there are four major categories:

1. Free introductory seminars and tutorials
2. On-demand classes
3. Live online coursework
4. In-person training programs

Free courses include online seminars like data science videos and online tutorials from Noble Desktop. On-demand classes may be free, but most are fee-based or require a subscription service.

Live online data science bootcamps and certificate programs are among the most popular alternatives for students and busy professionals. And in-person coursework often provides the same in-depth level as online learning but with even greater engagement.

In-Person Data Science Training

Training in the traditional classroom is often the most effective method for many data science beginners. The option of learning in person, networking with peers, and working on course provider equipment are all advantages. While some students prefer not to travel to a class, this tried-and-true method boasts the highest level of engagement overall.

Noble Desktop offers multiple data science training options, including their Data Science Certificate and Data Analytics Certificate. Additional Noble programs include their Python for Data Science Bootcamp, FinTech Bootcamp, and Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp.

You can also learn data science through in-person options like General Assembly’s Data Science Immersive, Flatiron School’s Data Science Bootcamp, or Thinkful’s Data Science Immersion.

Live Online Data Science Training

While some students prefer to learn in a classroom setting, others turn to live online bootcamps or certificate programs to learn data science. These immersive courses offer in-depth training in a condensed time frame, preparing attendees to begin new careers or level up from current roles. Online courses provide face-to-face training via teleconferencing: you can learn from the comfort of your home. Student engagement may be slightly lower, but many find the tradeoff worthwhile.

You can find a host of live online data science classes using Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me search tool. They offer many of them at the NYC campus on Madison Avenue. However, participants outside the area can attend these programs from anywhere via teleconferencing. Consider the following data science bootcamps:

• Data Science Certificate - Noble’s Data Science Certificate program covers data science in detail, with topics like Structured Query Language (SQL) and Python programming for automation and machine learning (ML). The course is open to beginners and includes training in popular libraries like NumPy and Pandas. Check listings for more information. 

• Data Analytics Certificate - The immersive Data Analytics Certificate is the perfect launching pad for data sciences novices looking to qualify for entry-level data analytics or business intelligence analytics positions. It combines bootcamps in Excel, SQL, and Tableau with Python programming for data science, automation, and machine learning.

• Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp - As a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning has quickly become a top skill set for data science pros of all types. This immersive course includes a Python for Data Science Bootcamp, a Python for Automation module, and a Python Machine Learning Bootcamp. 

Other live online options include a Data Science Bootcamp from NYC Data Science Academy, Thinkful’s Data Science Immersion, and Online Data Science from Flatiron School.

Free Online Courses & Tutorials

If you can’t currently commit to a full-length data science bootcamp or certificate program, consider the many free online resources you can use to start learning data science. For example, Noble Desktop’s Intro to SQL is a great place to start. Learn why Structured Query Language is essential to data science in this free introductory course. It’s the perfect background prep for a more extended program like Noble’s Data Science Certificate or Data Analytics Certificate.

Other free online classes include Data Science Math Skills from Duke University, Data Processing Using Python from Nanjing University, and Algorithms, Pt. 1 from Princeton University.

Read about more free data science videos and online tutorials.

On-Demand Classes

On-demand or self-paced data science courses are also available, although they aren’t as thorough as live bootcamps or certificate programs. The Get Started in Data Science video tutorial from Noble Desktop provides a free two-hour introduction, while course providers like Udacity or Skillsoft offer training with your paid subscription to their platforms. Other on-demand alternatives require payment.

Noble offers additional free seminars on data science, along with blog posts and tutorials. You’ll find samples in the data science section of the Learn Hub. Their website's Free Seminars page hosts an Intro to Python Fundamentals seminar. And check out their YouTube page for a playlist on Python, Data Science, and SQL.

Read the full guide on how to learn data science.

Comparison of Data Science Training Formats

Bootcamps or certificate programs can be an ideal way to learn data science. If your learning style requires a traditional classroom experience, an in-person course should be your first choice whenever possible.

This module covers the three primary training methods:

• In-person
• Live online
• Self-paced/on-demand

Among the three, students typically find online live and in-person courses the most engaging, interactive formats. You can ask questions and get real-time answers, receive guidance for your portfolio, and interact with like-minded peers, all in a dynamic setting.

Additional advantages of face-to-face training are that it offers networking opportunities, and course providers usually have dedicated computer labs with up-to-date software. You never have to worry about an equipment breakdown.

These days, many students and busy professionals avail themselves of virtual live bootcamps or certificates for their data science education. Like in-person coursework, live online training offers multiple benefits. You get immediate answers to your questions like in a traditional classroom, but you can learn from the comfort of your office or home. Expert instructors with experience in the field can give you feedback and even share your screen with permission. If there’s a drawback to online classes, it’s that some students need in-person engagement for an optimum learning environment.

The self-paced or on-demand learning format can be more of a wild card than in-person or virtual live training. These can range from free two-hour videos to eight-month programs costing thousands of dollars. While you might think a self-guided program of such magnitude would be ideal, many students report that the lack of accountability for assignments makes it difficult to stay engaged. On the other hand, a short, low-cost, or free on-demand seminar often serves as the perfect introduction before committing to a full-length certificate program.

Is it Possible to Teach Yourself Data Science?

Many people begin their data science education by watching online seminars or tutorials. While you can learn fundamental data science concepts this way, most students soon realize the limitations of free or low-cost training.

To fully grasp data science—especially if you are learning it for professional reasons—you’ll need an instructor who is an expert in the topic and can give you the correct information. Data science as a field is wide-ranging, and your area of expertise may require training in specific programming languages (Python, Java), data visualization (Tableau, Power BI), or other tools.

There’s nothing wrong with reading articles or watching video tutorials. However, once you have a handle on the basics, consider enrolling in an immersive bootcamp or certificate program for in-depth training in a concentrated timeframe.

How to Decide the Best Way to Learn Data Science

When choosing the best way to learn data science, consider first how and for what you want to use the skills and knowledge you’ll gain. Beginners may not be ready to invest in formal training yet want a high-level overview of the field. In such cases, a free introductory class like Noble Desktop’s Intro to SQL may be the best way to start.

If you want to develop a working knowledge of data science or level up from your current position, check out a program like Noble’s Python for Data Science Bootcamp or Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp. 

Want to master data science for a new career? Consider enrolling in a lengthier program like Noble’s Data Science Certificate or Data Analytics Certificate. These intensives cover topics like Python, SQL, and machine learning, to name a few.

Learn Data Science with Hands-on Training 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.

• Data Science Certificate - The comprehensive Data Science Certificate provides all the skills required for entry-level data science, data analytics, or software engineering roles. Students learn how to write complex queries and build machine learning models while preparing a portfolio on a real-world basis. Skills covered include Python, SQL, NumPy, Pandas, and Jupyter Notebook, to name a few.

• Data Analytics Certificate - 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.

• Python for Data Science Bootcamp - The Python for Data Science Bootcamp covers everything from programming fundamentals to data visualization. Students can save by taking this course as part of Noble’s Data Science Certificate, Data Analytics Certificate, or FinTech Bootcamp.

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.