Data science is booming. By 2023, the big data industry is expected to be worth $77 billion. It’s no surprise that data science professionals will continue to be in demand.
What’s concerning, however, is – amid huge demand how will data scientists and other data professionals prove their worthiness in the industry, especially fresh graduates who aspire to enter the Big Data industry.
One of the easiest ways to build credibility for data science skills is by taking an industry-recognized certification. Several data science certification bodies operate in the industry which offers certifications for data science professionals of all levels of experience. These certifications are highly valued and recognized globally. Other than credibility, certifications also result in the following benefits:
1. Better chances of employment: According to a Microsoft report, nearly 90% of hiring managers look for a certification. So if you’re a certified data science professional, you will have better chances of getting hired than a non-certified candidate.
2. Commitment to your profession: Earning a certification proves your commitment to the data science profession. While many people may be in the profession for high bucks, a certification shows you’re committed to learning and excelling in your job and not just money. For fresh graduates with no real industry experience, it could mean a lot.
3. Passion for learning: A certification proves that you are continuously learning and staying up-to-date about data science.
Leading data science certifications in the industry
1. Data Science Council of America (DASCA): It offers 6 different certifications for all levels of professionals in data science – Analyst, Data Engineers, and Data Scientists. All six certifications are vendor-neutral and globally recognized, meaning these certifications prove your competency in delivering results expected of a data science professional irrespective of technologies you use.
DASCA certification also demonstrate your proficiency in using various Big Data tools including Hadoop, Flume, Spark, Hive, and Pig – commonly deployed at the world’s leading enterprises.
2. Microsoft: Offers two prominent data analytics certifications: Azure Data Science Associate and Data Management and Analytics. Both certifications prove your proficiency in using SQL, Azure to build and deploy data solutions, machine learning, BI development, and more. Both are vendor-specific certifications. Earning both certifications requires extensive experience in using Microsoft tools and technologies.
3.EMC: Offers two data science certifications: Data Science Associate and Specialist. Associate certification is an entry-level certification that proves your readiness to work on data analytics projects. The certification tests your knowledge of scripting languages and exposes you to advance data analytics techniques.
4.IBM: Offers Data Science Associate Certification in collaboration with Coursera. The certification course equips you with data analytics and ML skills to start a career in data science. The certification is proof of comprehensive understanding of Python, SQL, data analysis techniques and machine learning algorithms which can be applied directly to work. For aspiring data science professionals, this is an ideal certification.
5. Harvard University: Offers Data Science Professional Certificate program in collaboration with edX. The certification equips you with knowledge of R, Statistics, data wrangling, visualization among other subjects. This is an entry-level certification and suitable for fresh graduates who are looking to jump-start their career in data science.
Overall, Data analytics certifications are meant to prove your competency at all levels of your career. They establish credibility among employers for your skills. This way you have greater chances to find better job opportunities and grow in your data science career. So get going and start preparing for your certification!
