Data science continues to rise as one of the most in-demand career paths in technology today. Data scientists are essential now in a wide array of industries, spanning from government entities to retail and healthcare. They play a crucial role in organizing and analyzing raw data sourced from diverse channels. This enables enterprises to make well-informed decisions, ensuring operational efficiency, increasing profitability, and fostering overall growth.

What is data science?

Data science is a multidisciplinary field that uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract insights and knowledge from structured and unstructured data. It combines techniques from statistics, mathematics, computer science, and domain-specific knowledge to analyze and interpret complex data sets.

The career trajectory of a Data Scientist can be viewed from four primary dimensions: data | engineering | business | product. The Data Scientist role is characterized by its multidisciplinary nature, and within each domain, the career progression tends to lean towards specific disciplines.

Skills required in Data Science

Professionals in data science require a combination of technical, analytical, and domain-specific skills. Here are some key skills required in data science:

Programming Languages: Proficiency in languages such as Python or R is essential for data manipulation, analysis, and model development.

Statistical Analysis and Mathematics: Strong foundational knowledge in statistics and mathematics is crucial for designing experiments, making inferences, and building predictive models.

Data Cleaning and Preprocessing: Ability to clean and preprocess raw data, handle missing values, and outliers, and transform data into a suitable format for analysis.

Data Visualization skills: Proficient in data visualization tools such as Matplotlib, Seaborn, or ggplot for creating clear and insightful visualizations to communicate findings effectively.

Machine Learning skills: Understanding and application of machine learning algorithms for classification, regression, clustering, and recommendation systems.

Big Data Technologies: Familiarity with big data technologies such as Apache Hadoop, Spark, and distributed computing frameworks for handling large datasets.

Data Engineering: Knowledge of data engineering concepts, including data pipelines, ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes, and database management.

Database Management: Proficiency in working with databases, both SQL and NoSQL, for data retrieval, storage, and manipulation.

Domain Knowledge: Understanding the specific industry or domain in which data science is applied, allows for more effective interpretation of results and business impact.

Communication Skills: Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and present findings clearly and understandably.

Problem-Solving Skills: Analytical and critical thinking skills to approach problems, formulate hypotheses, and devise effective solutions.

Collaboration and Teamwork: Ability to work effectively in a team, collaborating with other data scientists, analysts, and domain experts.

Version Control: Familiarity with version control systems, such as Git, for tracking changes in code and collaborating with team members.

Continuous Learning: Given the evolving nature of technology, a commitment to continuous learning and staying updated on the latest advancements in data science.

Data Science Job Outlook

The outlook for data science jobs continues to be highly positive. The demand for data scientists has been steadily increasing, driven by the growing recognition of the importance of data-driven decision-making across various industries.

In 2020, IBM forecasted an anticipated 2.7 million available positions within the field of data science and related professions. Furthermore, they projected a substantial 39% increase in employer demand for individuals specializing in roles such as data scientists and data engineers.

Why Choose a Career in Data Science?

In today’s data-centric world, businesses seek valuable insights from the vast amounts of data generated daily. This heightened demand for data scientists has created diverse career opportunities, ranging from junior roles to director-level positions. If you aspire to enter the field and advance from an entry-level position to a director, understanding the data scientist career trajectory is essential.

Data Science Career Pathways+Trajectory

Associate/Junior Data Scientist

As a Junior/Associate data scientist, your role involves testing new ideas, debugging, and refining existing models. Being a team player is crucial as you contribute ideas, take responsibility for code quality, and make a positive impact. If you aspire to pursue a data science career, starting before graduation is advantageous. Develop proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, R, and SQL/MySQL, and strengthen your foundation in Applied Mathematics and Statistics. Exposure to the field early on can help determine your interest and fit. Ideal subjects for study include Computer Science, Information Technology, Mathematics, Statistics, and Data Science. Key skills include data science, machine learning, Python, R, research, SQL, data analysis, analytical skills, teamwork, and communication.

Data Scientist’s Mid-Level-I Roles

After gaining one to three years of work experience, you can progress to Senior Data Scientist or specialize in Machine Learning and AI Engineering. Certification becomes valuable at this stage, with organizations favoring certified data scientists. Consider earning relevant data science certifications to enhance your credentials.

Senior Data Scientist and AI/Machine Learning Engineer

As a Senior Data Scientist, your responsibilities include building well-architected products, revisiting high-performing systems, and mentoring junior associates. A Master’s degree and possibly a Ph.D. are common qualifications at this level. AI/Machine Learning Engineers focus on designing, creating, and deploying end-to-end machine learning solutions. Skills required encompass Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Data Science, Python, C++, SQL, Java, and software engineering.

Principal Data Scientist

With 5+ years of experience, the Principal Data Scientist is highly experienced and well-versed in data science models. They work on high-impact business projects, possess a Ph.D., and often hold a principal data scientist certification. Their role involves understanding challenges in multiple business domains, discovering new opportunities, and demonstrating leadership excellence in data science methodologies. Principal Data Scientists play a significant role in developing junior team members, acting as technical consultants, and contributing to data science projects.

Data Science Manager/Architect

This role requires a combination of knowledge of database systems and programming languages. Responsibilities include team leadership, setting priorities, and communicating findings to management. Certifications such as Microsoft Certified Professional, Certified Analytics Professional, or SAS/SQL Certified Practitioner are common. A Master’s in business administration is recommended due to the emphasis on team leadership and project management.

Data Scientists Advanced-Level Roles

At this level, professionals demonstrate the ability to guide teams, oversee strategic data analysis, and stay abreast of the latest technologies. Leading an organization’s entire data science operations requires skills that can influence the organization’s success or failure.

Key Takeaways

Navigating the data scientist career path is challenging yet rewarding. As you progress, continuously evaluate and enhance your skills, daring to make data work for you and your organization.

Secure the future of your career by joining Moringa’s Data Science Course. Learn in-demand Data Skills that are reshaping businesses and industries today >> APPLY HERE

Article by – Steve Biko | Follow https://medium.com/@stevierbiko for more.

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Get to Know Your Trainer

Gitonga Mwaura Felix knows that successful employees, businessmen/women have exemplary professional development skills. So far, impacting lives through teaching and training is his favorite aspect of life! Felix loves social sciences and majored in Education at Kenyatta University, where he also earned his teaching credential and later a Master of Education degree at Mt. Kenya University. Felix is familiar with e-learning tools and takes advantage of technology in his instruction methods whenever possible. He is versatile enough to meet the changing demands of the industry and develop new training plans to accommodate those demands.

A fun fact about you

He is fun and humorous but very strict.

Why should people care about Soft Skills?

Soft Skills training enables people to “think outside the box”. Using these skills, people are able to critically weigh their options and make highly informed decisions, making them more likely to achieve the desired results. I think Soft Skills are an essential part of improving one’s ability to work with others and can have a positive influence on furthering one’s career or business. 

In your opinion, why should someone apply for the course?

Did you know that a third of life is spent in the workplace? That is why you need a unique set of social skills that will help you get ahead in that short amount of time, and it is our mission to ensure that we equip you with the ability to do that successfully. Do you want to sit and look back on your life and wish you took on a certain job or started a specific business venture and then come to Moringa? How do you get that job or get a competitive advantage in your field of expertise? Answer: Sign up for the Moringa Professional Development Skills Program Period!

Our course provides you with personalized learning content, convenient virtual training, practice challenges, and resources that directly and positively impact your career or business.

Make your first step to advancing your career by joining our part-time and flexible course in September.

Visit https://bit.ly/3PGSDdB to apply.

The post A Tip For Young Professionals – How To Upskill For Success In The Work Place? appeared first on Moringa School.

Curious to know who your Soft Skills Trainer is? Meet Edgar Shikumo – A Professional Development Trainer at Moringa.

Edgar has a background in Human Resources and Business Management providing a unique outlook on soft skills that encompass both corporate and organizational culture. He has a rich set of varied experiences having worked in tech sales, business development as well as learning and development. He is currently a Professional Development & Soft Skills Trainer at Moringa School, where he plays a vital role in nurturing young minds and helping them to transition into the world of work by upskilling them with soft skills.

A fun fact about Edgar?

He is an active and outdoorsy guy who enjoys working out and mountain biking during weekends.

Technical Skills vs Soft Skills when it comes to the workplace?

” While hard skills will get you into the door, soft skills keep you in the building enabling you to work well with other team members. With soft skills, you are best placed to position and propel your career growth forward into a world of endless opportunities.” – Edgar Shikumo

Did you know that Moringa now offers a 5-week Professional Development Skills Course?

The course will cover 5 key meta soft skills. At the end of the training, you will acquire skills in:-

1. Leading Self
2. Working with others
3. Effective Communication
4. Entrepreneurial Thinking
5. Project Management

The course is designed for the early career professional and active job seekers looking to upskill for career success. Applicants must have:-

• Strong desire to grow and learn soft skills
• A well-functioning laptop/computer device
• Access to a stable internet connection
• Good verbal & written communication in English
• Availability to commit to the 5-week course

Make your first step to advancing your career by joining our part-time and flexible course in September.

Visit https://bit.ly/3PGSDdB to learn more.

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Who is Tess Herra? Tell us a little more about yourself.

Tess Herra Yieke is a  trainer, who believes that talent will get you wherever you need to go, but only character will keep you there and propel you to the next unimaginable level of your life goals.

I majored in Industrial Sociology, Organizational Psychology, and Gender studies at the University of Cape Town. Currently, I am also pursuing a Master of Philosophy in Development at the same institution.

Tess has experience developing and delivering both academic and soft skills content to various groups of people through in-person and online learning platforms globally. I have worked with teams in tertiary learning institutions as well as youth governmental and non-governmental organizations and I am highly passionate about training and helping people become the best versions of themselves.

A fun fact about Tess?

I am terrified of heights but I have bungee jumped before 

Why should people care about upskilling with Soft Skills? 

We live in a world where education and technical skills are becoming the norm. A degree or a technical skill is not enough to get you ahead anymore. The job market is saturated with experts in each field like you and me. However, the only way that you can set yourself apart from the next knowledgeable specialist in your line of work is through soft skills. A Harvard research study on the importance of soft skills showed that 85% of job success comes from having well-developed soft skills and people skills. The world of work is constantly changing and so are the people in it, the only way to stay on top of these changes and make a real impact in your field is to join us at Moringa  School to start your journey of self-discovery and acquire the soft skills you need to continue being a successful professional. 

In your opinion, why should someone apply for the Professional Development course?

Our set of unique professional development soft skills courses are not just randomly put together, they are based on deeply meticulous research regarding the current job market and the business world. After undertaking our courses you will have the top set of soft skills needed in your field of expertise. Additionally, you will be self-sustainable as we will equip you with the tools that you can use to continuously re-strategize and develop yourself throughout your career life. 

Admissions for Moringa’s 5-week Professional Development Training Course is ongoing. Sign up to join and learn how to stay ahead of the industry – https://moringaschool.com/courses/professional-development-course/

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_{In line with Moringa School’s commitment to nurturing African tech talent, the institution partnered with I&M Bank LTD in organizing an exciting hackathon where its alumni participated.}

_{A fintech solution developed by one of the alumni teams during the just concluded Sankalp Africa Summit 2022 won a Sh50,000 cash prize courtesy of I&M Bank LTD.}

_{The Y-Chama platform was declared the winner during a virtual hackathon conducted between March 1 and March 4, 2022.}

_{Through the Y-Chama App, the group aimed to address a gap in access to financial services and empowerment for the youth of campus-going age. The winning app was designed to provide access to various Chama groups as well as provide helpful personal finance tips.}

_{Runners up were also selected from three other exciting fintech platforms – Inshwari, Sasa Coin and Farm Tech – all developed by Moringa School alumni.
Also taking home cash prizes courtesy of I&M Bank were; 1st Runner’s Up, Sasa Coin (Sh30,000) and 2nd Runner’s Up, Farm Tech (Sh20,000).} 

_{Speaking on the winning presentation during Demo Day on March 3, one of the judges emphasized that a good fintech product manages to serve a customer’s need while making it easy for partners to buy into the platform’s story.}

_{“You did an amazing job in terms of your presentation, you really understand your customer and their needs. You brought us into your story, we were all able to understand the product and that’s an example of a good product.}

_{“It’s amazing what you were able to share with us after just three days. One of the judges’ points to look out for is the immense competition in the space. There are a lot of startups and fintech in the space, so what are you going to do to get differentiated? Also, another thing to look out for is how will you build trust with the chamas?” judge Wangari Stewart relayed.} 

Why a hackathon?

_{A hackathon is a time-bound competitive event where participants collaborate to build a proof of concept and minimum viable products for a specific pre-defined problem.} 

_{Under the theme “Innovative & Sustainable Fintech Solutions that will drive the future of Africa”, the four teams had been challenged with the problem statement: “Are there any other smart ways to explore as a way of improving & solving problems around FinTech in Africa? Using emerging technologies in your proposed solution, let’s hear your innovative ideas!”}

_{The teams were mentored by Francis Kipchumba, Software Engineer at Moringa School, Francis Kipchumba and George Okumu, Front End Web Developer at Moringa School.}

_{The presentations were judged by Samuel Munyi, Tech Lead at I&M Bank LTD; Grace Mberia, Innovative and Inclusive Finance Pillar Lead at KPMG and Chief Product Officer at Maisha Meds, Wangari Stewart.}

Work with us for your hiring needs

_{Moringa maintains a strong and established connection with key industry figures who help in developing our curriculum in line with industry trends and the current demands of the African job market. We aim to ensure learners are best prepared for an ever-evolving industry with the right foundation to find long-term success in their chosen career pathway.}

_{For partnerships & tech talent hiring needs contact us on email at outcomes@moringaschool.com or call +254-700-297-213.}

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