I have been contributing to Andrew's thread on how to get into the data science field. A recent college grad with a degree in environmental science and minor in statistics wants a job. Andrew suggests getting a job in industry - which I think is an excellent suggestion.
Here is my advice:
- Figure out what he enjoys doing – is it coding or is it problem solving? Those are two different jobs, one is software engineering, the other is more statistics and analyses. If he is in NYC, come to one of my public lectures at NYPL in which I explain how to pick a career path within this wide and exciting field. [The next one is on the May schedule.]
- Once he has picked an area, and hopefully also an industry, then he needs to reach out and talk to as many people in industry as possible. Go to networking events and meetups.
- Then apply to jobs. The job search is a job in itself; keep applying until someone gives you a chance. You will encounter lots of rejection but keep trying.
- If nothing is working, consider going to a bootcamp. They are set up to give you practical skills that appeal to hiring managers. Talk to the bootcamp organizers to get a sense of what their vision is, and see if it’d help you make your case.
One reason I have organized a bootcamp is that for some, it will be very difficult to break into the field without extra help - both filling knowledge gaps and making industry connections. I give the above advice to my students as well. They need to find a job that matches their temperament, and then work hard at convincing hiring managers to take a chance.
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