Starting Your Career In Data (IT)
A 1-page guide to get straight into the weeds of IT and succeed
This is a beginner’s guide only and not an exhaustive guide.
I have worked in the data space as a business analyst, data analyst, data engineer, and data scientist. Over the years I have learnt that working as a business analyst with business managers/clients is not something I enjoy (and also pays lesser) than my latter jobs as a client facing data engineer and data scientist, which gave me the ability to work on end-to-end projects starting from requirement gathering and solution architecture to implementation and delivery. Following guide is in my opinion the best pathway for someone who’s never worked in IT before and wants to get into the data space specifically and possibly getting a high paying job.
What you need at the least:
2 programming languages - 1 proficient. 1 intermediate
Python, SQL, R, Go, Javascript. Choose any of these. Personally, I would choose Python, SQL and Javascript.
Learn these languages by actually writing code rather than watching videos on YouTube etc. FOCUS ON THE DATA USE CASES for all of these languages. Start with the basics. Following websites provide awesome guided learning pathways:
https://automatetheboringstuff.com
https://www.datacamp.com
https://www.hackerrank.com/dashboard
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/index.htm
You DO NOT need to learn every single aspect of these languages. Most of the developers get stuck in their daily life writing codes and find answers online.
Keep working on small projects starting with creating a simple calculator using programming languages. Always refer to the official website of the languages for detailed answers.
3-4 tools;
Pick a cloud platform - Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services (AWS) and explore the data tools that they are offering. For example, GCP has data tools like Big Query, Data Flow, AI Platform etc. You do not need to know these in depth as a starter, but a theoretical and a bit on hands on experience with this will take your Resume to the next level. You can setup free trial version accounts on the platforms for a year and use it to do your small projects and explore the tools.
Analytics tools - Hot in the market right now are Tableau, PowerBI, Data Studio, Google Analytics. The best way to learn these is again using the same strategy - test and learn - download or setup your account in these tools and start analysing data. Use your analytical side of the brain to identify patterns in the data and make an executive style presentation of your findings.
Communication skills;
Important part of any job include data is that you need to have good communication skills to show case the employers/companies that you have got what it takes to be a good skilled employee. Knowing only the programming languages and tools won’t get you the job, well, not always. You need to have that x-factor which can only be shown through good soft skills. When you talk to recruiters or a person from the company, show them that you have not only taken efforts to learn new things but also you can communicate well and influence people.
And, showcase all of the above skills.
Learning the above skills will take time. Once you feel that you have done enough including your own small projects, reach out to companies and recruiters directly. The data job market is always looking for newbies. A secret to enter any IT job market is to contact the recruiters and companies who are agencies/consulting firms/startups rather than the big firms. If you know someone from the data field already, reach out to them for referral. EVERY COMPANY HAS AN OPENING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON. Also, don't just follow the guide. Do your own readings and research for each section above.
If you think data is not your cup of tea - explore these options and follow the same pattern mentioned above:
Web development
Mobile development
Automation testing