This course prepares you for the role of Data Scientist by making you an expert in Statistics, Data Science, Big Data, R Programming, Python, and SAS.

What is Data Science?

Data science is a multidisciplinary blend of data inference, algorithmm development, and technology in order to solve analytically complex problems. At the core is data. Troves of raw information, streaming in and stored in enterprise data warehouses. Much to learn by mining it. Advanced capabilities we can build with it. Data science is ultimately about using this data in creative ways to generate business value. This aspect of data science is all about uncovering findings from data. Diving in at a granular level to mine and understand complex behaviors, trends, and inferences. It's about surfacing hidden insight that can help enable companies to make smarter business decisions.

Why Data Science?

How do data scientists mine out insights? It starts with data exploration. When given a challenging question, data scientists become detectives. They investigate leads and try to understand pattern or characteristics within the data. This requires a big dose of analytical creativity. Then as needed, data scientists may apply quantitative technique in order to get a level deeper – e.g. inferential models, segmentation analysis, time series forecasting, synthetic control experiments, etc. The intent is to scientifically piece together a forensic view of what the data is really saying. This data-driven insight is central to providing strategic guidance. In this sense, data scientists act as consultants, guiding business stakeholders on how to act on findings. For anyone that wishes to enhance their business/knowledge by being more data-driven, data science is the secret sauce. Data science projects can have multiplicative returns on investment, both from guidance through data insight, and development of data product. Though, hiring people who carry this potent mix of different skills is easier said than done. There is simply not enough supply of data scientists in the market to meet the demand (data scientist salary is sky high). Thus, when you manage to hire data scientists, nurture them. Keep them engaged. Give them autonomy to be their own architects in how to solve problems. A great way of finding your way into a data science or analytics career is through online courses. Here I look at some favorite Data Science online courses.