Several non-tech students are opting for a career in data science. Here's why

The job of a data scientist has become an additional attraction for several students and data professionals. The growing importance of data science in our daily lives has created a hike in the demand for skilled and talented data science professionals. Every company, no matter big or small, is looking for individuals who can tactfully handle the vast amounts of data and draw insights that will serve the purposes of the company.

With the increasing importance given to skills over degrees, several students from the non-technical background are also looking for a career in data science. Online training has provided the students with the facility to understand the cores of this subject. It allows them to avail cost-effective means to explore new career opportunities and learn new skills while managing other jobs and responsibilities.

According to the latest reports by Internshala, about 28% of the students have enrolled in data science training, and most of them were either pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A) or Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com). Other non-tech students were attracted to ethical hacking, programming using Python, web development, and other related fields. There might be several reasons why non-tech students are looking for data science jobs.

1. During graduation, commerce and management students gain a good understanding of handling statistical data and Excel, which are highly needed for data analysis. Pursuing a data science career would not only polish their skills but help them gain a deeper understanding of the programming languages, data-based technical skills and  make data-driven managerial decisions.

2. Students gain an understanding of working with Python programming, machine learning algorithms, and predictive modeling. Combining all these skills would provide valuable knowledge about dealing with structured and unstructured data. Industry training helps them get practical knowledge about how to use predictive modeling for the benefits of the organization and adds weight to the resume.

3. With the increasing career opportunities in data science, it provides a wide array of unique job options to the students, both in data science and management. Their knowledge in management helps them obtain lucrative opportunities in international accounting, entrepreneurship, travel and tourism, business analytics, and other related fields. Meanwhile, their skills and experience in data science would help them understand the core of analytics and help them gain an edge over other students so that they can opt for higher education.

Here are the top 3 skills a candidate would require to achieve a successful career in data science with a non-technical background.

• Identify the Ideal Field: Data science is a vast subject; hence, students must understand the importance and the functions of the different aspects, analyze what interests them, and choose accordingly. To become a data science professional, it is imperative to understand the roles and responsibilities that comes with it. Knowledge of technical skills like mathematics, programming, and statistics would be an added advantage.
• Automating Decision-making based on Business Problems: Automation is one of the biggest advantages of using AI and machine learning technologies. Data scientists understand the role and the need for automation based on different business problems and act accordingly. Making the right decisions is imperative to fulfill the goals of the organization efficiently.
• Big data and Statistical Techniques: Data analysis is co-dependent on statistical analysis and big data techniques. Candidates should have a stronghold on these skills along with an understanding of handling unstructured data and drawing insights from them.

Data science is a field with limitless possibilities. Anybody with a conviction to understand and play with the ever-changing technology can achieve a successful career in this field.