As it has been highlighted by previous authors and in today’s environment of big data, large knowledge of various industries and types of work presents great opportunities for data analysts. Increasing numbers of workers are looking to data analytics bootcamps as a way to gain the skills they need quickly and to get a place in this dynamic area. But how do you enroll in the right bootcamp? And how do you avoid enrolling with the wrong bootcamp which can only lead to a waste of time, money and energy? This article will focus on giving a guide on some of the mistakes to avoid when choosing data analytics bootcamp so that you can make the right decision that will enable you to achieve your dream of becoming a data analyst.
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Ignoring Your Personal Goals and Learning Style
It is essential to begin, in many cases, to look inwards the moment one is determined to set on the journey of enrolling in a data analytics bootcamp. Some persons intending to join a program go straight ahead, without first of all, determining their needs and learning style. This is a big possibility as you may find yourself in a bootcamp coming out with skills the market does not demand for the chosen career.
Think more on personal goals that you have in the field of Data analytics. Are you in the process of seeking a complete change in career or are you in a bid to gain new skills to add up to your current career? Are you looking for a job in any specific sector or any specific post or designation? Knowledge of your goals will guide you in a process of eliminating bootcamps that do not align with your goals and which do not provide skills that you need to achieve them.
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Falling for Flashy Marketing Claims
As seen earlier the marketing department has its importance in data analytics bootcamps and it is probably the most essential in the process of attracting the potential students. Thus, there is nothing particularly wrong with good marketing, it is vital to consider the ads and go to the details of what each bootcamp actually provides to learners. This is especially so because most of the prospective students fall for what are taken to be big and grand, promises that actually are fake.
Here, graduates can be misled easily by the bootcamps that boast of very high employment rates upon completion of the course or substantial hikes in pay within a short period. Although such measures can be quite useful as indicators of a program’s effectiveness, they should be used with caution.
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Neglecting to Research the Curriculum and Teaching Methodology
Perhaps one of the most important considerations in a data analytics bootcamp is the curriculum and unfortunately, one aspect that many, if not all, intending students will hardly take their time to evaluate properly is the content that they will be learning. Lack of prior research on curriculum and teaching approach leaves one with high expectations that may not be met or a course content that is not of interest to you.
First, read the syllabus or course outline that is offered by the bootcamp very attentively. Search for far-reaching courses that provide for the key facets of data analysis from statistical analysis to data visualization, programming languages or coding languages like Python and R, fundamental concepts of machine learning, etc. To the same, exposure should also be offered to those tools commonly in use in the industry such as SQL, Tableau, or Power BI. There is also a risk of a program that is too specific or a program that advertises the coverage of material that is almost overwhelming within a particular period of time.
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Overlooking the Importance of Instructor Quality and Experience
Instructor quality and experience is one of the most important aspects of a bootcamp but a factor that is often given little consideration by a bootcamp aspirant. Some folks tend to think that all bootcamp instructors are equally fit for the job. This is quite mistaken. Not taking time to find out about the background and qualifications of the people who will be helping you learn from your mistakes than by offering substandard coaching and training as well as missing out on the opportunities you have at your disposal.
Do not neglect the search for the instructors related to the bootcamps that you are going to attend. Seek information about their practice history, years of experience and qualifications to teach in class. It is better if the instructors had prior employment in a data analytics firm to give insight into the workings of the course topics. Also, the years they have been teaching and their way of putting across ideas and concepts in simple processes.
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Disregarding the Importance of Networking Opportunities
It is sad that in their enthusiasm to learn curriculum and technical skills, most prospective bootcamp students fail to see the importance of networking when it comes to kick starting a data analytics career. Lack of vision to factor the networking value of a bootcamp can very much jeopardize future growth and employment in a job after going through the bootcamp.
Choose boot camps that prioritize the creation of a strong community and offer means for students to communicate among themselves, with graduates, or with professionals and employers. Such connections can be very useful for the exchange of information, work coordination as well as for job referrals in the future. Some bootcamps are exclusive to organizing networking occasions, or hosting speakers from the industries or having vibrant alumni groups. These resources can offer information about the present state of the labor market, the field of endeavor and other employment opportunities that you may be oblivious of.
Conclusion
Picking the appropriate data analytics bootcamp or data engineering courses is a decision that can have a deep penetration impact on your career path in this dynamic and quickly developing industry. It could help you form a more informed decision with respect to your goals, learning style and career objectives, by not committing the blunders highlighted in this article. While selecting each program check its curriculum, instructors, networking, time and cost, reputation, and post-bootcamp assistance carefully.
