How To Get A Data Science Job Without Any Prior Experience?

Did you know that data science is now one of the most in-demand professions across industries?

As companies around the world are focused on data-driven decision making, a career in data science has fast become an entrance into roles that pay well, have long-term stability and growth.

Wondering if you can enter this field without experience?

Well, every expert starts as a beginner! With the right guidance and training, you can build the skills necessary to land your first role.

Enrolling in an industry-recognized data science course, like the one offered by Great Learning, will help you to bridge the experience gap and gain the essential knowledge that recruiters seek.

Let’s dive deep into this blog, which will provide you with all the essential information to help you land a job in data science.

Why is Data Science a Great Career Choice?

Data Science has become one of the fastest-growing and most impactful fields, ideal for individuals passionate about problem-solving and data analysis.

With businesses and organizations increasingly relying on data-driven insights, the demand for skilled data scientists has surged by over 36% recently, making it a high-demand profession across industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, retail, and more.

Data scientists play a critical role in helping organizations make informed decisions, optimize operations, and gain a competitive edge.

This career path not only offers high earning potential but also provides rapid growth opportunities, with many data scientists advancing into specialized and emerging roles like machine learning engineering, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics.

Moreover, as data science techniques and technologies continue to evolve, professionals in this field are positioned to stay at the forefront of innovation, constantly enhancing their skills and expanding their impact across diverse sectors.

No experience in data science?
Discover the best online data science course for beginners and kick-start your career today!

Best Courses to Get Started in Data Science

Getting the right training is extremely important if you want to start a career in data science. Here are a few of the foundational courses that will introduce you to all core ideas in data science and give you some hands-on practice:

1. Data Science and Engineering Online Course

Our 9-month online Data Science course is specifically designed for beginners and freshers in India who want to enter the world of data science with strong foundational skills. With expert guidance and hands-on training, this course provides everything needed to jumpstart your data science career.

Key Features of the Program:

Duration: 9-month online sessions, providing flexibility and comprehensive learning to fit your schedule.

Placement Assistance: Receive support in finding job opportunities upon completion, helping you transition smoothly into the workforce.

Expert Faculty: Learn from award-winning faculty members from a top-10 business school in India, ensuring high-quality instruction and mentorship.

Real-World Experience: Gain practical knowledge through 13+ real-world case studies, designed to simulate actual data challenges faced in the industry.

Analytical Tools Mastery: Build proficiency in essential tools like Python, Tableau, SQL, Pandas, and NumPy, equipping you with versatile skills for data analysis and visualization.

Capstone Project: Engage in a comprehensive capstone project, providing hands-on experience and intensive practical learning to showcase your skills.

Hands-On Learning: More than 50% of the program is dedicated to hands-on projects, ensuring that you learn by doing and gain practical insights.

Certification: Earn a postgraduate certificate from Great Lakes, a recognized and respected credential that bolsters your professional profile.

Salary Boost: Graduates of this program have reported an average salary hike of up to 85%, marking a substantial return on investment and rewarding career prospects.

This course is ideal for anyone looking to establish a successful career in data science with a solid foundation, practical experience, and the tools to thrive in a competitive job market.

2. MS in Data Science Programme

This comprehensive 18-month program, developed and delivered by expert faculty with substantial industry experience, is designed to propel your career in data science. With a focus on practical skills and real-world application, this program offers everything you need to build a robust foundation and advance in the rapidly growing field of data science.

Key Features of the Program:

Duration: 18 months, ensuring an in-depth and steady progression in learning and skill-building.

Format: Online and 100% live interactive sessions, enabling flexible yet engaging learning.

Extensive Content: Over 225 hours of meticulously curated learning material, covering foundational and advanced topics in data science.

Hands-On Learning: Emphasis on learning by doing, featuring hands-on assignments, exercises, and project-based work to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Advanced Tools and Languages: Gain proficiency in 10+ essential programming languages and data science tools, equipping you with versatile skills for diverse roles.

Specialization in Artificial Intelligence: Dive deeper into AI, an area in high demand, and expand your expertise in this cutting-edge technology.

Capstone Project: Showcase your skills through a comprehensive capstone project, demonstrating your ability to solve complex, data-driven challenges.

Accreditation: Earn a prestigious Master’s degree from Northwestern University, recognized globally for excellence and opening doors to advanced career opportunities.

This program provides a strong, industry-oriented foundation to start or advance your journey in data science, with credentials that make you stand out in a competitive job market.

Enrolling in these data science courses can help you understand the essentials of data science and gain the confidence to tackle real-world data problems.

Developing Key Skills for Data Science Jobs

Data science requires a blend of technical and soft skills. Here are the key skills to focus on:

1. Technical Skills

Python and R Programming: Having sound knowledge in these languages must help you to analyze data and build your model.

SQL: SQL is the most important thing because it allows us to extract and modify the data.

Machine Learning: Understanding machine learning algorithms and ability to implement them is important for predictive analytics.

Data Visualization: Knowledge of tools like Tableau or libraries like Matplotlib and Seaborn are useful in visualizations.

2. Soft Skills

Problem-Solving: Data science is all about solving complex problems, so being analytical and curious is important.

Communication: Data scientists need to communicate technical findings in a clear, actionable way.

Teamwork: Working collaboratively with other teams (engineering, product, marketing) is common in data science roles.

Also read Top Data Science and Machine Learning Jobs in Startups vs. Big Tech

Completing a data science course like those offered by Great Learning can equip you with these skills through expert-led training and hands-on projects, giving you a strong foundation in both technical and soft skills.

You can check out our free courses to start your learning at no cost.

How to Gain Practical Experience Without a Job?

Even without prior experience, there are ways to gain hands-on practice that will make your resume stand out:

Personal Projects: Work on small data science projects that showcase your skills. For example, analyze a publicly available dataset and publish your findings on GitHub or a personal blog.

Kaggle Competitions: Kaggle offers a wide range of data science challenges that can help you build practical skills and create a portfolio.

Freelance and Volunteer Work: Offer your data analysis skills to local businesses or nonprofits.

Great Learning also offers access to real-world datasets, capstone projects, and portfolio-building opportunities within its data science programs. This hands-on experience can help you showcase your abilities to potential employers, even without formal job experience.

Networking and Getting Your First Data Science Job

The Importance of Networking for Job Hunting Networking is very important when searching for a new job, especially if you are trying to get into something as competitive as data science. This is how to network your way into a job opportunity:

Join Online Communities: LinkedIn, Twitter, and Reddit have active data science communities. Engage in discussions, share your projects, and connect with professionals.

Attend Data Science Events and Meetups: Many cities have regular data science meetups, or you can attend virtual events and webinars.

Leverage Alumni Networks: Enrolling in a recognized data science program, such as Great Learning’s courses, can connect you with an alumni network that offers valuable insights and potential job leads.

Great Learning provides its students with job placement assistance and an exclusive alumni network, offering direct access to industry professionals and recruiters in the data science field. This can be incredibly helpful as you transition into your first role.

Conclusion

A data science job with no experience is an incredible way to get started in your career and enter a field that will be more and more relevant in the future. If you take data science courses specific to the skills in demand — and put these learning into practice by building your portfolio — then you will bridge the experience gap and continue your career in data science.

However, programs such as Great Learning can fast-track you on your journey and give you the technical knowledge and industry contacts you need to excel. By being persistent, actively pursuing ways to learn, and having a solid program behind you, you are bound to get a data science job sooner rather than later.