“Do data science certificates hold value in India?”
You will often encounter this question if you are an enthusiast in this field. And along with it come varied opinions that can get confusing. But if you go by what data science experts think of this, relevant skills are the most valuable asset in your closet, not a professional certificate. So, are these courses not worth taking? Absolutely not.
“Data science certificates are worth nothing, but the certification programs are.”
A certificate is just a bunch of words written on paper. But, if you opt for a professional data science certificate course that teaches you the relevant skills, techniques, and concepts of data handling, management, and analysis – it can change the course of your career for good. So, while these courses are undeniably beneficial, you cannot solely rely on them. This article will discuss the advantages and some limitations of data science certification programs.
Review the points outlined below and consider them before opting for a certificate course.
What Is a Data Science Certificate?
Certification and degree courses are the two ways to acquire a skill or gain knowledge in and about your field of interest. A degree course spans longer, usually including extra subjects and concepts in the curriculum. On the other hand, a certificate program takes much less time, usually a few months, and its syllabus is limited to only the necessary and relevant skills and knowledge.
After completing a certification course, you get a professional certificate from the institution as proof that you have attended and completed that course. These programs may give you baseline data science knowledge or teach you some advanced techniques. They may focus on a single skill or have a compound curriculum with a mix of multiple relevant skills. Which of these course options you choose is up to you.
You can include these certificates in your CV and resume. But to benefit most from these courses, dedicate your time and attention to them and learn all there is to know.
Advantages of a Data Science Certificate Program
A large part of the population is turning toward data science certification courses and is happy with the results. This is because the many benefits offered by these programs are indisputable.
Some of the major advantages of a data science certificate course are mentioned below:
- It Matches Individual Requirements
There are endless options when it comes to a data science certificate course. So, there is a high chance that you will find one with the course curriculum, duration, and price you are looking for. Hence such programs are said to cater to individual requirements.
- Introduces a Competitive Edge
These certificate courses take a few months to teach you the basic and advanced skills relevant to data science. The environment here, with skilled professionals as teachers and an advanced curriculum, circulated between the aspirants of the same field, introduces a competitive edge. This stimulates the learning experience and gives you a small insight into the professional world of data science.
- Opportunities From Hiring Partners
Many data science certificate programs also offer placement opportunities. They have hiring partners who may present you with a job opportunity after receiving the certificate. While this is not an absolute factor, it can affect your career remarkably if the option is available.
- Primary Focus on the Relevant Skills
One significant advantage of a certificate course is that the curriculum focuses solely on the skills and information that is of consequence to your career. So, you can engross yourself in the syllabus and make the most of it without filtering out the necessary parts.
- Good Option for a Career Transition
If you want to switch your career path to data science without going through a full-time college again, a certificate course is just the thing for you. It would help acquire the necessary knowledge and experience in the data science industry. You will learn the techniques and concepts used by data scientists and get an insight into the career prospect of it.
Limitations of a Data Science Certificate Program
While profitable in several aspects, these courses do have some limitations. Some of those shortcomings are discussed below.
- No Universal Standard
Unlike a degree course, certificate programs are not regulated by any higher authority. Their curriculum and policies do not have to follow guidelines regarding including or excluding skills or concepts. While the certificates from certain reputed institutions hold some importance, the relevance of their course could only be expressed in the presence of an ideal model to follow.
- Does Not Solely Help You in Getting Hired
As mentioned earlier, a simple certificate only holds a little value in the eyes of a recruiter. You need the skills and expertise to match the claim made by the certificate. Work on projects and build a portfolio. Some certificate courses also offer practical training, which you can use to gain experience. Showcasing the expertise, you acquired from the course in your portfolio would catch a recruiter’s attention. Not a certificate.
Conclusion
Data science requires you to be well-versed in the field’s concepts, techniques, and nuances. While you attain a certain level of expertise only by having working experience, being familiar with the basics and having some practical experience is necessary. And a data science certificate program can help you with that.
Consider the course content, duration, cost, candidate qualification, and student reviews before enrolling in any program. Invest your time and hard work into learning the most from the course; the certificate will be worth it.
