Data Science and Analytics: How They Could Help You Change Your Life

If you are presented with an opportunity to make a change, one that could transform your life, all the while making an impact for all those around you, would you take it?

If your answer is yes, then you’re in luck, because that is what Data Science and Analytics can give you.

Now I know what you may be thinking. “Data Science and Analytics? That’s just numbers upon numbers and overwhelming data that is hard to read! How could that change and transform my life?”

It must be mind boggling for many, considering what most think of it as: purely just numbers to read and see. However, when you dig a little deeper, there is something more to it all. One that can lead you to so many, different possibilities.

But no more beating around the bush: What is Data Science and Analytics, exactly?

To answer this more accurately, it would be good to consider them as Data Science and Data Analytics. Data Science is the term to think about when tackling all aspects of data processing, whether it’s collection, modeling, insights, or more. Considering this, Data analytics is a subset of Data Science, where it is mainly concerned with statistics, mathematics, statistical analysis, and the likes.

The power they hold is unmatched, as data-driven decisions shape and impact various industries across the board, like finance, healthcare, marketing, even gaming! And there is so much more where that came from. Across all industries, there is a significant growth of interest with data, especially when it comes hand in hand with the tech advancements of today.

Considering the rise of technology in recent times, the demand for data professionals grows rapidly within the Philippines and worldwide. This is especially relevant in the Philippines, as the distribution of ICT exports by country in Southeast Asia has the Philippines as #1. Being in the prime era of the internet and cyberspace, this means more opportunities to grab for many people. 

With this growing demand, many aspiring data professionals are turning to learning programs like Eskwelabs to build the necessary skills they need.

Several graduates have shared how their experience at Eskwelabs helped them enter the field and take advantage of these opportunities:

“The Eskwelabs Data Analytics Bootcamp fast-tracked me into the workings in the field. From the fundamental tools to making exploratory data analysis from scratch, the bootcamp replicated what data analysts encounter or do in their work.” 

• Larisse Pelayo, Data Analytics Bootcamp Cohort 7 Graduate and Scholar

“I was able to learn what data work would really be like, with a great time, and wonderful people from Payruler who made making these data products as fulfilling as they were intellectually challenging. The Industry Apprenticeship was the perfect opportunity for me to prepare for a career in the field of data, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.” 

• Hans Xavier Wong, Industry Apprenticeship Program of Data Analytics Bootcamp Graduate

“Eskwelabs is such a wonderful community. Not only did you teach me data analytics, but you also reminded me of valuable skills/mindsets needed both in work and life. Thank you for inspiring and motivating me; for showing me how to push despite the difficulties; for opening me up to different angles, ways of seeing, interpreting.” 

• Cristina Batalla, Data Analytics Bootcamp Cohort 8 Graduate

Nonetheless, why should one take the opportunity for Data Science and Analytics in the first place?

There are a couple of beneficial reasons, ones that can turn your life around, for the better:

• Reaching the higher earning potential and career growth
• Being given the flexibility of working remotely or freelancing
• Having the empowerment through problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Gaining improved efficiency and innovation with simple and complex data

All of these sound amazing, right? But what are the benefits without having the skills to back them all up?

Here are the essential skills to kickstart your journey, starting with the technical skills:

• Python
  
  • It is a high-level, general-purpose programming language.
• SQL
  
  • Structured Query Language is a domain-specific language used to access, manage, and manipulate data and databases.
• Statistics
  
  • It is the science of analyzing data, essentially helping us understand information by collecting, organizing, analyzing and interpreting data to find patterns, trends, behaviors, and connections between different things.
• Data Visualization
  
  • It is the graphical representation of information, usually showing data as charts, graphs, maps, and more.

Some of these are likely familiar for most reading this, while others might find some unfamiliar, but it naturally comes back to Data. We had mentioned some technical skills that can go a long way, but the soft skills are just as important to have, like critical thinking, storytelling with data, collaboration, and many more. These are the building blocks to one’s success in the Data Science and Analytics field.

However, it is not to say that you are fully required to have most of these skills from the get go, because anyone can transition into data careers, whether they are professionals already familiar with the craft or non-professionals that are just interested in the field itself despite having chosen a different path beforehand. Even those already aspiring in the earlier stages of their lives, like senior highschool students and university students can reach for the opportunity, so long as they decide to.

With that in mind, starting up isn’t always going to be easy. In fact, it’s going to be a challenge, especially if you don’t have a proper direction to go with.

So when considering one’s learning paths and plans, how about we remember all the interrogative words to get a clearer picture of the path we’re taking:

• WHO: 
  
  • Who is involved? Who can help you?
    
    • No matter what happens, it will always come down to you as the person most involved in your learning process.
    • Eskwelabs is the team who will go above and beyond to help those who are interested in learning and upskilling themselves in the field.
• WHAT: 
  
  • What can you do to start learning with Eskwelabs?
    
    • Some activities to start with are self-study, online courses, and bootcamps.
• WHERE: 
  
  • Where is the learning space for Eskwelabs?
    
    • It will mostly be Remote and Live Learning, in your own homes.
• WHEN:
  
  • When is the time and schedule for the bootcamps and events?
    
    • Our bootcamps are after work hours from 6-9pm and on Saturday afternoons. For more details, please visit our bootcamp pages:
      
      • Data Analytics Bootcamp
      • Data Science Fellowship
• WHY:
  
  • Why should you choose Eskwelabs?
    
    • Gives major benefits—provides a highlight on the importance of projects, great hands-on experience, and top-notch mentorship.
• HOW:
  
  • How can Eskwelabs help you thrive?
    
    • Eskwelabs' programs provide structured, career-focused learning, centered around Data Science and Analytics.

The best investment you can make is in yourself.

In the end, it all comes down to you. The demand for data skills is growing, and the best investment you can make is in yourself. If you’re a little lost on how to start though, don’t worry, as exploring Eskwelabs programs and opportunities can help you find out so much more. Whatever happens, you’ll take the first step forward for the possibility of transforming your life.

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About the Author

Mariah Medel is a passionate and committed writer with a strive to share new perspectives, innovate original concepts, and bring positive impact through high-quality works and narratives. When the imagination train starts slowing, one of her go-to ways to come alive once more is playing Valorant with friends!

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