Are Data Science Certifications Worth It

One of the most common questions when it comes to Data Analytics Training is the questions revolving around whether or not acquiring a data science certification is a step in the right direction. In most cases, for some people who have already understood the potentials behind the various data science certifications, their worries and questions seem to be, "which data science certification should I apply for?”

However, one fact I want to clarify upfront about the endless questions revolving around a data science certification is the fact that, enrolling for a data science certification or any other data analytics training should be something you go in for based on the skills you hope to learn rather than pay so much attention to the certificate it issues.

Well, you may argue that a data science certification is as well important as the skills which you gain from such training. Yes, but the truth about any data analytics training or data science certification is the fact that recruiting companies and firms pay little or no attention to any data science certification that you carry.

Obviously, you may cut-in to argue this fact, but the truth about acquiring any data science certification is that the skills which you are expected to acquire during your period of training are the most important requirement if you are to be hired as a data scientist.

In case you are still doubting my take on why you shouldn’t pay so much attention to acquiring a data science certificate or any other data analytics training certification, read this - about 80 percent of hiring managers are always on the lookout for skills in any data science and data analytics job applicants, and once they are able to find individuals with the much-anticipated skills, they may then proceed to request for their certification for a proof.

Why Hiring Managers Call ForData Science Certificates After Skills?

It will interest you to know that acquiring a data science certification is a core requirement for your employability. However, the reason why most employers wouldn’t want to start your assessment from proof of your certification is that data science certificates don't have a universal standard as well as an accepted certification authority.

Why? The reason is simple – most schools, online learning platforms as well as websites offering various data science certification courses issue their certificates. By extension, what this means is that the standards of assessments are generally not the same since there may be some forms of compromise in the grading process. And like you can rightly tell, this will definitely be different from one school to the other.

So, like you may think (assuming you are an employer), once you pick up a CV that has a Data Science Certificate as one of the applicant’s certificates, you will hardly be able to tell what was the nature of training such an applicant undergone. More so, since you can’t tell how rigid the grading policies in such a school or training website is, you can hardly vouch for the true competence of such applicant.

In such a situation, the only way out is to test an applicant on some hands-on examination where you can certify them of being competent as a data scientist. See, with this, instead of a recruiting manager giving so much attention to your data science certificates on your CV, they will rather look for skills and projects you’ve accomplished as a data scientist.

While many people may still be skeptic of whether or not there is a need for a data science certification, there are lots of proven advantages of acquiring one. In fact, beyond acquiring a data science certificate for job-hunting, here are other good reasons why we can say that data science certifications are a necessity.

• It Serves As A Stamp Of Proficiency

Just like any other certificate, a data science certification shows your level of proficiency as a data scientist. For most organizations in need of a data scientist to hire, they obviously will be on the lookout for applicants with a degree from a reputable data analytics training institute. So, with a data science certification, at least you have something to show that you've attained a high standard of education.

• Shows Your Level of Passion for Data Science Skills

One way to show your peers and potential employers that you are serious about your career is by including a data science certification in your resume. With this, any hiring organization will see you as an individual who is passionate about his carrier, as such is making concrete effort to gain all the required skills to be relevant in his chosen field of discipline.

• It Helps You To Be Updated With The Latest Industry Trends

One way of expanding your knowledge base is by learning something every day. So, when it comes to being updated with what the latest trends in the industry requires, working and learning to acquire a data science certification keeps you on your toes to know what’s happening. Besides knowing what’s happening, you will also work hard to give solutions to emerging problems within the industry. Withthis, you seamlessly become an asset to your employers.  

• Increases Your chances of Occupying the Top Positions

First thing first, a data science certification will boost your chances of getting hired. Similarly, since the process of acquiring a data science certification isn't a cakewalk, your CV will definitely stand out among others when it comes to recruitment. More so, once you are employed, your employers will have confidence in handing over the top and sensitive positions to you to control and manage. This, they will do with the assurance that you have all it takes to manage such positions effectively and efficiently.

• Suitability To Work in Various Industries and Domains

Is it healthcare, education, entertainment or defense, all these areas of human endeavors rely so much on the power of data science as well as data analytics to keep track of their records and monitor progress. So, as a certified data scientist, you seamlessly have the opportunity to work under any of these domains since you have the needed skills to solve their data-related problems. In most cases, you can even work as a business intelligence professional, a project manager, or even as a statistician.

Conclusion

The questions about “Why do I need a data science certification?” is obviously one that is worth asking. But when considering the enormous benefits and advantages that come with taking this step of professionalism, it then becomes evident that acquiring data science certifications is something that can’t be traded for something else, especially as more organizations and firms are seeking for a well-trained and qualified data scientist to hire.