Ask HN:How to switch career from programmer to data scientist?

MojoJolo · on Jan 15, 2014

In my case, I was a software engineer for more than a year. I made an algorithm that works well during my MS degree. A company took notice of it. They hired me.

I don't have much data science background. I don't have any formal introduction in it. But when I started, I realized that my experience in building the algorithm is a good enough starting point. My point is, don't just take online courses, try to apply what you learn. Try Kaggle, can't vouch for it though, I still don't have a chance to try it. You can also gather data, do some data science out of it, post your findings as an article in your blog, and share it in social media. Not a sure fire, but can give you credibility and people will know that you knew something about data science.

soboleiv · on Jan 16, 2014

A topic having loads of information answering your question: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=7068672 https://github.com/datasciencemasters/go/

soboleiv · on Jan 15, 2014

How about trying chasing some data scientists jobs and fixing your knowledge/experience gaps as you go?

MaysonL · on Jan 15, 2014

Online courses, and Kaggle competitions. Lather, rinse, repeat.

queensnake · on Jan 15, 2014

Unfortunately Kaggle doesn't seem to have as many entry-level competitions as it once did. Some learning ones, sure, but you need something to let you move up to 'Masters Level'. Also, it looks like the whole process would take a couple of years.

runjake · on Jan 15, 2014

Insufficient data to provide a meaningful answer.

runjake · on Jan 15, 2014

This comment is getting down arrowed into oblivion, sorry.

The OP originally submitted this with the subject and contents of "How to switch career from programmer to data scientist?". It wasn't a very useful query. He edited his question after that.

I thought I'd quote a little Asimov to elicit more information.