Data science is a multidisciplinary field that involves using techniques from statistics, machine learning, computer science, and domain expertise to extract insights and knowledge from data.
AI is a broad field of computer science that focuses on creating systems and machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as understanding natural language, recognizing patterns, and making decisions.
A strong foundation in mathematics, particularly statistics and linear algebra, along with programming skills (usually in languages like Python or R), is essential. Knowledge of computer science fundamentals is also valuable.
Machine learning is a subset of AI that encompasses various techniques for making predictions and decisions from data. Deep learning is a subfield of machine learning that focuses on using neural networks, particularly deep neural networks, for tasks like image and speech recognition.
The demand for data scientists and AI professionals is high across various industries, including finance, healthcare, tech, and more. Career prospects include roles such as data analyst, machine learning engineer, data engineer, AI researcher, and data scientist.
Common tools include Python/R, libraries like TensorFlow and scikit-learn, Jupyter notebooks, and data visualization tools like Matplotlib and Tableau. Cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud are also important.
You can work on personal projects, participate in online competitions (e.g., Kaggle), internships, and contribute to open-source projects. Online courses and bootcamps also offer hands-on experience.
Showcase your projects, including problem statements, data preprocessing, modeling techniques, and results. Explain your approach and the impact of your work. A well-documented portfolio is essential for job applications.
While advanced degrees can be beneficial, many roles in data science and AI can be entered with a bachelor's degree. Continuous learning, certifications, and practical experience are also highly valued.