How to Kickstart your Data Science Journey

Most times I get calls from people who want to dive into the Data Science field. First of all, I will like to congratulate you for deciding to focus on Data Science. You have made the right decision if you are that kind of person.
Here is What you need to know :
Data Science is broad. There are different aspects you need to know which include:

1. Programming - you can choose between python or R or both but have an open mind regardless. I will advise you to start with python. Learn python basics before the libraries. As for libraries( learn libraries like matplotlib, seaborn, pandas, NumPy, plotly for a start). Libraries are blessings, enjoy them. Check platforms like Edureka, Clever Programmer, Data Camp and so on.
2. Visualization — tools like Tableau, PowerBI, Quickview, etc. are powerful for your data science journey.
3. Mathematics and statistics - here you will focus on areas like Algebra, Probability, statistics(mean, median, mode) and so on. These concepts are beginner friendly and easy to grasp.
4. Data Bases - learn how to manage and organize data using SQL (Structured Query Language) with the likes of MySQL, PostgreSQL and so on.
4. Machine Learning - I see machine learning as the backend of Data Science. I may be wrong but come to think if it, Machine Learning is where the real work is. Here you start predicting the future of the data at hand, drawing insight from it , training and testing models, e. t. c.
5. Data Collation and Data Collection - first is collecting data and arranging it for categorizing to take place and the second is collecting data from people you’ve surveyed and gathering it in one place.

Step by Step Approach:

Above, I listed the tools and concepts used in kickstarting your journey but the step by step approach involves the know-how.

1. Have a Laptop or a phone : That is the basics basics your development. You can borrow from someone but for how long ?
2. Install Python version 3.8 upward on your laptop and install pydroid3 on your android( yes you can start programming on your phone if you do not have a laptop).
3. Look up websites or just google “python for beginners” and start learning tutorials and watch free videos on YouTube. Take note of the word free. In my opinion, start with free videos before you can pay for more advanced courses along the line.
4. Take python projects for beginners like the basic calculator, rock and scissors, basic games e. t. c. Check out ‘python projects’ on the internet.
5. After a while, learn Tableau or Power BI for visualization. Download data sets from Kaggle, Zindi Africa and so on and start visualizing it. Use visible colours and design with the visually impaired or those who are colour blind in mind — very important
6. Improve your mathematics.
7. Web Scraping - Web scraping is simply scraping the web for data. There are websites where you can fetch their data and use it to draw insights, some websites do not permit scraping, take note. Also, the most popular library for Web scraping is Beautiful soup so start with it.

Conclusion :
Data Science is a marathon, not a sprint. Do not expect to master any tool overnight just keep learning every day and be open-minded. You can be good at anything if you stick to it long enough.

Thank you for reading my Article!