Essential Subscriptions for Mastering Data Science Skills
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Data Science Learning Resources
Navigating the world of data science can be quite daunting, whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your existing skills. While numerous free online resources exist for beginners, they often lack direction, leaving many unsure about where to focus their efforts. For those with experience, finding advanced resources that keep their skills sharp can be equally challenging.
This is where paid subscriptions become invaluable. In this article, I will discuss four paid platforms that I utilized during my own data science journey—from my initial stages as a novice to my ongoing learning today.
Note: Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Section 1.1: Udemy's Personal Plan
Udemy offers a subscription service known as the Personal Plan, featuring over 8,000 courses available for a monthly fee. This plan is particularly beneficial for:
- Beginners aiming to create a personalized data science curriculum.
- Individuals with some prior knowledge who wish to explore various subjects without committing to specific courses.
- Those interested in accessing top-tier content from different online educators.
If you're a beginner (group a), it’s crucial to browse Udemy’s catalog to ensure the courses you seek are included in the Personal Plan. For those in groups b and c, I recommend checking out courses from various instructors like 365 Careers, Ligency Team, and Jose Portilla to find what best suits your needs.
I prefer Udemy's Personal Plan because it encompasses not only data science but also essential skills such as communication, software engineering, and web development.
For more insights on Udemy's Personal Plan and how it compares to offerings from platforms like Coursera and DataCamp, click here.
Section 1.2: Brilliant - Learning Through Problem-Solving
To truly grasp data science topics like analysis, mathematics, and statistics, it's essential to focus on understanding through problem-solving rather than rote memorization. Research suggests that engaging with challenges is more effective than passive learning through lectures.
I wholeheartedly support this approach! That's why I rely on Brilliant for daily practice in math, statistics, and other subjects. Brilliant not only covers essential data science topics but also teaches you to think like a data scientist through hundreds of interactive exercises.
You can master new concepts in just 15 minutes a day, regardless of whether you're a complete beginner or have some experience. For instance, I often forget statistical concepts due to a lack of practice, but Brilliant allows me to consistently refine my skills, even on my mobile device.
If you’re interested in trying Brilliant for a full 30 days free, click here (the first 200 users will receive a 20% discount on Brilliant’s annual premium subscription).
The first video, "7 Subscriptions I Use As A Data Scientist," shares insights on effective resources for data science learners.
Section 1.3: DataCamp and 365 Data Science - Starting Your Journey
For those completely new to data science, I recommend either DataCamp or 365 Data Science. My experience with 365 Data Science was very positive; it was exceptionally beginner-friendly. Their subscription includes courses covering programming, data analysis, mathematics, statistics, and machine learning, starting at just $34/month—a modest investment if you can complete the curriculum in a few months.
While I haven't personally used DataCamp, many colleagues have praised it as a great beginner option due to its integrated workspaces. These online IDEs enable you to write code without the hassle of setting up a virtual environment on your computer, allowing you to analyze data almost instantly.
In contrast, neither 365 Data Science nor Udemy offers workspaces. Despite that, if I were to start my journey again, I would likely choose Udemy over both options because it provides greater flexibility in course selection and many courses from 365 Data Science are available on Udemy.
Section 1.4: Staying Updated with Data Science Articles
For those eager to stay informed about the latest developments in data science, Medium.com is an excellent resource for finding current news, guides, tutorials, and career advice related to data science, machine learning, programming, and more.
You might be surprised by the caliber of contributors on this platform—ranging from enthusiastic data scientists to professionals from companies like Netflix and Google.
While the articles available on Medium are not a substitute for structured online courses, they serve as valuable supplements to your learning. Here are five examples of the insightful content you can discover:
- 5 Software Engineering Practices to Become a Better Data Scientist
- Pandas 2.0: A Faster Version of Pandas with Apache Arrow Backend
- What Makes a Data Analyst Excellent?
- 22 Habits to Become a Better Data Scientist
- Scraping a Website? Avoid These Pitfalls
Unlike YouTube, writers on Medium receive a share of the $5 subscription fee readers pay for access to all articles. If you appreciate my writing, consider joining this platform using my link.
The second video, "DataCamp Review - Is It Worth It? (2024)," evaluates the value of DataCamp for aspiring data scientists.