How do I start learning data science as a beginner?

I just started Jose Portilla’s Python for Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp. I’m new to Python and finding it tough to keep up. I studied statistics in college because I was an applied math major. Am I on the right track? Should I take more online courses or quit my job to go to graduate school for computer science? I’m feeling lost in this field.

Data science is a broad subject. Start with clear goals to make learning easier. Check out the curriculum available at GitHub - datasciencemasters/go: The Open Source Data Science Masters.

Don’t quit your job unless it’s something you can’t stand.

Start by learning the basics of Python. There are good courses on platforms like Udemy. Python is your main tool, and understanding its core concepts like sorting, filtering, and creating logical workflows will save time. Explore libraries that simplify tasks, from text analysis to more advanced applications.

Portilla’s courses are solid. Go through them slowly and experiment with the techniques and algorithms. Focus on traditional machine learning before diving into deep learning. Kaggle is a great resource—review past competitions and participate in live ones. Reading other users’ work and doing your research will help.

Once you grasp traditional methods, move on to neural networks. Platforms like Fast.ai offer useful courses for modern approaches.

@Ashton
I agree, don’t quit unless you absolutely have to.

Focus on solving problems and interpreting data in a way that makes sense to non-statisticians. Most people you deal with won’t be fans of stats but will want business problems solved clearly.

This might help: Machine Learning Zero-to-Hero: Everything you need in order to compete on Kaggle for the first time, step-by-step! | by Oren Dar | Towards Data Science.

I’m also planning to take that course after finishing the SQL bootcamp by the same instructor. How’s your progress so far?

Try this free course to get started: https://learn.analyttica.com/courses/Fundamentals_of_Data_Analytics. After finishing, you’ll have a better sense of your next steps. Also, check out this blog for more insights: Gearing up for a career in Data Science? Don’t forget the Intangibles – Welcome to Analyttica.

Portilla’s course is great for learning algorithms. If you want a deeper understanding, look into courses like Lazy Programmer’s series. Knowing some calculus and linear algebra helps. Python is beginner-friendly, so practice a lot. The biggest hurdle is consistent practice.

@Justice
How long did it take you to finish the course?

Ozzie said:
@Justice
How long did it take you to finish the course?

Which course are you asking about?

Justice said:

Ozzie said:
@Justice
How long did it take you to finish the course?

Which course are you asking about?

The Python bootcamp. I’m thinking about joining it.

@Ozzie
I haven’t finished it completely since some parts weren’t relevant for me. I completed about 60% in under a month. The key is to practice—work on small coding challenges as you learn.

Justice said:
@Ozzie
I haven’t finished it completely since some parts weren’t relevant for me. I completed about 60% in under a month. The key is to practice—work on small coding challenges as you learn.

I got stuck when he introduced objects and classes. Should I skip that part and move on to the data science material?

@Teagan
If you’re focusing on data science, you can skip objects for now. You’ll need basic programming skills like loops and functions. For advanced roles, understanding object-oriented programming might be important, though.

@Justice
I’m in data management and want to move to an analyst role. I have experience with SQL, Python, and R. Would that be enough to land an analyst job?

Teagan said:
@Justice
I’m in data management and want to move to an analyst role. I have experience with SQL, Python, and R. Would that be enough to land an analyst job?

You should have a strong chance with those skills.

@Teagan
I struggled with some projects in that course. Focus on lists, loops, and dictionaries first. Once you’re comfortable, move to data science material.

Justice said:
@Ozzie
I haven’t finished it completely since some parts weren’t relevant for me. I completed about 60% in under a month. The key is to practice—work on small coding challenges as you learn.

Thanks for the advice.

Since you have a math background, learning Python should be easier. Start with books like Data Science from Scratch. Then try projects on Kaggle, starting with simple datasets like Titanic or Iris. Work on predictive models and build your skills.