8 January 2020
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Staying ahead in a data-driven world requires an ability to adapt to change and continually upskill with the latest knowledge and expertise. The need to not only keep up, but push a level above competitors could make you feel like you’ve stepped onto a set of impossible Escher stairs. But we know you love a challenge! Enhance your skills to leverage BI trends and ensure your business gets the most from its data. Here are a few resources to give you the oomph you need for your 2020 data journey.
Here are 10 books that are a must-read for budding and experienced data scientists:
1. Head First Statistics: A Brain-Friendly Guide. This is an excellent book for those at the beginning of their data science journey. It introduces fundamental statistics concepts, like mean, median and standard deviation in an easy to understand way.
2. Practical Statistics for Data Scientists. Another great book for beginners. It provides an overview of all the main concepts in data science.
3. R for data science. A good resource for beginners who want to learn the programming language R.
4. Introduction to Machine Learning with Python: A Guide for Data Scientists. Reading this book will give beginners a useful introduction to machine learning. Even though the book includes examples in Python, the reader doesn’t require any previous programming language experience.
5. Introduction to Probability. Those that have a basic grounding in probability will find this book a helpful next step in their learning path.
6. Python Machine Learning By Example. Readers that already possess a basic understanding of Python will gain the most from this volume. The information is supported with examples, which add relevancy.
7. Pattern recognition and machine learning. This book covers the topic of machine learning thoroughly with a particular focus on the mathematical aspect of data analytics. Readers may want to use this resource to supplement a machine learning course.
8. Python for data analysis. A practical guide to learning and applying the basics of data analysis.
9. Naked statistics. Here’s a book that makes statistics come alive! This easy-to-read, humorous volume takes the reader from the basics through to complex concepts.
10. Data Science and big data analytics. The reader will gain an understanding of why and how big data fits into the new digital world. The well-structured content provides the reader with an understanding of the big picture of big data!
Learning what you need to know when you need to know it is a fundamental component of learning and growth in our digital age. Here are a few online training resources that can help you supplement your data skillset and improve the data literacy of your organisation.
Image credit: Data Literacy Project
The training they offer is free and ranges from assistance for data literacy newbies through to technophiles. The learning modules begin with an overview of data literacy, then data fundamentals, followed by foundational analytics, data-driven decision making and advanced analytics.
“Technology is not the lifeblood of the fourth industrial revolution, it is the people who are interacting with the technology and the data inputted and outputted from it. It is imperative people have the right skills. This requires more people to be able to read, work with, analyze, and argue with data.”
Kevin Hanegan, Qlik, Chief Learning Officer.
Or topics such as:
According to Towards Data Science, these are the top 10 skills for those who wish to pursue or enrich their data science journey.
1. Mathematics and statistics: This skill should include statistics and probability, multivariable calculus, linear algebra and optimisation methods.
2. Programming: Of course, you’ll need Python, R and potentially other languages like SQL and Hadoop.
3. Data wrangling and processing: Data is a tricky beast. To get the most value for your business, you need skills in wrangling, cleaning and processing data.
4. Data visualisation: Simplifying data through a visual medium speeds up the time to insights. For more information on best practices in data visualisation, you can delve deeper in our blog.
Vizlib data visualisation dashboards
5. Machine learning: Understanding the machine learning framework is vital in data science. This will require familiarity with machine learning algorithms like continuous and variable prediction.
6. Real-world data science experience: There’s no substitute for on-the-ground experience in the data science field as a basis for further growth.
7. Communication: Effective collaboration requires good communication skills.
8. Life-long learner: Keeping up in this ever-changing field requires you to have a life-long learner mentality to succeed.
9. Team player: A team player builds and strengthens their relationships to ensure the whole team wins.
10. Ethics: An ethical approach to data science will ensure you get the true data story to your audience.
“Organizations need to spend time upskilling employees not only training on the latest technologies, like Big Data, Data Visualizations, and Data Science, but also on how employees should consume it, use it, and get insights and value from these technologies. This is a critical piece of the puzzle to properly upskilling the workforce.”
Kevin Hanegan, Qlik, Chief Learning Officer.
Networking and knowledge sharing with industry experts can boost your business to the next level and help you outshine your competitors. Join your BI fellows at upcoming events such as:
*Please note: The live event has been cancelled, however, QlikWorld 2020 is scheduled as a virtual event. Please consult the QlikWorld 2020 website for the latest details.
Attendees will hear the latest trends and best practices directly from industry experts to shape their data pipeline and drive business value from their data. Discover what enhancements, releases and integrations will make your world of data and analytics seamless.
Vizlib will be a Diamond Sponsor of QlikWorld 2020 and host a number of insights-packed sessions on data visualisation and self-service analytics.
You can register for QlikWorld 2020 here.
Keeping your knowledge and skills up to date will give you the foundation for an agile data strategy. One that aligns to your business goals and delivers the differentiation and value to take you and your business to the next level (and conquer any challenge, however improbable!).
Vizlib’s feature-rich data visualisation products will help you get started on your data storytelling journey.
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