What You Need to Know About the Data Science and Analytics Bootcamp

Kansas State University is making data science careers more accessible with the launch of an online Data Science and Analytics Bootcamp. The bootcamp strives to help career changers and professionals without a background in tech become data professionals in less than one year. Let’s break down how enrolling in the bootcamp will help you pivot to a tech career. 

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What are bootcamps?

Bootcamps are a practical approach to adult learning, allowing participants to focus solely on a specific skill set with rigorous and time-intensive courses, such as coding, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and more. In general, bootcamps are sought by individuals looking for quick upskilling or reskilling programs and are a desirable alternative to conventional degrees for their relative flexibility and accessibility. 

The K-State bootcamps offer a unique approach to adult learning, knowledge transfer, and professional development with comprehensive training programs lasting 10 to 11 months.

About the K-State data science and analytics bootcamp

Unlike other data science bootcamps, the Kansas State University Data Science Analytics Bootcamp provides comprehensive training in both data science and data analytics with online classes that provide well-rounded knowledge and skills of the field to help you expand your career prospects, regardless of your level of experience. 

Keep your day job

The 400-hour part-time program spans ten months via online weekend and evening classes. It offers learners the technical knowledge and mentorship they need to build the necessary hands-on experience to jump into their first data science job with confidence. Having previous experience is not a necessary requirement.

Built with busy individuals in mind, this program allows you to continue working your current job and keep up with your previous familial commitments while you train with professionals.

10 months to a new career

In your pursuit of a tech career, it’s possible to get started in less than one year with the guidance and expertise of professionals with years of experience. Our bootcamp helps you build real-world skills for today’s workforce along with a professional community of expert instructors as your mentors. While getting started with free online courses is a great option for beginners, pursuing job-ready skills with a comprehensive training program and connecting with potential employers can be the best investment you can make for yourself.

Our virtual teaching methodologies ensure comprehension and valuable training, regardless of your previous experience, to give you the best return on your investment:

• Synchronous, virtual, live classrooms
• Online Q&A with instructors
• Updated library of recorded sessions
• Extended virtual office hours
• Project-based challenges

No experience is necessary

Contrary to popular misconceptions, data science is not a career exclusive to the tech-obsessed. It is a diverse field with opportunity for anyone who seeks it. Whether you have some experience in the tech sector or want to pursue your first tech job, this comprehensive, beginner-friendly program makes a tech career possible for people of all skill levels and talents. 

Support from start to finish (and beyond)

Learning online might have its challenges for some people, and we fully understand that. That’s why we include access to personalized support to ensure your success throughout the course and when entering the workforce. With this support system, you’ll have the resources and guidance to take you from day one to program completion.

Test-drive the program with our introductory course

If you’re not sure if this is the right career path for you, our Introductory Course is the best way to get a feel for the field and protect your investment!  

The Introductory Course will provide: 

• 30 days of online classes led by active data professionals
• Introduction to foundational data science and analytics topics
• Exposure to scripting and Internet of Things (IoT)
• A sneak peek into the data science and analytics field
• A real-world expectation of the careers you can pursue
• A feel for our virtual learning environment

Your success comes first

Learning online may have its challenges, especially if your goal is to enter a new field or professional role. That’s why we provide the resources to help you keep up with the material and additional tools to successfully break into the data science and analytics industry.

Student success managers

Student Success Managers (SSMs) are your personal guides, helping you manage any challenges you may face throughout the program. From day one of the bootcamp, an SSM will track your progress, keep you accountable and provide additional resources to keep you at the top of your game. 

Career services

Our very own career service experts take the time to teach you how to present yourself and your new skills to employers with development workshops throughout the program. These workshops touch on everything you need to navigate the job hunt, including polishing your resume and LinkedIn profile, as well as preparing you to interview with our hiring partners. 

How does the bootcamp help me?

Part-time schedule

Life gets busy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pursue your dream job! Our online evening and weekend sessions give you the flexibility to learn from home or anywhere with a stable internet connection, without compromising quality and rigor. Experience interactive and immersive training from day one to hone the theoretical, technical, and practical techniques you need.

Job placement assistance 

As you build proficiency in the skills and techniques held by today’s qualified data scientists, you will be granted access to job boards, hiring partners, and resources that can help propel you towards your new career. While job placement cannot be guaranteed, you can be sure that our team will help prepare you to confidently face the job hunt.

Here are just a few careers you can pursue as a data professional: 

1. Business Analyst
2. Data Analyst
3. Data Engineer
4. Applied AI Engineer
5. Data Wrangler
6. Data Scientist
7. Data Architect
8. Machine Learning Engineer
9. Statistician
10. Database Administrator

Stand out with industry certifications

Certifications can help separate you from other professionals in your field, but they’re not always required. Despite the program not being specifically developed for test preparation, you can expect to pick up some knowledge along with your training that will help you study for three popular data science and analytics certifications: 

• Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate
• IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
• IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate

Learn online from active professionals

We’re proud to say that our curriculum is developed and taught by active data science and analytics experts. This unique exposure to professionals who are experiencing the trends of the workforce allows you to gain real-world knowledge and obtain insights into the industry from those who live it every day! 

Build your professional portfolio

After every section in the bootcamp, you will have the opportunity to complete a milestone project to assess your new skills. At the end of the program, these projects become the portfolio you present to hiring partners and other potential employers so you can showcase a portfolio of complex data science and analytics projects upon completion. 

Do I need any experience to enroll?

Not at all! Our bootcamp can benefit individuals with previous experience looking to upskill, beginners with no experience, and everyone in between. From day one, you will dive into the fundamentals to begin understanding the basics of data science, as well as what to expect from a career in data science and analytics. 

How Can I Get Started?

Since classes start on a rolling basis, you don’t have to wait long to get started. Your first step is to get in contact with our admissions team for more information on cohort start dates, tuition, and any technical requirements. Schedule your call today or give us a call at (913) 361-7300.