Data Science Bootcamp Survival Guide
A few months ago I joined a 15-week data science immersive program at General Assembly. Looking back with just one week to go, I’m confident to share some tips with you if you’re thinking of embarking on the same or similar journey.
Share the news!
Tell your family and friends about the journey you’re about to embark on. You will need all the support you can get. You won’t have much time for visits so by letting your family know about your upcoming intense schedule, they will understand why you have gone M.I.A. and will hopefully bother you less.
Leave your ego at home.
Learning a programming language is hard and coding is all about trial and error. It may take some time before your first “aha!” moment. If your peers get there faster do not feel that you have to impress them, this is not a rat race. Everyone taking the course is there to learn coding skills to succeed as a Data Scientist. If you get stuck and start questioning if you’re good enough or smart enough, that’s the infamous imposter syndrome talking. Instead of bogging yourself down, take a deep breath, step away from the computer, and try again with a fresh set of eyes.
Get to know everyone.
Awaken the social butterfly inside you. Your classmates may have a significant positive effect during the challenging months ahead of you. They are there for the same reason and often you will have the same obstacles. They will be your cheerleaders and you will cheer on them back.
Don’t forget to take a breather.
Last but not least, don’t wear yourself out. Taking a breather may see impossible at first, but you will find that that reset bottom may be all you needed to solve that one question you worked on all day. I believe this step is the most overlooked one but don’t underestimate the importance of taking care of yourself.
You got this!
