There are a lot of ways and avenues to learn programming or data science (Hackwagon is one of them and we hope you’ll consider us). However, just as many people have the misunderstanding that you need to be a “math person” to do data science, there are also many misunderstandings about how you should learn programming and data science. Here are some helpful tips for anyone interested in programming.
1. Identify a goal/motivation first
Figure out what you want to do with your programming and data science skills. Is this for a career switch? Or simply learning how to automate some of your repetitive work? By doing so, you will then be able to narrow down which programming language you should learn and from which avenues.
2. Don’t spend too much money
With such a huge online community and its available resources, you shouldn’t be spending too much learning a programming language. Furthermore, there are government initiatives in Singapore which subsidises to those who wishes to pick up programming or data science. Additionally, there are lots of interactive learning platforms like Dataquest and Codecademy and lecture-based platforms like Coursera charge small fees in exchange for the convenience of not having to plan your own curriculum and find resources yourself. Alternatively, if you prefer greater learning support in your learning quest, you can consider Hackwagon’s Data Science 101.
3. Avoid the “hottest tech” hype
The tech industry moves extremely fast and there’ll always be something hot and new you “need to learn”. However, we’d recommend avoiding these fads and stick to learning the tried-and-true essentials for your goals before you follow the hype train. More often than not, your foundations aren’t well-covered and you find yourself even more confused on how to use your know “skill” in your projects.
4. Build projects and get your hands dirty
Well, you can’t possibly learn just through theory right? This is why everyone emphasises on the importance to get your hands dirty. You can do so by executing actual codes! Yes, we understand that it may seem really daunting at first. But it’s only when you start, you’ll realise how much you’re unsure and seek help to close the gaps. In Hackwagon, we provide students with real world problems, projects and datasets so you can practice running your codes.
5. (For job-seekers) Research your industry
Go find out if your desired industry requires any formal certification or education requirement! Psst, all students who have successfully undergone, and passed the Hackwagon courses, are awarded a certification so you can show them off on LinkedIn.
Find a good motivation, follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to learning to code! Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t, or that you need to be a certain type of person. Anyone can learn to code.
