In an era when data is considered as the most crucial asset within organisations, there’s always a search for professionals who are highly skilled in the field of data science. Due to this reason, courses for data science have hit a new height since it is essential to be well trained for handling and analysing a pool of data with data analysis algorithms using different tools.
However, aspirants fail to assimilate the pros and cons of full-time and part-time data science courses and get perplexed while choosing one over the other.
In this article, we will discuss both the courses to help an individual make the right choice.
Managing Time
The first thought that hovers on someone’s mind is time management while enrolling in a course. A full-time data science course provides the liberty to go through the sessions and learn without time constraints. Most of the data science courses are held online, which has a community of its own where issues are discussed. However, getting help from others and solving problems is easier in full-time courses as one can get seek advice in real-time, thereby eliminating the need for waiting for solutions for your problems. This helps in continuously learning without breaking the flow, which is often not the case in part-time data science courses.
Furthermore, a full-time course also enables a learner to remain in the learning space constantly. Although part-time course gives a learner the liberty to get involved in other activities, it also requires more focus from the learner since multi-tasking is not everyone’s game. With professional learners doing a job, learning data science alongside is a tough game to crack since the subject is vast and there’s so much to know more.
With a career in hand, remaining time might not be sufficient. Also, part-time courses by institutes are often held on weekends due to which, teaching personnel are not available at all times in case a doubt has to be cleared immediately.
Practical Exposure
When it comes to data science, practicality is one of the most important aspects to look at in terms of learning. It can be said to a certain extent that if one doesn’t do it, one cannot learn it. With full-time training courses, a wide range of the first-hand experience can be gained. Full-time courses are curated with practical modules, quizzes and theoretical concepts which are to be implemented with real-life problems.
With full-time courses, exposure to real-world issues is gained that helps a learner to sustain in the real world without cracking under pressure. However, with part-time courses, the scenario slightly changes. Though part-time courses also come with a number of projects, the less time factor brings about the real difference in the exposure gained compared to that of a full-time course.
Beginning from the Scratch
Data science is a vast subject that needs to be learned from the beginning to get a clear and crisp understanding, which is ensured by full-time courses. Full-time courses begin from the outset of what data science is. It takes a learner through the roots of data science and finally goes to the deep waters following a step-by-step method.
However, with part-time courses, subjects are not covered in a detailed manner and are often fast-tracked to complete the course in the stipulated time frame. Thus, the learning remains incomplete and shallow. As mentioned before, the guidance in a part-time course is not adequate due to the unavailability of the teachers at all times. Although, someone with a beginner’s knowledge about data science will be capable of picking up the bits and pieces of the course.
Gateway to New Opportunities
The motives behind completing any course are not just learning but also about what to do with that learning. In the data science industry, there is no doubt that job opportunities have skyrocketed in the past few years. But the road to a lucrative job opportunity depends on the course pursued along with the present scenario of a learner. With the in-depth knowledge gained from a full-time course, the chances of bagging a good offer increases. However, a working professional with experience, a fair amount of data science knowledge and a part-time course degree can also receive a massive boost.
Final Word
The decision to go for full-time or part-time is a tricky one. For the ones who are far away from the world of data science, a full-time course is the correct one to choose. On the other hand, someone with a fair amount of knowledge in data science can opt for a part-time course to increase knowledge.
Also, a certificate does play a vital role while looking for a new opportunity. With each learner in a different situation and set of knowledge, self-evaluation is the key to making the right decision. That being said with the above-mentioned points, one can further read our article ‘What Do Students Look for in a Data Science Course’ to understand their current need and situation.
