How to Become a Data Scientist After BCom in 2024

Are you wondering why someone might switch to a data science career after completing a BCom degree? Is it just about trying something new, or is there a more compelling reason? Data science has gained significant attention recently due to its fast-paced growth and increasing demand in the job market. From 2022 to 2032, data science roles are expected to grow by 35%, creating around 17,700 new job openings each year!

A B.Com degree can be a solid foundation for a career in data science, but additional coursework and training are essential to making the transition. Enrolling in specialized courses or boot camps, such as DeveLearns data science course in Mumbai, can significantly improve job prospects.

Additionally, proficiency in tools like Excel is valuable, as it helps in applying data science techniques effectively. Combining a B.Com degree with these educational enhancements can pave the way for a successful career in data science.

Let’s explore why BCom professionals are making the move to data science and how this transition can benefit their careers.

Why Are BCom Students Shifting to Data Science?

Data Science is rapidly transforming various industries and offering numerous opportunities across different sectors. It involves analyzing data to make informed decisions, and it's currently one of the highest-paying fields with promising growth prospects.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

For students pursuing both a B.Com and a career in data science, mastering Microsoft Excel is highly valuable. In the B.Com field, Excel is essential for tasks like budgeting, data analysis, and financial modeling, which are crucial for roles such as financial analysts and accountants. These skills are just as important in data science.

Excel is widely used for data preparation, cleaning, and initial exploration, making it a strong foundation for aspiring data scientists. Gaining proficiency in advanced Excel techniques can pave the way to learning more complex programming languages used in data science for advanced data manipulation and analysis.

Symbiotic Relationship Between Commerce and Data

In today’s data-driven business world, data science and commerce are deeply interconnected. Businesses rely heavily on data to inform their decisions, requiring skills in data collection, transformation, and storage. B.Com courses already cover areas like business analytics, market trends, and financial data, which provide a solid foundation for transitioning into data science.

These existing skills can be built upon to handle more complex tasks such as advanced data analysis, predictive modeling, and data-driven decision-making. The synergy between commerce and data science allows professionals to leverage their business knowledge while mastering data science techniques, leading to more informed and strategic business decisions.

Dual Career Paths with a Single Bachelor’s Degree

A single bachelor’s degree can open up diverse career opportunities when combined with another field. For B.Com graduates who transition into data science, the range of potential job roles expands significantly.

With expertise in both commerce and data science, graduates can explore careers such as data analysts, machine learning engineers, or data engineers in the tech sector. Simultaneously, they can pursue roles like financial analysts, business intelligence analysts, or data analysts within the commercial world. This versatility not only broadens job prospects but also offers the flexibility to switch career paths as interests and market trends evolve.

Enhancing the Resume

Adding a data science internship to a resume can significantly boost a graduate’s profile. For those transitioning from a B.Com to data science, the skills acquired—such as data analysis, statistical modeling, and data visualization—are valuable assets. Even if a graduate decides to move away from data science, these skills remain highly relevant.

Employers across various industries highly value candidates with strong data-driven decision-making and analytical skills. Therefore, having experience in data science on a resume can make career searches more effective and open doors to numerous opportunities, regardless of the chosen career path.

 Financially Lucrative and Secure Career

Data scientists often enjoy higher salaries compared to B.Com graduates, thanks to the growing demand for their expertise. Many businesses are seeking skilled data scientists to extract valuable insights from data and develop data-driven strategies, leading to competitive pay rates.

Data science offers a stable and financially rewarding career path, making it a smart choice for individuals aiming to boost their earning potential and job security after completing a B.Com degree.

How to Become a Data Scientist as a B.com Student?
Data science offers numerous career benefits, including high salaries, job security, and a dynamic work environment. For many B.Com graduates, pursuing a career in data science can be an appealing option.

Here’s how B.Com students can transition into data science:

Explore Data Science Courses

Start by enrolling in online courses or boot camps focused on data science. Many affordable options are available, and investing in a reputable program can provide significant value and knowledge.

Complete Your Degree

While it might be tempting to dive straight into data science courses, completing your B.Com degree is crucial. A degree combined with data science certifications can make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers compared to someone who only has a certification.

Learn Key Programming Languages

While initial coursework will cover the basics, self-study is essential. Learn programming languages and tools such as Python, R, and other relevant software. Many of these resources are free or low-cost, and numerous tutorials are available on platforms like YouTube.

Understand Data Collection and Management

Gain knowledge on how data is collected, stored, and managed. This foundational understanding is crucial for practical applications in data science. After completing courses and earning certifications, start experimenting with real data projects.

Keep Learning and Practicing

Continue learning and working on data science projects even after completing formal education. Hands-on experience and ongoing education are key to staying updated and advancing in the field.

Enroll in Data Science Courses

To start a career in data science, enrolling in specialized courses is crucial. DeveLearn a leading Data Science Institute in Mumbai offers an excellent opportunity for students to gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills in the field.

DeveLearn provides data science course both online and offline, covering essential topics such as machine learning, data analysis, and data preprocessing. We porovide our data science course in Mumbai with placement support, which includes comprehensive training and assistance with job placement, ensuring a smoother transition into the workforce. By choosing DeveLearn, students benefit from expert guidance, practical experience, and valuable support for securing a job in data science.

Faqs

Can I become a data scientist with just a bachelor's degree?

Yes, you can become a data scientist with a bachelor's degree. While degrees in quantitative fields like engineering, mathematics, or computer science are often preferred, other degrees can also be relevant if you develop the necessary skills.

What skills are required for a data scientist?

Key skills include programming (Python, R), statistical analysis, and machine learning. Developing these skills through online courses, boot camps, and self-study is essential.

Which bachelor's degree is best for a data scientist?

Degrees in quantitative fields such as engineering, mathematics, computer science, or statistics are ideal. However, degrees in other areas can also be relevant if you gain the appropriate skills and experience.

Can a B.Com Graduate Get a Job in Data Analytics?

Yes, a B.Com graduate can transition to a career in data analytics. While a degree in commerce is not specifically targeted towards data analytics, acquiring relevant skills can facilitate this career change.

What is the starting salary for a data scientist after completing a B.Com?

Fresh graduates with a B.Com degree can expect a starting salary in the range of INR 4 LPA to 6 LPA (lakhs per annum) in data science roles.