Best Data Analytics Bootcamps 2020

The field of data analytics, a branch of data science, is growing fast. Plenty of opportunity exists in the field for people looking to start a career in tech. Data analytics professionals work in a wide range of fields—the profession isn’t limited to the tech industry. As we move further into the information age, data analytics positions offer increased growth and excellent job security.

The data analytics career path is growing rapidly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that careers in the analytics field will grow a whopping 26% in the next decade or so, which is significantly higher than average. Additionally, data analytics is a high-paying field. Glassdoor reports that the average salary for data analysts starts around $61,473 and senior positions bring in upwards of $108,000 per year.

Why Choose a Data Analytics Bootcamp?

Data Analytics Bootcamp Curriculum

Data analytics, like data science and software engineering, is a high-tech field that can involve a fair bit of coding. Programming languages are usually a big part of the data analytics bootcamp curriculum. Students generally go into entry-level programs with little to no conceptual understanding of the field. As a result, many bootcamps also focus on concepts and best practices throughout the program, helping students understand what they’re doing, not just how to do it. Here are the most common coding languages used by data analysts and data scientists.

Coding isn’t the only skill involved in a data analytics career. Students at bootcamps also learn to use common data analysis tools, such as Tableau and NodeXL. Each bootcamp’s curriculum varies, but most teach primary data management languages such as Python and SQL.

Popular Data Analytics Bootcamp Courses

Data analytics coding bootcamps come in a variety of forms. Over the last decade or so, dozens of well-designed data analytics bootcamps appeared around the United States. There is a data science or data analytics bootcamp in (or near) almost every major U.S. metro area, not to mention numerous online programs. Students across the country have access to a program that fits their needs.

Traditionally, data analytics bootcamps are full-time programs, with classes 5 or 6 days per week. These intensive training programs are known as ‘immersive’ bootcamps. For people who can’t attend a full-time course, many in-person bootcamps offer part-time classes on nights and weekends. Online bootcamps come in full-time and part-time schedules, along with flexible and self-paced options. Online data analytics bootcamps often feature live instructor-led lessons and remote peer projects.

Data Analytics Bootcamp Interview Process

Coding bootcamps, like colleges, can be selective and require applicants to undergo admissions process. Each program has different requirements, but most follow the same basic schedule. First, students must determine if they’re a good fit for the program and submit an application. If the bootcamp agrees, they’ll reach out to schedule the first interview.

The first interview is a time for prospective students and bootcamps to get to know each other and go over any questions or additional admissions requirements. Generally, bootcamps require students to take a coding test before continuing into the program. Depending on the selectiveness of the school, these tests can be very easy or rather challenging. Most students can learn how to solve the test questions rapidly, and some bootcamps provide study material ahead of time.

After the test, students either proceed to a final interview or gain admittance into the course. At this point, students may need to undergo additional applications to take advantage of scholarships, deferred tuition programs, or other special bootcamp perks.

Bootcamp Financing Options

Coding bootcamps are a new arrival to the world of career education. As a result, bootcamps aren’t bound to traditional education financing programs. Coding bootcamps have the liberty to provide a wide range of financing options. Given that the price tag—from $10,000 to $20,000—can be steep, it’s worth carefully investigating payment options. Luckily, many bootcamps offer programs to reduce or eliminate any financial strain.

Traditional Student Loans

Traditional-style student loans are available to bootcamp students. Some people choose to go the traditional loan route for a variety of reasons, as it does provide certain benefits. Bootcamp loans are provided by finance companies like Climb Credit and Skills Fund.

Income Share Agreements (ISAs)

Income share agreements (ISAs) are a new alternative to student loans. ISAs defer the cost of tuition until students graduate and land a job in the field. If graduates can’t find relevant employment from their education, tuition is often waived entirely.

ISAs are simple and operate exactly how you’d expect. Graduates begin making payments once they land a job and make above a certain threshold, usually around $60,000 per year. Once employed, graduates agree to pay between 10% and 15% of their income for a 2 to 3 years, or until a previously agreed upon sum is met.

Data Analytics Bootcamp Structure

Each data analytics bootcamp is different. However, most full career-training bootcamps share the same basic curriculum layout. Students begin with the fundamentals of data analytics, and perhaps an introduction to coding. After they grasp the basics of the field, they move into an intermediate phase.

Students learn a variety of field-specific and general-purpose coding languages during the intermediate phase of the bootcamp. This part generally lasts the longest and contains the ‘heart’ of the curriculum. Students often learn several languages each week, and practice frequently with peers.

During the final phase of the bootcamp, students work on capstone (or ‘final’) projects to demonstrate their skills. The projects often reflect real-world data analytics tasks and result in some very advanced finished products. The capstone project also serves a dual purpose—it’s the first major task students use in their portfolios. Bootcamps also provide career counseling and job placement services during this time. Students have an opportunity to network with professionals, build a resume, and establish a profile on LinkedIn.

Bootcamp Alumni Projects and Portfolios

Data analytics bootcamp alumni are proud of their capstone projects, and numerous examples are available online. We included an example of a data project below, so you can get a better idea of what to expect during that part of the program.

Drowsiness Detection
Data science and analytics bootcamp students at Praxis Business School created a data-based detection system to detect drowsiness. The Python-based program is designed to spot a drowsy computer user and pause media when they fall asleep. The program screenshots the moment a user nods off and uses rapid object detection to determine when the user is no longer awake.

Companies Hiring Data Analytics Bootcamp Grads

Major companies all over the world hire data analytics bootcamp graduates. And while it’s less common, major tech companies such as Google, Amazon, and Facebook are known to hire data bootcamp grads from time to time. And while working for a tech giant is definitely something to strive for, it might take a few years of industry experience. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply—quite the contrary. Nonetheless, hundreds of mid-size companies and startups regularly hire bootcamp graduates.