I'm currently work in a Commonwealth agency and I'm very interested in data analytics. My current job does not involve any data science but because my employer is big and there is a team working in the area of data science and so I'm hoping one day I can apply a position in that team.
What I have done so far. I have researched master degree of data science (I have a degree in commerce). They are usually 1.5 years full time and cost around $30k.
I have watched a dew video on Lynda.com.
I have downloaded an ebook on data mining.
I'm hoping my employer will provide some financial support if I do decide to study in the uni.
So where should to start now?
Is it necessary to do a uni degree or can I teach myself?
Should I learn some basic knowledge before I apply the position in data science or should I apply first and learn on the job?
Any advice appreciated.
Why don't you speak to some of the people in the data science team and ask them the questions you've asked us?
Also, ask if you can spend a few hours (not all at once) shadowing some people to get a better feel for the work that they undertake.
A very high level continuum of the four main areas is: descriptive > diagnostic > predictive > prescriptive
See if you can get a start in the descriptive (that is, reporting) area, if it exists; it might be outsourced to a less expensive country.