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Ask HN: Basic skills in Python, Pandas, Numpy, and Xarray; but am I employable?

2 points by seanccox ↗ HN
For the past eight months I've been teaching myself Python and other tools, in order to create a rudimentary ocean drift trajectory model to support my thesis research (in maritime archaeology). I started from scratch, with a limited understanding of statistics, ocean physics, vector math, and Python, but the results work and I am now looking for a more structured apprenticeship/job path.

Do jobs exist for people with my skills at this level, or should I seek a formal qualification through a bootcamp or other program? I will happily look into recommendations for either. Thanks!

4 comments

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itamarst
You plausibly could get an entry level programming job, or entry level data scientist job. You won't know until you try - what kind of jobs would you like to do?
seanccox
I'm interested in both paths, though at the moment, I feel an analytical position more closely aligns with what I do on a day-to-day basis. Because the onboarding process can be long and risky (for companies), I don't presently feel like a very good bet. So, in looking for a 'job', I'm really looking for a way to perform structured tasks that support larger data science projects. Again, because I'm teaching myself all of this and solving new problems as I come to know of their existence, it's difficult to aim for a career path. I can see some of the trees and I'm aware of the forest, but I certainly don't know its scope, if you know what I mean?
itamarst
1. There are programs to help scientists become data scientists:, e.g. https://www.insightdatascience.com/

2. You don't feel like you're a good bet. But companies may disagree, if you present yourself with confidence.

seanccox
Thanks a lot! That's really good advice. Much appreciated!