The key to landing any job is being proactive and demonstrating enthusiasm. So, before you start applying for jobs, focus your efforts on building a professional network
You can do that while learning by joining data science forums, attending conferences and networking events, connecting with people with similar interests on LinkedIn, and so on.
This will boost your job search in several ways.
For starters, you’ll familiarize yourself with the data science world, the trending topics and tools, and how data scientists speak and think.
Getting into the mind of accomplished professionals is the first step to becoming one.
Moreover, by being active on social media, forums, and discussions, you’ll build your online presence and establish yourself as an expert.
Lastly, the connections and relationships you create can become your gateway into the data science world. The easiest way to get noticed by employers is through a recommendation, and you can’t get one unless you network.
The next step is to approach employers and specialist recruiters
An impressive project portfolio and a broad professional network are prerequisites for making a good impression. But before you have any real work experience, you’ll need to make an extra effort to be noticed. So, find the companies you like on social media, look out for job postings, and reach out to hiring managers.
Even if they’re not hiring at the moment, you could offer to do some volunteer work for them. That way, once they do have an opening, they’ll be much more likely to consider you as an applicant.
Internships are also excellent stepping stones to a successful career. As an intern, you’ll not only hone your practical data science skills but also work on a variety of projects. Plus, an internship at a high-profile company will skyrocket your data science career.