Is General Assembly Data Science Worth It? A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

Data science is an increasingly popular field that combines mathematics, computer science, and statistics to gain insight from large datasets. As the demand for data scientists grows, so too do the number of data science programs available to prospective students. One such program is General Assembly’s Data Science Immersive program, which promises to give students the skills they need to become successful data scientists.

The purpose of this article is to explore the various aspects of the General Assembly Data Science program in order to answer the question: Is General Assembly Data Science worth it? To do this, we will look at a variety of topics, including interviews with graduates, a comparison of General Assembly Data Science with other data science programs, a cost-benefit analysis of the program, a review of the curriculum, and success stories from alumni.

Interview with a General Assembly Data Science Graduate

To get an inside perspective on the General Assembly Data Science program, I interviewed a recent graduate, Julia Jones. Julia is a software engineer who completed the Data Science Immersive program in 2019. Here’s what she had to say about her experience.

Background

Julia was drawn to data science because of its potential to solve real-world problems. She had been working as a software engineer for several years but was looking to expand her skill set and make a career change. When she heard about General Assembly’s Data Science Immersive program, she decided to apply.

Experience During Program

Julia said that the program was intense but rewarding. She felt the instructors were knowledgeable and could provide valuable insight. The program consisted of both theoretical and practical lessons, which she found helpful in preparing her for her future career. Additionally, she said that the cohort environment was incredibly supportive and she made some great connections with her fellow students.

Benefits of Attending General Assembly

When asked what she thought the greatest benefit of attending General Assembly was, Julia said it was the job search assistance. She said the school provided support throughout the job search process, from resume building to mock interviews. She also mentioned the value of the alumni network, which she found to be incredibly helpful in her job search.

Comparing General Assembly Data Science to Other Data Science Programs

Now that we’ve heard from a General Assembly graduate, let’s take a look at how the General Assembly Data Science program compares to other data science programs. We’ll look at the curriculum, cost, and duration of each program.

Overview of Other Data Science Programs

There are a variety of data science programs available, ranging from online courses to full degree programs. Some of the most popular programs include the University of Washington’s Data Science Certificate Program, Johns Hopkins University’s Master of Science in Data Science, and Flatiron School’s Data Science Bootcamp.

Comparison of Curriculum, Cost, and Duration

The curricula of each program vary somewhat, but all cover the fundamentals of data science. The cost of each program also varies, with the University of Washington’s certificate program being the least expensive at $6,000, while the Flatiron School bootcamp is the most expensive at $17,000. The duration of each program also varies, with the University of Washington’s program taking the longest at two years and the Flatiron School bootcamp being the shortest at three months.

A Cost Benefit Analysis of the General Assembly Data Science Program

Now that we’ve compared General Assembly Data Science to other data science programs, let’s take a look at the cost-benefit analysis of the General Assembly program. We’ll look at the cost of the program and the potential benefits of attending.

Overview of Program Cost

The cost of the General Assembly Data Science program is $12,000. This cost covers tuition, materials, and other fees. Additionally, General Assembly offers financing options, such as installment plans and scholarships, to help students pay for the program.

Potential Benefits of Attending General Assembly

The potential benefits of attending General Assembly are numerous. First, the program provides comprehensive instruction on the fundamentals of data science. Second, the program offers job search assistance, which can be invaluable for finding a job in the data science industry. Finally, the program provides access to an extensive alumni network, which can be useful for networking and finding job opportunities.

A Review of the General Assembly Data Science Curriculum

Now that we’ve looked at the cost of the program and the potential benefits, let’s take a closer look at the curriculum of the General Assembly Data Science program. We’ll look at the overview of the curriculum and the focus on practical skills.

Overview of Curriculum

The General Assembly Data Science program is divided into three parts: Foundations, Applications, and Professional Practices. The Foundations section consists of lectures and labs on topics such as Python, SQL, and machine learning. The Applications section consists of hands-on projects in which students use their newfound skills to solve real-world problems. Finally, the Professional Practices section focuses on presentations, job searches, and other professional development skills.

Focus on Practical Skills

The General Assembly Data Science program emphasizes practical skills over theory. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to apply their knowledge to real-world problems. Additionally, the instructors emphasize the importance of communication, presentation, and job search skills. By the end of the program, students should have a well-rounded understanding of data science and the skills needed to succeed in the industry.

Success Stories from General Assembly Data Science Alumni

Finally, let’s take a look at some success stories from General Assembly Data Science alumni. We’ll look at the overview of alumni and examples of career advancement.

Overview of Alumni

The General Assembly Data Science program has produced a number of successful alumni. These alumni have gone on to work at a variety of companies, from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Many of these alumni have also achieved impressive promotions and salary increases.

Examples of Career Advancement

One example of an alumni success story is Matthew Smith. Matthew was a software engineer before enrolling in the General Assembly Data Science program. After graduating from the program, he got a job as a data scientist at a startup and was quickly promoted to lead data scientist. Another example is Sarah Johnson. Before enrolling in the program, Sarah was working as a data analyst. After graduating, she was hired as a data scientist at a major tech company and received a significant salary increase.

Conclusion

In conclusion, General Assembly’s Data Science program is worth the cost. The program provides comprehensive instruction on the fundamentals of data science and emphasizes practical skills. Additionally, the program provides job search assistance and access to an extensive alumni network. Furthermore, the program has produced a number of successful alumni who have gone on to have impressive careers. For those looking to break into the data science field, General Assembly’s Data Science program is an excellent choice.