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The Data Science Newsletter
The Data Science Newsletter
First 10 Years of Your Data Science Career – A Roadmap

First 10 Years of Your Data Science Career – A Roadmap

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TheDataScienceNewsletter
Apr 09, 2025
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The Data Science Newsletter
The Data Science Newsletter
First 10 Years of Your Data Science Career – A Roadmap
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The first decade of your data science career is a journey of exploration, skill-building, and growth. Whether you're just starting out or midway through, having a roadmap helps you stay focused and confident.

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Photo by Saulo Mohana on Unsplash

Here’s a year-by-year breakdown of how to evolve from a beginner into a seasoned, high-impact data scientist.


Years 0–1: Build Your Foundation

Focus on learning the core technical skills and concepts:

  • Python & SQL (daily tools)

  • Pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn

  • Data cleaning, EDA (Exploratory Data Analysis)

  • Basic statistics and probability

  • Intro to machine learning (regression, classification)

  • Version control with Git/GitHub

Goal: Be able to complete small, end-to-end projects.

Bonus:

  • Share your learning on LinkedIn or a blog

  • Contribute to one open-source project


Years 2–3: Get Real-World Experience

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