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The conventional order of operations: (1) start studying and learning skills, (2) write your resume, and then (3) search for jobs. Another method –
1. Choose one industry. Limiting your initial search to one industry has many benefits. Not only will this reduce the number of topics to study, but it will also allow you to start building invaluable domain knowledge and adding relevant portfolio projects. These will give you a huge edge during the interview process.
2. Next, go to a job board such as Glassdoor, LinkedIn Jobs, or Indeed and search for data Science positions in your chosen industry. Don't just limit your search to data scientist. Try other terms such as data analyst, machine learning engineer, or quantitative analyst.
3. Create a skills profile. Distill the useful and actionable information into a skills profile.
4. Write your future resume. If your resume has a Skills section, go ahead and list the ones from the skills profile. If you're currently working, are there any projects you can join that would give you relevant skills or experience? If so, include them. If you're currently in school, are there any classes you can take that would give you relevant skills or experience? If so, include them. Are there any side projects you'd like to tackle and add to your portfolio? If so, include them. Bonus points for projects related to the industry you'd like to join.
5. Start studying and practicing. Now that we have our skills profile and future resume, were finally ready to start learning, studying, and filling in any gaps. In other words, it's time to achieve that future resume.
6. Weave in end-to-end projects. While you study, attempt an end-to-end project every other weekend. Start with a real-world dataset, pose an interesting question, and then try to answer it on your own.
7. Hit your milestones, and then just apply.
The limbo between study mode and the formal job hunt causes many candidates to stagnate. Pick concrete milestones beforehand and once you hit them, just start applying. Project-based milestones are recommended.
8. Prepare for the interview.