Data Science and Data Analytics Bootcamps in Houston

If you’re looking for a new career, you may want to consider data science and data analytics. Data science and analytics involve mathematics, business, communication and computer science. A data science and/or data analytics bootcamp may get you up-to-speed and ready for your next job faster than a traditional degree. Given its reputation as a growing tech city, Houston has a number of bootcamps in data science and data analytics for you to consider.

Houston is on the bubble of being one of the next great cities for tech jobs. In fact, tech publication PCMag named Houston to its article list of “20 High-Tech Cities You’ll Want to Call Home.” In the article, Houston’s work with Microsoft to attract tech jobs and startups is noted. The Lone Star State in general is a good place for tech jobs; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Texas has the third-highest level of employment for data science and mathematical science occupations. 

Looking at data science and data analytics bootcamps in Houston, you may cross some options off your list right away. Is the bootcamp full- or part-time? Does it fit your existing schedule? Is it tailored to a specific type of data job, or does it offer a broad overview of the field? 

There’s not one right kind of bootcamp. Whether a given bootcamp factor is positive or negative depends on your goals and existing obligations. When choosing the best data science bootcamp in Houston for you, you may want to consider variables such as:

You also may want to evaluate the bootcamp’s curriculum, instructors and career services if you’d like help finding a job when you complete your program.

Data science and data analytics are usually two separate (but related) careers. In general, data analysts use data to help businesses make strategic decisions, while data scientists use data and machine learning to create new data models and analysis. 

There is some skill overlap, but data analytics roles are typically more focused on business performance; data science roles tend to be more programming-heavy. For example, data scientist Paula Leonova found that the primary keywords in job descriptions for data scientists were “machine learning, models, algorithms,” while the top phrases for data analysts were “reports, dashboards, and Excel.” Try looking for a bootcamp that offers skills in the career path that interests you more.

Data scientists and data analysts have varied educational backgrounds. According to data from the job site Indeed, software engineers, in particular, seem to be well-equipped to make the leap from their field into data analytics or data science. Gaining relevant skills and knowledge through a data analytics or data science bootcamp may help you enter these fields. 

There are several big data tech companies based in Houston, including the cloud computing company BMC Software, the enterprise software company NetIQ and the educational software company Cybersoft. Microsoft and the cash management technology company Loomis also have large presences. 

There are other opportunities for data analysts and scientists beyond the tech industry, however. Data analytics and data science are used in industries including healthcare, travel and corporate finance. Houston happens to be the headquarters for many Fortune 500 companies, including Phillips 66, Sysco and ConocoPhillips. The demand for data scientists is so high, in fact, that ConocoPhillips recently contributed nearly $3 million to fund data science education at local universities.

Last updated: August 2020