Data Scientist Career Guide and Interview Preparation

Data Scientist Career Guide and Interview Preparation

This course is part of IBM Data Science Professional Certificate

Instructor: IBM Skills Network Team

42,322 already enrolled

Included with

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

391 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

9 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

98%

Most learners liked this course

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

391 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

9 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

98%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

Describe the role of a data scientist and some career path options as well as the prospective opportunities in the field.
Explain how to build a foundation for a job search, including researching job listings, writing a resume, and making a portfolio of work.
Summarize what a candidate can expect during a typical job interview cycle, different types of interviews, and how to prepare for interviews.
Explain how to give an effective interview, including techniques for answering questions and how to make a professional personal presentation.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Writing
Category: Portfolio Management
Category: Professional Networking
Category: Problem Solving
Category: Presentations
Category: Business Research
Category: Communication
Category: Professional Development
Category: Data Science
Category: Oral Expression
Category: Interviewing Skills

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

Build your Data Analysis expertise

This course is part of the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Professional Certificate.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate from IBM

There are 3 modules in this course

Data science professionals are in high demand around the world, and the trend shows no sign of slowing. There are lots of great jobs available, but lots of great candidates too. How can you get the edge in such a competitive field?

This course will prepare you to enter the job market as a great candidate for a data scientist position. It provides practical techniques for creating essential job-seeking materials such as a resume and a portfolio, as well as auxiliary tools like a cover letter and an elevator pitch. You will learn how to find and assess prospective job positions, apply to them, and lay the groundwork for interviewing. The course doesn’t stop there, however. You will also get inside tips and steps you can use to perform professionally and effectively at interviews. You will learn how to approach a code challenge and get to practice completing them. Additionally, it provides guidance about the regular functions and tasks of data scientists, as well as the opportunities of the profession and some options for career development. Let seasoned professionals share their experience to help you get ahead and land the job you want!

Your job search will be much more effective if you do some primary work before you begin. In Building a Foundation, you’ll learn how to clearly understand the jobs you will be looking for. You’ll learn how to write a basic resume and collect your previous work examples into a portfolio. You’ll also create some other materials that will be useful, such as a cover letter and an elevator pitch

What's included

10 videos2 readings2 assignments5 plugins

10 videosTotal 63 minutes

Role of a Data Scientist7 minutes
SME Video: Paths in Data Science5 minutes
Opportunities in Data Science 7 minutes
SME Video: Data Science Roles and Required Skills7 minutes
Build Your Portfolio 6 minutes
SME Video: Optimal Portfolios5 minutes
Introduction to Data Science Professional Certificate6 minutes
Draft Your Resume 10 minutes
SME Video: Attention-Getting Resumes7 minutes
SME Video: Standing Out from the Crowd5 minutes

2 readingsTotal 4 minutes

Course Introduction2 minutes
Build your skills as a Data Scientist 2 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 40 minutes

Graded Quiz30 minutes
Building a Foundation10 minutes

5 pluginsTotal 120 minutes

Hands-on Lab: Draft your resume 60 minutes
Draft Your Basic Cover Letter15 minutes
Hands- on Lab: Create your Cover Letter15 minutes
Drafting Other Materials15 minutes
Drafting an Elevator Pitch15 minutes

Job Seeking and Interview Preparation helps you understand how to put yourself forth as a memorable candidate. You’ll get guidance on researching prospective companies and assessing job leads to sift out the ones you want to focus on. You’ll learn about rehearsing for interviews and why it can make a big difference in your performance. And you’ll learn ways to network and let people you meet help you find your ideal role.

What's included

7 videos2 assignments2 plugins

7 videosTotal 39 minutes

Company and Industry Research in Data Science6 minutes
Networking Online and Off6 minutes
SME Video: Building Your Network6 minutes
Assessing Job Listings 7 minutes
SME Video: A Closer Look at Job Listings4 minutes
Interview rehearsal6 minutes
SME Video: Job Interview Preparation4 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 40 minutes

Graded Quiz30 minutes
Applying and Preparing to Interview10 minutes

2 pluginsTotal 75 minutes

Applying for a Job15 minutes
Hands-on Lab: Prepare for an Interview60 minutes

After you’ve attracted a company’s attention, it’s important to know how to follow through. The Interviewing module will guide you through the interview process from beginning to end. You’ll learn about common types of interviews and what to expect from them, including code challenges. You’ll also learn some crucial tips for making a great impression in a final interview and how to follow up so that you stand out from the crowd.

What's included

14 videos3 readings2 assignments3 plugins

14 videosTotal 79 minutes

Overview of the Interview Process 4 minutes
SME Video: A Typical Interview Cycle5 minutes
Data Science Mock Interview - Part 18 minutes
Data Science Mock Interview - Part 26 minutes
Data Science Mock Interview - Part 36 minutes
Mock Interview Analysis3 minutes
Best Practices: Getting an Interview 6 minutes
Best Practices: Interview Preparation6 minutes
Coding Challenges In Data Science8 minutes
SME Video: Case Study Insights4 minutes
SME Video: Tech Screen Expectations5 minutes
Final Interviewing8 minutes
SME Video: Interviewing7 minutes
SME Video: Negotiations5 minutes

3 readingsTotal 9 minutes

Checklist5 minutes
Congratulations and Next Steps2 minutes
Thanks from the Course Team2 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 40 minutes

Graded Quiz30 minutes
Interviewing10 minutes

3 pluginsTotal 45 minutes

Unethical Interviewing15 minutes
Second-Round Screen15 minutes
After the Interview15 minutes

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Instructor ratings

(112 ratings)

IBM Skills Network Team

100 Courses3,036,653 learners

Offered by

IBM

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018

"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020

"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021

"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

5 stars
81.99%
4 stars
13.86%
3 stars
0.97%
2 stars
1.94%
1 star
1.21%

Showing 3 of 391

Reviewed on Sep 4, 2022

I like how things were laid out in clear and concise terms and descriptions. This is one of the more thorough interview preparation guides I've read/looked at .

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

it's very great course for them who are not familiar with this field

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Recommend, especially if you don't have a lot of job interview experience.

Frequently asked questions

To access course materials, assignments, and earn a Certificate, you'll need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. Eligible learners may also have the option to start with a Free Trial. Some courses may also offer a Full Course, No Certificate option. This lets you access course materials, submit required assessments, and receive a final grade, but you won't be able to earn or purchase a Certificate.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Certificate, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.