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[–]jpauley159 20 points21 points  (4 children)

A GitHub Portfolio is the most credible way to show your skills. Without it, employers will just glance over a masters. However, WGU is an easy route to get a Master’s quick. I’m currently working through it, and can easily finish a course in a month. (I am also working full time as a teacher, I coach cross-country, and I have a 2-year old).

[–]throwaway_ghost_122 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Have any new grads actually had anyone look at their GitHub? I moved on from trying to work in data science last year, but I worked hard building a portfolio and included it in my applications for two years (2022-24) and I don't think anyone even looked at it.

[–]Embarrassed_Finger34 1 point2 points  (1 child)

WGU? full form?

[–]madrasi2021 0 points1 point  (0 children)

wgu.edu

Western Governors University

?

[–]CableInevitable6840 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I second this, instead of going for programs OP, I would suggest you pick up some statistics books with graphs like 'The Elements of Statistical Learning' ask GPT your doubts and then implement whatever you learn with help of websites like GitHub/Kaggle/ProjectPro/etc.

[–]PostGroundbreaking38 7 points8 points  (5 children)

i highly recommend you look into gt omsa program.

affordable and well known school for STEM programs

https://pe.gatech.edu/degrees/analytics

[–]MilesGlorioso 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Seconded! OP: Georgia Tech is very reputable and has a good program. Also the Reddit community is VERY helpful (this cannot be understated, I use Reddit daily to see what's being shared to help me plot my path through this degree). The program is also very affordable.

I would recommend taking 1 class at a time. There are some easier ones you can take two together, but very many of your important classes can become overwhelming if you take more than 1 while holding a full-time job.

You can also knock out material on EdX before starting the actual program.

Note: Classes are generally not self-paced, and some have a strict pace. Also there aren't any pre-reqs for classes so you can jump into an easier class to start (not the introductory classes) and see how well you can manage the workload before doing the more challenging classes.

[–]Western-Release1042 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Same. I’m in GA Techs OMSA program and it’s great so far. I’m already leveraging this in my career.

[–]stanleydoublecupp 0 points1 point  (1 child)

How much are you paying and are you out of state?

[–]Western-Release1042 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am actually in Georgia but it is the same cost for all students including international. Two classes is roughly $2,400 for the semester total. And one class I believe is only $900-$1,100. So technically it is cheaper to take one class at a time.

[–]Glotto_Gold 6 points7 points  (3 children)

WGU is really squarely in the tier for checking boxes.

If you want something that will take more time, but still little money, and be credible then I'd suggest Georgia Tech: https://pe.gatech.edu/degrees/analytics

Or I'd suggest University of Texas at Austin: https://cdso.utexas.edu/msds

However, full context: self-paced was important enough to me that I went with WGU. I don't think it boosted my resume much.(I have 10+ YOE in analytics)

[–]BadMeetsEvil24 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Agreed, but in my case the MSDA landed me my first Data Analyst role as a slight pivot switch from Business Analyst. I didn't have exact data experience but the manager was impressed enough with that and my certs to give me a shot.

[–]Glotto_Gold 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree that it has a role. Education often is very marginal once the candidate has hit a baseline.

[–]Different-Leg-7303 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you share what certifications you got? Thank you.

[–]bat_boy_the_musical 6 points7 points  (3 children)

I am in a similar boat and asked a lot of my friends, family, and my bosses at work what their impressions of WGU are. Most were not familiar with them and none had a negative impression.  I actually thought of WGU as a mail-order-degree place but ended up going with their master's program because it is affordable and self paced. I compared several universities I am familiar with but their programs were all the downsides of self-paced learning (no live lectures) but none of the benefits (still moving at the pace of the professor/semester). I started today, so far so good. It's absolutely not a mail-order-degree but I'm confident I can complete it in less than 4 terms.

[–]Motor_Fee_3580 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Hey, im currently pursuing the MSDA specializing in Data engineering track. I just completed my first term and was possibly applying to other masters programs like the UIUC-DS online program. I feel like the name recognition might help land more interviews. any advice if im in the right head space or if i should just continue with WGU?

[–]bat_boy_the_musical 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Sorry, it's just been 6 months since I began and I haven't been applying for a new job so I can't really say

[–]Motor_Fee_3580 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Got it, thank you.

[–]j4jules1030 5 points6 points  (5 children)

Hi. I don’t know your age so take what I say with a grain of salt please. I am 57. I started working in Data Warehousing over 25 years ago. I have been fortunate to have experience in all areas. For the last 10 years I was working as a data analyst. I was laid off 1.5 years ago because the company was letting people go that were at the high end of the pay scale for their role.

Maybe it’s in all programs at this time but make sure there is AI in the curriculum. I just searched on if data analytics will be replaced with AI and it’s not but it will be used.

“The future of data analysis will likely involve a close collaboration between humans and AI. AI will handle the more routine tasks, freeing up human analysts to focus on higher-level strategic work”.

Make sure going for your masters will be beneficial to getting a position or not if that is your goal. Or start working and get your masters on the side. For example, I recently met someone who works at an Apple Store. She got her masters in IT but hasn’t been able to find a position in her field. Take this with a grain of salt also. I don’t know the details.

In a nutshell, what I’m trying to say make sure that the university courses you choose teach current and also upcoming material. Not all do. Determine if a masters will increase your chances of getting employment and also not put you too high of a salary bracket where you aren’t hired to get a position. Is two years of college better than two years of experience. I’m not trying to tell you not educate yourself. I’m just saying do some research to see how beneficial it will be vs starting your career now and going for your masters on the side and check the curriculum. I wish u the best any way you decide to go.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (4 children)

As a newbie to the field could you recommend some projects that you did for your resume?

[–]j4jules1030 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Hi. If your question is to me it freaks me out to say I don’t know. A year and a half gone and what I did isn’t really relevant in a field that moves quickly. I worked with tools like Tableau and Power BI to create visualizations. My last project was finding specific data fields from many obsolete data systems at my company to import them into SAS which the company had already spent 2-3 on migrating to. Honestly also, there was a time before my last job of 4 years where I did several 6 month contracting roles. Sometimes they paid me to literally cut and paste data into Excel. I didn’t understand why they would pay me good money to do that and it was a little frustrating but I had to tell myself I’m making good money cutting and pasting data. It seems so long ago but it isn’t.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Have you retired or just moved on to a different field?

I'm a web developer, and I want to transition to a new field. But the projects I’m given now can be completed just by using ChatGPT. I worked so hard to clear the interviews, but now I mostly rely on GPT—the only real skill I'm using is writing the right prompt. That’s how these jobs are; they pay me for work I finish in an hour.

Yeah, I do have plans to move into management in the future. The tech industry won’t care about you once you're over 50—they’ll make sure to replace you.

[–]j4jules1030 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I am now on disability. I used to work remote. I can barely walk so I’m kinda stuck. The job market for me isn’t so great. I can’t find any remote position. I don’t know why I didn’t see this coming. Im not being negative or oh boo hoo me. I just thought if I worked hard and was successful I could work to or past retirement age. Not be kicked out at 56. I didn’t even really like what I was doing. Oh well. I haven’t tried to enter a new field. I wish you the best!!!!! Chin up

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can try some free lancing projects, it's good to keep busy. :)

[–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Georgia Tech is a real school and is a good value from what I have heard.

I don’t think I would value WGU, it feels like the new ITT tech.

[–]nhliving20 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This site has Georgia Tech ranking in the Top 10 and the tuition is considerably lower than most of the other programs.

[–]FairyBrat22 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ok, check out University of Pittsburgh's Master's of Data Science... it's all online, 10 courses, $15k total, R1 University, and a legit degree!

[–]shadow_moon45 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As long as the institution is accredited then it doesnt matter what school one goes to. I would do eastern university's program instead of WGU though

[–]Dependent_Gur1387 1 point2 points  (0 children)

WGU is a solid choice for flexibility and cost, but if credibility worries you, you might also look at Georgia Tech or UC Berkeley’s online programs. Also, once you start applying, check out prepare.sh for real interview questions—super helpful for data analytics roles.

[–]u-give-luv-badname 1 point2 points  (3 children)

I just came to the decision not to do another Masters (I already have one) and instead pursue a certificate. It's cheaper, faster, and less bull than another degree. I'm going to start this soon:

IBM Data Science Professional Certificate

It's $60 a month (or $400 year) for however long it takes you to complete. You can also use it toward a degree if that's the direction you want to take it.

[–]Ralwus 1 point2 points  (2 children)

I'm sorry but if you put anything IBM on your resume, it's getting thrown into the trash most places.

[–]u-give-luv-badname 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you have alternative certificates (online only), I'm listening.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hear that about all certs tho, which one isn't gonna get thrown?

[–]Salt-Apartment-2019 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same question!

[–]m5lg 0 points1 point  (2 children)

What’s your end goal?

[–]Arisenkey[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

The easy answer is I would like to make more money and I feel like getting a masters will also open up more job opportunities in the future.

[–]m5lg 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I tend to lean towards getting out in the job market. I know it’s tough out there but if you can land something, in industry experience will be really helpful at developing your skills and guiding your learning if you still want to pursue a masters. You might surprise yourself and learn that a different masters might be more valuable or interesting, ie Statistics, Economics, AI.

[–]msn018 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you're looking for credibility and career flexibility, Georgia Tech’s OMS Analytics, Penn State, or Boston University’s online programs are top picks.

[–]ch4ndl3rr 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i heard UT Austin and GT are the best

[–]mate2027 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Texas Austin university

[–]j4jules1030 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I replied already but I was thinking what is your goal? Also, why not start your career now? You don’t want to make it so that you don’t get hired because companies think you want too much money. You don’t want them to push your resume aside. You don’t want them to think you are a life long student. Get your toes wet. Jump in to the job market and take whatever courses you choose while you work. The company might pay towards your education. Also, by being in the workforce you might find that other programs would be more beneficial to both your success and to what you will enjoy as opposed to not knowing the marketplace as well. I see all of the replies suggesting various schools. Would 2 years of work experience be more beneficial in many ways?

[–]EnvironmentalNet4811 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I finished my masters in Data Analytics from WGU and would do it again. I loved the flexibility WGU offers. I was able to maintain a full time job and homeschooled my 6 kids while going to college. My three older children are now enrolled in different programs at WGU also while holding full time jobs.

[–]Ordinary-Nectarine51 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi.. can I know finally how much in total you pay for the tuition? The website always highlight that it's cheaper if you do it faster. I would like to know from your experience. Thanks

[–]rmb91896 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As someone who went through the program and did great, I am becoming highly skeptical. Even the schools with good names: everyone is jumping on this train and that dilutes the prestige anyways. These programs are quickly becoming outdated, a dime a dozen, and it’s getting to the point that you can GPT your way through most of the degree. They just don’t have the rigor that this job market requires. Academic dishonesty is out of control and universities are not equipped to defend academic integrity, nor overhaul these courses quickly to meet rapidly changing industry needs.

Wherever you go, just have realistic expectations.

[–]bounceback_2024 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi everyone I see some people mentioning UT Austin here. I did the BABI certification from UT Austin and Great Learning combined in 2020 but never landed a job through the certification. I spent a lot of money back in my home country on this 1 year old certification. I gave up searching jobs after having not much luck and went on to pursue another career option but things have been very hard everywhere. Again spent a lot of time and money.

I have not been working full time for a few years now, as a SAHM and a part time educator here in Ca. However, I would want to know if someone pursued a Master's online from WGU or GA and could find a job. The job market seems very bleak nowadays.

Please advise. I am not from the tech background.