McLean, Va.-based Booz Allen Hamilton announced Oct. 15 the release of its Explore Data Science online training program, a self-paced, hands-on course geared toward all levels of data science proficiency – from introductory to professional. The program features galactic-themed gamification elements that teach common data science principles while guiding students through increasingly advanced, scenario-based challenges.
“In today’s highly competitive marketplace, being able to effectively compile, manage and analyze data is critically important to a business’ growth, strategic development and overall success,” Booz Allen Hamilton’s Peter Guerra, a Principal in the firm’s Strategic Innovation Group, said in a statement. “We’re therefore seeing a clear demand – across all industries – for data science expertise, but it far exceeds the available supply of trained professionals. By introducing training like Explore Data Science, we’re providing companies and interested individuals with an invaluable resource while empowering an increasingly data-driven workforce.”
Users with basic proficiencies in programming are able to transform raw information into business-critical insights. Successfully finishing missions allows users to develop or increase competency in the core tenets of data science.
Explore Data Science is the latest effort on behalf of Booz Allen Hamilton to support data science education and awareness. In 2013, the firm launched its Field Guide to Data Science, an industry resource of best practices. The new Explore Data Science training program complements those teachings by enabling future, or current, data scientists to practice, test and grow their capabilities in a simulation-based environment. The techniques learned in the Explore Data Science training program can then be easily translated into daily business operations.