What are the steps to start a career in statistics without prior experience?

One major advantage I've found is the fact that Statistics is applied almost everywhere, in every field imaginable. 1. In India, courses offered by Swayam(Under the Ministry of Education) is a fairly decent place to brush up/learn the basics. The courses are offered by highly established professors from the field. 2. Identify which part of statistics suits best for you- descriptive/predictive/prescriptive Analytics; even though the start based on the principles of the former, it eventually branches out into its own domain

Begin by understanding fundamental statistical concepts such as mean, median, mode, variance, and standard deviation. Online platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera, or edX offer introductory statistics courses.

To embark on a statistical career without prior experience, begin by mastering foundational concepts through online courses. Consider formal education in statistics or a related field. Develop technical skills with statistical software like R or Python, and excel in Microsoft Excel. Gain practical experience through projects and internships, and join professional organizations for networking. Obtain relevant certifications and build a portfolio showcasing your work. Stay updated on industry trends, continuously learn, and seek mentorship. Tailor your resume and apply for entry-level positions, internships, or assistant roles to launch your statistical career with persistence and a proactive approach to learning and networking.

Exploring a few online courses from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning can provide valuable insights into whether a career in statistics aligns with your interests. Additionally, you can seize opportunities at your workplace to leverage your statistical skills and gauge your enjoyment in that specific domain. If your interest persists, pursuing a graduate degree in Applied Statistics through one of the multiple available online programs can be a great option as an adult learner.

To start a career in statistics without prior experience, read textbooks, utilize YouTube tutorials, explore free online resources, and ensure a strong understanding of statistical fundamentals.

Getting good at something takes practice in any job. I believe in 'Practice makes a man perfect'. Use online resources and courses to get better at your job. Try out things on your own, especially with tools like Excel, SQL, Python, and Tableau/PowerBI. To start with data analysis, learn the basics of statistics, normal distribution and regression analysis also check out advanced topics like cloud computing and AWS. Stay competitive by sharing your work online and taking part in online data sources. Doing all these things helps you build a strong foundation for growing in your career.

Immerse yourself in personal data exploration, unleashing creativity in visualization. Embrace collaboration, competition, and step out of your comfort zone. Prioritize hands-on, real-world projects over traditional courses. Share your journey openly, building a dynamic portfolio. Learn by doing, celebrate small victories, and embark on a playful, rewarding path to statistical mastery. It's about the journey, not just the destination!

Instead of listing skills, build interactive projects that demonstrate your abilities. Analyze a sports dataset, predict movie ratings, or visualize city demographics. Let your creations do the talking! Include code snippets, data cleaning processes, and clear explanations, allowing viewers to understand your thought process. Incorporate data storytelling elements: Use compelling narratives, interactive charts, and dynamic visualizations to engage your audience.

Connect with statisticians on LinkedIn: Join relevant groups, participate in discussions, and reach out to individuals whose work inspires you. Show genuine interest, offer your expertise, and build meaningful connections. Attend industry events and conferences: Network with professionals, learn from experts, and showcase your knowledge by presenting your work or participating in hackathons. Reach out to your professors or past employers: Seek advice, inquire about potential openings, and leverage their network to find hidden opportunities.

Volunteer to do some extra project or assist on a project. Ideally, it should be something that adds value & moves the needle for your firm. If you are in college, volunteer to assist your professor. For example, in my MBA program, I co-authored a paper with my Applied Statistics professor on a particular event study. Your goal is to learn, find a mentor, & have something interesting to put on your CV - & talk about in job interviews. It also shows a desire to learn, work ethic & initiative.

Remember, building a career in statistics is a gradual process that requires continuous learning and practical application of skills. Be persistent, stay curious, and leverage resources available both online and offline.