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DataCamp Review: A Top Choice for Future Data Scientists?

DataCamp Overview

In-depth training is key to pursuing a career in data science and if you’re looking to learn online, DataCamp is one option.

Not only does the platform offer an array of courses, but it is backed by top organizations too, including Google, PayPal, eBay, and more.

With DataCamp, you can master some of the most widely-used programming tools on the market, such as Python, R, and SQL, in an interactive format. Learners can also participate in projects that simulate real-life workplace requirements.

In this DataCamp review, we take you through everything you need to know to decide whether this eLearning site is right for you.

DataCamp Pros and Cons

DataCamp

Pros:

  • Interactive and engaging courses: High-quality data science courses can be found on several websites, but most of them don’t come close to DataCamp’s offering. Not only do you get to learn from expert instructors, but you can participate in different projects and watch engaging videos to improve your skills.
  • Transparent pricing: Some platforms have confusing pricing plans or fail to show course costs altogether, but you won’t face this issue with DataCamp. The pricing is transparent and easy to understand.
  • Instructor vetting: To ensure high-quality learning, DataCamp screens every instructor to guarantee they’re qualified to work on the platform.
  • Highly accessible: Students can access DataCamp course content from any device. There’s even a mobile-only subscription that provides unlimited access to smartphone practice exercises and mobile courses.

Cons:

  • English-only course material: If English isn’t your first language, you won’t be able to use the downloadable material from DataCamp. On the plus side, you can activate subtitles in German, Italian, French, Russian, Chinese, and other languages for any video content.
  • No tests and quizzes: DataCamp offers minor practice questions and assessments, but you can’t monitor your progress with formal tests once you complete your course.

Who is DataCamp for?

DataCamp is ideal for data science students of every level. The courses are concise and clear, providing a relevant introduction without overwhelming you with complex concepts.

These courses are also perfect for people who want to obtain showcase their skills and enhance their resumes. This is thanks to the real-life projects that DataCamp offers.

Finally, DataCamp is also a good choice for data science experts who would like to become instructors and earn an additional income.

Types of Courses Offered on DataCamp

Many other course providers generally only focus on one or two data science fields, such as basic analytics and data science concepts. That’s not the case with DataCamp.

This platform offers a diverse range of topics related to programming and analytics:

  • Statistics and probability
  • Case studies
  • Management
  • Data engineering
  • Applied finance
  • Machine learning
  • Data manipulation and visualization
  • Reporting
  • Cleaning and importing data

If you’re only interested in coding and development, you can’t go wrong with DataCamp. Here are some of the langauges you can learn:

  • Python
  • SQL
  • R
  • Git
  • Shell
  • Theory
  • Scala
  • Spreadsheets
  • Excel
  • Power BI

DataCamp Technologies

All of these courses are well-designed, but you won’t be rewarded with a DataCamp certificate or degree. However, completing specific programs can earn you a statement of accomplishment. While these are not accredited, you can incorporate them into your resume or add them to your LinkedIn profile for better employment opportunities.

DataCamp Pricing and Refunds

The cost of DataCamp courses depends on your pricing plan.

Students can choose between three personal plans:

  • Free Account
  • Standard Account ($25 per month)
  • Premium Account ($33.25 per month)

There are also two professional plans for businesses. Qualifying for the Professional plan requires a minimum of five users and costs $25 per month. Then there is the Enterprise plan, which can be customized to meet your organization’s requirements.

When it comes to refunds, DataCamp allows you to cancel subscriptions whenever you want, but they won’t refund unused portions of your subscriptions. Students can also still access course material until their monthly subscription comes to an end.

Even though DataCamp has a strict refund policy, some learners might be eligible for an exception. Students will need to contact their help center for more details or email them at support@datacamp.com.

DataCamp Enrolment Process

This DataCamp review would be incomplete if we didn’t mention the enrolment process. Fortunately, the sign-up process couldn’t be more straight forward.

To create an account, go to the DataCamp homepage, enter your email and password, and click Start Learning For Free.

You can now start searching for courses using the search bar or use the site’s drop-down menu and explore the different categories. Each course page provides you with all the details you need to decide whether a course is right for you, including what you will learn, how many lessons are included, and who you will be learning from.

Another way to sign up for a course is to receive an email invitation from the administrator of your organization or from DataCamp directly. Your invitation will contain a Join Group button that will launch your lessons, but you do need to be signed into your account.

Overall, DataCamp has a highly intuitive interface, which makes it that much easier to find courses and start learning in an interactive environment. You can even monitor your online learning progress using the DataCamp dashboard. 

DataCamp Course Structure

DataCamp is different from other online learing platforms in some aspects, but the structure of their courses are relatively similar. Each course is made up of stand-alone video modules that vary in terms of length, content, and skill level.

Whatever course you choose, you can expect it to be engaging. Instead of merely watching hours of video content, you can participate in interactive exercises and projects to help you hone your skills.

Besides individual courses, the platform also lets you pursue Tracks. These programs feature a series of courses and modules that enable you to earn your Statement of Accomplishment upon successful completion.

Two different tracks are currently available: Skill Track and Career Track. The most significant advantage of the Skill Track is that it’s highly flexible, allowing you to pick modules according to your learning needs and goals.

The Career Track grants learners access to a range of courses that can prepare them for specific careers rather than skills. For instance, you can take 10 courses from different instructors and work through over 40 hours of training to become a knowledgeable Python programmer.

Before you begin any of the courses, you have the option to take the test version to decide whether it’s right for you. 

DataCamp Alternatives

If you don’t feel that DataCamp is the right eLearning platform for you, there are a few other options to consider.

  • Pluralsight. Pluralsight is fairly similar to DataCamp in that it provides online courses for IT professionals and developers. The platform is known for its hands-on approach to learning and high-quality courses, which is why it’s a top online learning choice for leading brands such as Adobe, Fuji, and Nasdaq.
  • LinkedIn Learning. Even though LinkedIn Learning has a strong focus on short business courses, there are also a number of technology courses. The courses are short and easy to fit into a busy schedule. Plus, every course you complete is automatically added to your LinkedIn profile. You can read our full review on LinkedIn Learning here.
  • Udemy. Udemy is another platform you should consider if you are interested in a career in data science. There are hundreds of courses to choose from on Udemy. And if you’re not happy with the content, the website offers a 30-day refund policy. Plus, you can earn certificates of completion with every paid course. Read our detailed Udemy review here.

Verdict

So, is DataCamp worth it? Absolutely! Especially if you prefer an engaging learning experience that leaves you with completed projects that you can add to your resume. 

It doesn’t matter whether you are new to data science and programming or you already have some knowledge, DataCamp has a course that suits your needs.

Now that you’ve read this DataCamp review, is this the right platform for you?