GA MachineLearning B2C
GA MachineLearning B2C
By Michael Larner
Why Data? complex data; discovering relationships data scientists and machine learning
and anomalies among variables; engineers, using Python and other
When synthesized properly, data offers businesses: building scalable machine learning technologies, enable computers to learn
1. Predictive power based on facts. software; and turning data into valuable how to make predictions without needing
information. to program every potential scenario.
2. Pathways to smart strategies.
3. Informed decision-making. You may find that at some companies, These skills have surprising uses beyond
a person with the title of data scientist data, bringing delight, efficiency, and
focuses more on the statistics and innovation to countless industries. They
mathematical modeling aspects of the empower people to drive businesses
field, while at another company they forward with a speed and precision that
could be more focused on delivering was previously unknown.
business value.
SQL at a Glance
Pronounced: “sequel” or “ess-que-el” I n today’s digital age, we’re constantly
bombarded with information about
new apps, hot technologies, and the
S Q L AT W O R K
A programming language used to: Create, alter, latest, greatest artificial intelligence
request, and aggregate data from databases. system. While these technologies may
serve very different purposes in our
Data scientists and programmers use it to: Make lives, many of them have one essential
connections between different pieces of information,
even when dealing with huge data sets.
thing in common: They rely on data.
More specifically, they use databases
Sales Manager
A sales manager could use SQL to increase
to capture, store, retrieve, and sales by comparing the performance of various lead-
aggregate data. generation programs and doubling down on those
that are working.
This begs the question: How do we
actually interact with databases to
accomplish all of this? The answer: We
use Structured Query Language, or SQL
Marketing Manager
A marketing manager responsible for
(pronounced “sequel” or “ess-que-el”). understanding the efficacy of an ad campaign
could use SQL to compare the increase in sales
Put simply, SQL is the language of before and after running the ad.
Ariana Dugan data locked away in databases. Think and contain a relatively low number of
Education Product Manager about the last time you received a report businesses. This might present a great
Data Courses, General Assembly about how your company or team is opportunity to purchase property in a
performing. This probably had some key soon-to-be thriving neighborhood!
metrics like sales figures, conversion
rates, or profit margins based on data
Python at a Glance
A programming language used to: P ython is an immensely popular
programming language used by data
analysts, data scientists, and software
P Y T H O N AT W O R K
• Automate processes.
engineers to automate processes, build
• Build applications’ functionality. the functionality of applications, and
• Delve into machine learning. delve into machine learning. Companies
Machine Learning
at a Glance E ver wonder how apps, websites, and
machines seem to be able to predict
the future? Like how Amazon knows
M AC H I N E L E A R N I N G
AT W O R K
A branch of artificial intelligence (AI) capable of: what your next purchase may be, or
Building systems that can learn from and make how self-driving cars can safely navigate
decisions based on data. a complex road situation?
Data professionals and machine learning engineers The answer lies in machine learning.
use it to:
Machine learning is a branch of AI that
Data Scientist
• Build recommendation and personalization engines. often leverages Python to build systems or Analyst
• Identify market segments. that can learn from and make decisions Data scientists and analysts use machine learning
based on data. Instead of explicitly to answer specific business questions for key
• Make smarter business decisions, and more. stakeholders. They might help their company’s user
programming the machine to solve the
experience (UX) team determine which website
problem, we show it how it was solved features most heavily drive sales.
in the past and the machine learns the
key steps that are required to do the
same task on its own. Machine Learning
Machine learning is revolutionizing
Engineer
A machine learning engineer is a software engineer
every industry by bringing greater value specifically responsible for writing code that
to companies’ years of saved data. leverages machine learning models. For example,
Leveraging machine learning enables they might a build a recommendation engine that
suggests products to customers.
organizations to make more precise
decisions instead of following intuition.
VOICE-RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY
We’ve seen the emergence of voice
assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and
Google’s Assistant. These interactive
systems are based entirely on voice-
opportunity in the
SQL will expose you to database design Data skills enable you to help build
concepts. Machine learning will require new, groundbreaking technologies,
field for individuals a good understanding of data analysis. including web applications,
machine learning models, chatbots,
and teams to grow.” Dipping your toes in this uncharted
water may seem daunting — but it and much more.
shouldn’t! There’s so much opportunity • Expand your career potential.
in the field for individuals and teams to Glassdoor has named data
grow. Here are actionable steps you can scientists the No. 1 Job in America
take — right now — to get started. three years running, and, based
on previous projections from
Boost Your Career the management consultancy
McKinsey, IBM predicts that by
There are countless reasons to add SQL, 2020, the number of data science
Python, and machine learning skills and analytics job listings will grow
to your toolkit, whether or not you’re by nearly 364,000 listings, to about
seeking a full-time role in the data field. 2.72 million.
• Improve communication.
No matter your role or industry, this
Data professionals must
knowledge can take your hireability to
communicate to nontechnical
the next level. Here are just some of the
audiences — including stakeholders
things you can do with data expertise:
across the company — in a
• Become a skilled problem-solver. compelling way to highlight the
Programming languages like SQL business impact and opportunity.
and Python teach you problem- At the end of the day, those
solving skills that are applicable stakeholders have to act on
in many business scenarios and possibly make far-reaching
you’ll encounter. decisions based on data findings.
• Be more cross-functional.
Having key programming and data
skills under your belt makes it easier
to work with teams across your
A Beginner’s Guide to SQL, Python, and Machine Learning 17
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
How to Develop a
Drive Your Business Forward
Data-Driven Team
strong foundation for learning
new data tools and techniques
G
Michael Larner eneral Assembly is a global Presented in Partnership With:
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