-Month Project-Based Learning Path: Freelance-Ready Data Scient
Goal: Become freelancing-ready in Data Science in 12 months (25–35 hrs/week), focusing on
data foundations, analytics, SQL, basic data engineering, and business problem-solving. Avoid
deep AI/ML engineering until Year 3, but lay a strong foundation for future growth.
Target Outcome: Highly proficient in data science fundamentals, with an AI-resistant portfolio,
and ready for paid freelance/remote work within 1 year.
Phase 1 (Months 1–3): Core Foundations & Python for Data
Focus:
- Strengthen Python for data analysis and automation.
- Learn data cleaning, manipulation, and basic visualization.
- Begin SQL for querying structured data.
Key Topics:
- Python (Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, Seaborn)
- SQL basics (SELECT, WHERE, JOIN, GROUP BY, ORDER BY)
- Data storytelling principles
Tools:
- Python, Jupyter Notebook, VS Code
- PostgreSQL / MySQL
- Google Sheets / Excel
Projects:
1. Sales Data Cleaning & Visualization
2. Movie Database SQL Query Project
3. Personal Finance Tracker
Milestones:
- Build 3 small but complete data analysis projects.
- Confidently query and join multiple SQL tables.
Phase 2 (Months 4–6): Data Analytics & Business Problem Solving
Focus:
- Apply analytics to solve business questions.
- Work with real-world datasets.
- Deepen SQL and Excel for analytics.
Key Topics:
- Intermediate SQL (CTEs, Window Functions, Subqueries)
- Data visualization best practices (Tableau / Power BI)
-Month Project-Based Learning Path: Freelance-Ready Data Scient
- Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA)
Tools:
- PostgreSQL, Power BI / Tableau, Python
Projects:
1. E-commerce KPI Dashboard (Power BI/Tableau)
2. Customer Segmentation Analysis
3. Market Trend Analysis with SQL & Python
Milestones:
- Complete at least 2 portfolio-ready dashboards.
- Confidently present findings in a business context.
Phase 3 (Months 7–9): Data Engineering Basics & Automation
Focus:
- Learn to prepare, store, and automate data pipelines.
- Handle large datasets efficiently.
- Integrate multiple data sources.
Key Topics:
- ETL basics
- Data cleaning automation in Python
- Cloud basics (AWS S3, Google BigQuery)
- APIs for data collection
Tools:
- Python, Airflow / Prefect, SQL, AWS/GCP basics
Projects:
1. Automated Data Pipeline for Social Media Metrics
2. Real Estate Data Aggregator with APIs
3. Cloud-based Data Warehouse Setup
Milestones:
- Deploy at least one automated data pipeline.
- Demonstrate integration of API, database, and dashboard.
Phase 4 (Months 10–12): Freelance Readiness & Advanced Analytics
-Month Project-Based Learning Path: Freelance-Ready Data Scient
Focus:
- Build a polished, diverse portfolio.
- Practice client communication and scoping.
- Learn freelance platforms and proposal writing.
Key Topics:
- Data storytelling for business impact
- Advanced Excel/SQL reporting
- Portfolio presentation skills
Tools:
- GitHub, LinkedIn, Upwork/Freelancer
- Power BI/Tableau
Projects:
1. End-to-End Business Case Study (from data ingestion to reporting)
2. Industry-Specific Analytics Project (finance, retail, healthcare)
3. Freelance Simulation Project (mock client brief)
Milestones:
- Portfolio with 6–8 strong projects.
- Fully set up freelance profiles with case studies.
- Confident in client communication and scoping.
