When Zarif Shafiei was searching for the best data science courses available, he knew he wanted more than just theory. Like many aspiring data scientists, he wanted a programme that offered hands-on training – something that would prepare him for the challenges of working in the industry. After exploring various options, one feature of the Data Science With Machine Learning & AI Career Accelerator was unique: the Employer Project with the Bank of England.

“What stood out for this Career Accelerator over other programmes I looked at was the Employer Project. Being able to experience what it’s like working in an industry and being teamed up with an employer. I knew that I’d be getting taught skills that employers would really value, and a company like the Bank of England is really big.“

Zarif’s words reflect the reality that many learners face today. Theoretical knowledge alone is no longer enough. With the data job market becoming increasingly competitive, employers value practical experience through real data science projects that focus on solving business challenges. 

That’s why the Career Accelerator from the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education offers a unique employer-led data science project as part of its curriculum. With the Career Accelerator model, you’ll get to experience the best of university education, built in collaboration with tech industry leaders, and guided by Employer Partners. 

This project not only bridges the gap between theory and practice but also gives learners the data science portfolio and confidence they need to stand out in their job search.

A message from the Bank of England

James Benford is the Bank of England’s Chief Data Officer and is part of the expert team that is overseeing the programme’s Employer Project.

You can get a glimpse into some of the work that past learners have done in the video below. 

How the Employer Project works

The six-week Employer Project is at the very end of the seven-month Career Accelerator. By this point, you’ll have acquired a strong understanding of core data science techniques, machine learning and advanced skills in natural language processing (NLP) and time series analysis.

The capstone project brings all of this learning into focus. Working within a team and supported by mentors from both academia and industry, you’ll dive deep into the data, apply your skills, and craft innovative solutions to the business challenge at hand. At the end of the project, you’ll present your findings back to the business and receive feedback, simulating a real-world consultancy experience.

This process not only enhances your technical skills but also allows you to build confidence in your ability to communicate complex data insights – a crucial skill for every data scientist. As learner Zarif highlights, the real-world application of these skills, coupled with the guidance of senior professionals, is what makes this programme so valuable.

Boost your credibility and employability with hands-on experience 

Our research shows that learners are increasingly looking for programmes that combine theory with practice. In fact, many aspiring data scientists feel their biggest challenge is applying the technical skills they’ve learned in real-world settings. 

The Employer Project offers a true-to-life experience, allowing you to experience what it’s like to be part of a data science team working on high-stakes issues. You also get the opportunity to work with renowned and established businesses, which adds a layer of credibility to your experience, enhancing the value of your portfolio and significantly boosting your employability. Zarif speaks to this directly:

“There are loads of courses that you can do and bootcamps on software engineering and programming, but this was the only one that I saw that actually did an Employer Project. I felt that was the key differentiator. Because when you start applying for roles, a lot of companies ask, ‘What experiences have you had that relate to this role?’, and you immediately have the Employer Project you can talk about.”

If you’d like to hear more about Zarif’s Career Accelerator experience outside of just the Employer Project, watch the full Q&A below:

Build a portfolio that employers want to see

One of the most important outcomes of the Career Accelerator and the Employer Project is the portfolio that each learner builds. For those transitioning into data science or looking to advance their careers, having real-world projects to showcase is critical. 

During the programme, you’ll work on 20+ industry-relevant projects set by companies such as PureGym, Study Group and Nielsen BookData. The hands-on data science training you get in the courses, coupled with the final six-week Employer Project, ensure you walk away with an impressive portfolio of work.

A practical portfolio, and a Certificate of Completion from Cambridge ICE, will signal to employers that you’re ready to contribute from day one. Whether applying for a first data science role or aiming to advance in your current career, you’ll have a powerful proof point that you can refer to during interviews as well as salary and promotion negotiations.

Ready to experience real-world learning?

For Zarif and his peers, the Employer Project was more than just a learning opportunity – it was a way to prove their skills in a setting that mirrors the environments they will soon enter as professional data scientists. 

The Data Science With Machine Learning & AI Career Accelerator is designed for learners who want more than just a boot camp. If you’re looking to gain hands-on experience, work with leading industry experts, and build a portfolio that will set you apart in the job market, this is the programme for you.

Download the brochure here to learn more about how the Employer Project can accelerate your data science career.