Unveiling Analytics Vidhya Apprentice – a programme to graduate with recognition for your knowledge!
It has been more than a year since we started our journey to change how Analytics knowledge flows in communities. The experience has been rewarding, fulfilling, gratifying and filled with a lot of learning at the same time. In this short span, we have become one of the leading analytics blogs (in India) and have started transforming Analytics Vidhya into a knowledge portal.
Today, we unveil, a very special programme, Analytics Vidhya Apprenticeship (AV Apprenticeship) or the Data Science Apprenticeship, to take a leap forward in this direction.
The genesis of this programme lies in the numerous interactions, we have had with people across the globe in last one year. What stands out in these discussions, is the talent and recognition imbalance in the industry. Whether it is an experienced analyst (read lone warrior), trying to influence his customers or management about the benefits of investing in cutting edge infrastructure, or some one who has just graduated from one of the various certifications across the globe, recognition of your knowledge does not come easy.
Through this programme, we are set to change this forever (at least for a few people).
The proposition:
The Analytics Vidhya team will extend it’s learnings to a small batch of professionals, and mentor them to achieve great heights in their analytics career. For 6 months, these people will work along with the team, and gain practical knowledge about the subject. Some potential areas of work are:
- Blogging – We train you on what it takes to become a successful storyteller / writer. Your high quality output gets published on our platform under your name and stays there even after the programmel (However, the content will come under the Analytics Vidhya Copyright)
- Interactions / advice people on social platforms – You solve peoples’ queries and give them specific advice on various forums – be it Quora / Stackoverflow / Github / Kaggle
- Active participation on Analytics Vidhya forums – It could be from starting discussions to answering people on specific subject matter.
- Participate in data science competitions – You participate in various data science competitions and get mentored by the Analytics Vidhya team
- Interact with people in industry – Conduct interviews with Industry leaders
- Consultancy projects – Work on actual live problems to gain knowledge
- Conducting guest lectures on behalf of Analytics Vidhya
- Solve case studies
What do you gain from this programme?
Loads…starting from interactions with several like minded people, to interviewing experts from the Industry, to solving real life problems – you learn from every exercise. Your knowledge is showcased to all the readers on our platform, and hence you see the recognition coming accordingly.
The idea is, to create a unique programme, which focuses on implementing & showcasing your knowledge practically.
What do I need to pay for this awesome opportunity?
Well…nothing financially. You need to put in a lot of effort to go through this rigorous program. We will get the content and any financial rewards that come in from the work we do together.
However, in order to make sure that we only get serious candidates for the programme, we have introduced a very nominal deposit, which is INR 6000/- (~$100). The entire amount would be refunded to you, the day you pass out of the programme. In case you don’t finish the programme, this deposit would be treated as a compensation for our efforts (and hence will not be refunded).
You will need to clear a tough, multi-stage selection process to enter the programme. Following that, there will be a 6 month long rigorous apprenticeship.
P.S. – You only get the certificate post completion of programme. There are no marks for participating.
Selection process:
Stage 1: Complete the application on Analytics Vidhya website by 25th June 2014. This application includes several essays about your experience and the your reasons to join the programme. Next stages of selection would start as soon as you fill in the application and seats will be provided on first come, first serve basis. So don’t wait – go and fill in the application.
Your application will be selected / rejected basis your knowledge, passion and your essays. So, please fill them accordingly.
You will get more information about upcoming rounds after you register for stage 1.
P.S. At this stage, you don’t need to make any payment. We will collect this at a later stage.
Few other details:
- This is not a traditional programme, but a practical hands on programme in Analytics. Do not expect class room sessions. Do expect a lot of analytics related discussions.
- The onus to learn lies with you. If you need to learn any technical stuff, your mentor will direct you to the right place, but it is you, who needs to learn
- Expect a lot of feedback and guidance on your work, be it on a blog post or a data science project.
- It will be expected of you, to spend at least 4 hours every week as part of the programme.
We are very excited to launch this programme, and can’t wait to interact with you participants. Do let us know your thoughts / feedback / suggestions on this programme. If you need more details, feel free to write to me about it.
40 thoughts on "Unveiling Analytics Vidhya Apprentice – a programme to graduate with recognition for your knowledge!"
Nitesh says: June 10, 2014 at 5:52 pm
Hi Kunal , Thanks for launching such a wonderful programme but i have some queries . I don't have much experience in analytics industry but decided to shift my career to analytics so I have learnt SAS and R .Is this programme meant for such candidate . After getting selected someone will have work with you or can work from anywhere ,what will be the normal daily work for next six months. Thanks, NiteshKunal Jain says: June 10, 2014 at 6:44 pm
Nitesh, Thanks for raising the questions. The programme will have candidates from diverse background - most will have experience in analytics and a few would be newbies with certification like you. Candidate with least experience is set to benefit the most from experience of other people. The candidates can work from anywhere and will work on knowedge / content creation. They will be expected to spend 3 hours at their end and approximately 1 hour of online interaction with other people / Analytics Vidhya team. Hope this answers your question. Regards, KunalKiran Kumar says: June 11, 2014 at 6:09 am
Dear Mr.Kunal, I have been actively following your posts. I am an Masters student in Information systems from University of Erlangen , Germany. My deep interest interest towards Analytics made me write this message. Firstly, I thank you sincerely for launching such a wonderful course. I would like to take part in it. I participated in Data Analytics course on edx before. I hope that knowledge is sufficient. Moreover, I have deep interest towards Analytics. So, I am thinking that these are enough to sign up into the course.Sudheer says: June 11, 2014 at 12:20 pm
Hello, I think your modus operandi is absolutely great. Keeping a nominal fee as 'security deposit' will ensure floating-population is kept at bay. I am strongly in favor of this initiative. I will be submitting my application too. I know the success of the pro-bono initiative depends significantly two things. 1. how serious the applicants are about learning and enhancing Analytical skills 2. if and how much time can working professionals (like me) can dedicate (or call it invest) in learning. I wish you guys good luck. Hope to be on the team.Kunal Jain says: June 11, 2014 at 4:59 pm
Kiran, Thanks for your message. First of all, this is not a course, it is an apprenticeship programme. We will take people from diverse backgrounds, which would include experts as well as novices. We will judge the applications on various parameters before making a decision and your chances of selection depend on relative strength within peer group. Hence, I would urge to apply at this stage and take the process forward. Thanks, KunalKunal Jain says: June 11, 2014 at 5:03 pm
Hi Sudheer, Very well said. The success of the programme will depend on those factors. In order to make it more meaningful, we will take the candidates with varied background and expertise (e.g. someone who knows R, someone who knows SAS, someone with Matlab experience etc.) Looking forward to interacting with you in coming rounds. Regards, KunalKumar Chinnakali says: June 12, 2014 at 4:48 am
Hi Kunal, That's awesome opportunity for people like me, who is beginner in Analytics. Am pleased to share with you that last day i've filled the form for stage 1, but not yet received an acknowledgement. Regards, Kumar ChinnakaliMunesh says: June 13, 2014 at 6:41 am
Hi Kunal, Great initiative. Please let me know what kind of time investment are you looking for day/week. Regards MuneshSaurabh says: June 15, 2014 at 2:18 am
Hi Kunal, I have been a regular follower of the site and interacted personally to you previously. I am in Singapore and many data scientist have been mentoring students here. I was fortunate to be a mentee with one. Hope I can enrich from Analytics Vidhya Team and help in collaborative growth. Best Regards, SaurabhKunal Jain says: June 15, 2014 at 6:51 pm
Hi Munesh, The expectation for an average person would be to spend 4 hours a week on the programme for a period of 6 months. If you are a starter, you might need to spend more time upfront. Thanks, KunalKunal Jain says: June 15, 2014 at 6:53 pm
Thanks Saurabh for mentioning your experience in similar setup. Looking forward to your application and potential interactions. Regards, KunalKunal Jain says: June 15, 2014 at 8:11 pm
Thanks Kumar Chinnakali. Looking forward to the application. Regards, KunalGopinath says: June 16, 2014 at 6:31 am
Hi Kunal, I'm a regular follower of AV. Thanks for launching a program like this. I already work for an analytics org, but my role is currently limited to reporting. Hoping to be part of this program and looking forward for learning from others and contributing to others. Regards, Gopinath Spulkit saini says: June 16, 2014 at 7:37 pm
thanks a lot again sir for such an important initiation. sir i left a comment on your post "The lack of analytics work experience and how to overcome it?" about my exp.my intrest and my prospective goal. please find time to analyze it.. more over i ll be filling your form for the first stage .will that be suitable for me. sincerly.Deepakprasad says: June 20, 2014 at 11:55 am
I have already started application process, But still can u emphasize this bullet? Consultancy projects – Work on actual live problems to gain knowledgeKunal Jain says: June 23, 2014 at 10:12 pm
Deepak, There are live problems, which Analytics Vidhya decides to work upon once in a while. If a person has the right skill set, they will assist Analytics Vidhya team in solving these problems. Hope this makes it clear. Looking forward to your application. Regards, KunalKunal Jain says: June 23, 2014 at 11:11 pm
Pulkit, We will take 1 or 2 people with limited work experience. You can apply. We will get back to you shortly with the shortlist. Regards, Kunalpradeep says: June 24, 2014 at 9:14 am
Hi Kunal, Good noon. Please let us know when we will get to know whether we are selected for this program? Thanks and Regards, S.S.PradeepNitesh says: June 24, 2014 at 12:36 pm
Hi kunal, I have submitted my application but how i will come to know whether it has been successfully submitted or not .As I have not received any acknowledgement . Regards, NiteshVenkat Vedula says: June 25, 2014 at 10:05 am
Hi Kunal, I am new to Analytics world and learning CBAP course from Edvancer, I am a Commerce Graduate, please advise after completing this Apprenticeship will add to my CV to get a Job into Analytics world. Thanks Venkat VedulaKunal Jain says: June 28, 2014 at 12:37 pm
Venkat, The aim of the apprentice programme is to provide practical exposure to people currently lacking it. Most of the people in the programme would be expected to come with at least the theoratical knowledge. Hence, it might just be the right fit for you. Regards, KunalKunal Jain says: June 28, 2014 at 12:45 pm
Nitesh, Your application has been received successfully. We will reach out to you with results shortly. Regards, KunalKunal Jain says: June 28, 2014 at 12:50 pm
Pradeep, Expect a shortlist for first round early next week and final results for selection by end of July. Regards, KunalMayur P says: July 03, 2014 at 6:19 am
I want to apply for this Program, as i am very new to Analytics world. I am very keen to learn this, kindly let me know how to go about the application now ?Kunal Jain says: July 09, 2014 at 7:15 pm
Mayur, The applications have been closed for this round. We will likely do a follow up programme some time down the line. Regards, KunalSUDHIR says: July 25, 2014 at 11:41 am
Dear Kunal I am a Brand Manager & works on different subject but now with introduction of analytics it seems I can improve my performance a lot. But my knowledge about same is ZERO. I don't know any tool. It would be useful to enroll for any course. If YES. Which one? Warm Regards SudhirKunal Jain says: July 28, 2014 at 6:07 am
Sudhir, You can start by taking a few courses on Coursera offered as part of Data Science speicialization. Regards, KunalVipin Sarode says: July 28, 2014 at 2:07 pm
Hi Kunal, When can I expect the second batch to start. Regards, VipinShreenag Haranhalli says: July 30, 2014 at 4:05 am
Hi Kunal, Can you give any updates about when will be the next batch starting ? Regards, Shreenag.Anoop K L says: August 04, 2014 at 6:34 pm
Hi Kunal, I was a bit late to stumble upon your website. Could you please let me and the other aspirants' know when the next course will be? Regards Anoop K LDeepika says: August 06, 2014 at 1:46 pm
Hi Kunal, I am very interested in joining the next batch. Please update me about the schedule. Thanks.Madhavan says: August 20, 2014 at 6:02 am
Hi Kunal, I am interested in joining the next batch. Please keep us informed through your newsletters. MadhavanRahul says: August 27, 2014 at 7:23 am
Hi Kunal Me too interested in joining next batch . Do keep informed . ThanksPrashant says: August 31, 2014 at 4:43 pm
Hi Kunal, It is simply a great initiative. I am interested in joining the next batch. Please do inform about the program. Thanks PrashantRashmi says: September 03, 2014 at 1:12 pm
Hi Kunal, I guess I am late this time, can you please let me know when is the next round of application are accepted. thank you, RashmiKunal Jain says: September 03, 2014 at 6:08 pm
Rashmi, Thanks for your interest. Kindly subscribe to our emails here and you will be informed about the next batch. Regards, KunalMayur P says: October 22, 2014 at 7:41 am
Hi Kunal, I am already subscribed, do let me know when is the Next Batch starting. Thanks, Mayur PanchalSudeepa says: August 10, 2015 at 7:02 am
I am interested to learn join this program. Please let me know...if you are launching this once again. I am already subscribed to AnalyticsVidhyaSudeepa says: August 10, 2015 at 7:02 am
I am interested to join this program. Please let me know...if you are launching this once again. I am already subscribed to AnalyticsVidhya