PGP in Data Science: How to Know If It’s Worth It

Hawkins University
Nov 27
9 min read

Introduction:

Today, every business—from startups to multinational companies—is driven by data. This has made data science one of the most in-demand career paths globally. As a result, thousands of professionals ask the same question every year: Is a PGP in Data Science worth it?

A Post Graduate Program (PGP) in Data Science has become a popular choice for students, working professionals, and career switchers who want to enter this fast-growing field. But with so many online courses, certifications, degrees, and bootcamps available, choosing the right path becomes confusing.

This is why understanding whether investing time, money, and effort into a PGP in Data Science is worth it is essential. The answer depends on your career goals, your current skills, and how serious you are about building a long-term career in data science, analytics, machine learning, or AI.

In this blog, we break down everything from skills gained to employment outcomes to help you decide whether a PGP in Data Science will truly add value to your career.

What Is a PGP in Data Science? Key Features Explained

Before deciding whether a PGP in Data Science is worth it, it’s important to understand what it actually includes. A PGP is a structured, professional graduate-level program designed to equip learners with end-to-end data science skills through hands-on learning, industry projects, and advanced tools.

Common Features of a PGP in Data Science

Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers Python, SQL, statistics, machine learning, deep learning, AI, data visualization, and cloud tools.
Practical Training: Real-world datasets, capstone projects, case studies.
Industry Mentorship: Sessions with experts working in tech, finance, healthcare, and more.
Placement Assistance: Resume building, interview training, job referrals.
Flexible Format: Online, hybrid, or weekend classes for working professionals.

Why It’s Popular

A PGP in Data Science is structured more deeply than short-term certifications yet more flexible and job-oriented than a traditional Master’s degree.

So, if you want a career-focused learning experience without spending 2 years in a degree program, a PGP is a perfect middle-ground.

Who Should Consider a PGP in Data Science? Ideal Candidate Profile

Not everyone needs a PGP. But for many people, it can be a career-changing investment. To determine if the PGP in Data Science is worth it for you, check where you fit among these ideal learner profiles:

1. Working Professionals Looking to Upskill

Professionals from IT, engineering, finance, marketing, or operations often take PGPs to upgrade skills and move into better-paying roles.

2. Career Switchers

Even if you have no coding background, many PGPs are beginner-friendly. With the right effort, transitioning to data roles becomes achievable.

3. Students and Fresh Graduates

A PGP helps them stand out in the job market with practical skills and project experience.

4. Entrepreneurs

Business owners use data science knowledge to improve marketing, operations, and customer analytics.

If you fall into any of these categories, a PGP in Data Science can give you a strong competitive edge.

Top Skills You Gain From a PGP in Data Science

When evaluating Is a PGP in Data Science worth it, the most important factor is the skillset you will gain.

Here are the most valuable skills a PGP provides:

Technical Skills

1. Programming (Python, R)

These are core languages for building analytical and machine learning models.

2. SQL & Databases

Every data job requires strong SQL ability for data extraction and manipulation.

3. Statistics & Probability

Fundamental for data analysis, forecasting, and understanding model outputs.

4. Machine Learning

Supervised and unsupervised algorithms, regression, classification, clustering, and more.

5. Deep Learning & AI

Neural networks, NLP, computer vision—essential for advanced data roles.

6. Data Visualization

Using tools like Tableau, Power BI, and Matplotlib to convert insights into dashboards.

Industry-Relevant Skills

Solving business problems using data
Creating end-to-end ML projects
Model tuning and deployment
Working in cross-functional teams
Storytelling with data

Soft Skills

Analytical thinking
Logical reasoning
Communication and presentation
Problem-solving approach

These combined skills make you job-ready, which is why many learners find the PGP in Data Science completely worth the investment.

PGP vs. Master’s vs. Online Courses: Which One Is Better?

To know if a PGP in Data Science is worth it, compare it with other learning options.

Program Type	Duration	Cost	Depth	Job Support	Ideal For
PGP in Data Science	9–12 months	Moderate	High	Yes	Working professionals & career switchers
Master’s in Data Science	1.5–2 years	High	Very High	Yes	Students & deep academic learners
Short Online Courses	1–3 months	Low	Basic–Medium	No	Beginners exploring data science

Why PGP Is a Popular Choice

More affordable than a Master’s
More comprehensive than online certification courses
Includes placement assistance
Requires less time commitment

For most people seeking job-oriented training, a PGP in Data Science provides the best balance of quality, affordability, and ROI.

How to Evaluate Whether a PGP in Data Science Is Worth It for You

To avoid choosing the wrong program, consider these factors:

1. Your Career Goals

Want to switch careers? A PGP is ideal.
Want a research-oriented role? A Master’s may be better.

2. Your Background

You don’t need coding or math expertise to start, but willingness to learn is crucial.

3. The Course Content

Check if the curriculum includes:

Python
SQL
Machine learning
Deep learning
Big data tools
Capstone projects

4. Job Support

A good PGP offers:

Mock interviews
Resume help
Job referrals
Placement training

5. Reviews & Alumni Results

Find out:

How many people got jobs?
What companies hire from this program?
Are alumni satisfied?

If all these conditions are met, then YES—a PGP in Data Science is definitely worth it.

Career Benefits After Completing a PGP in Data Science

One of the strongest reasons people consider a PGP is its career impact.

1. Access to High-Paying Jobs

Data science roles offer strong salaries, often higher than other tech fields.

2. Faster Career Growth

With demand increasing every year, skilled professionals get promoted faster.

3. Wide Range of Job Roles

After completing a PGP in Data Science, you can apply for jobs such as:

Data Analyst
Business Analyst
Machine Learning Engineer
Data Scientist
AI Engineer
Data Engineer
Research Analyst

4. Career Switching Made Easy

Even professionals from non-tech backgrounds successfully transition after completing a PGP.

5. Global Opportunities

Data science skills are universal, meaning you can work in India, USA, UK, UAE, Europe, or anywhere with strong IT markets.

Salary Growth & Job Opportunities for PGP in Data Science Graduates

No blog answering Is a PGP in Data Science worth it is complete without discussing salary and job demand.

Demand for Data Talent

According to industry reports, the demand for data scientists grows by 20–30% every year. Companies across tech, finance, healthcare, retail, and consulting are hiring aggressively.

Average Salaries in India

Data Analyst: ₹4 – ₹8 LPA
Data Scientist: ₹8 – ₹18 LPA
Machine Learning Engineer: ₹10 – ₹20 LPA
AI Engineer: ₹12 – ₹25 LPA

For Freshers

A fresher with a good PGP certificate and strong project portfolio can earn: ₹6 – ₹10 LPA depending on skills and the institute's credibility.

For Working Professionals

Upskilling through a PGP often leads to:

Promotions
Domain shift
30–100% salary hikes

This makes the PGP in Data Science one of the highest-ROI career programs available today.

Real Industry Use Cases: Where Your PGP Skills Are Applied

One of the most important ways to evaluate Is a PGP in Data Science worth it is to understand how these skills are used in real corporate environments. A strong PGP trains you in real-world applications, not just theoretical concepts.

1. Retail & E-Commerce

Data science helps companies like Amazon, Flipkart, and Meesho analyze:

Customer buying behavior
Pricing patterns
Inventory optimization
Personalized recommendations

Your machine learning knowledge gained from a PGP in Data Science becomes directly applicable here.

2. Banking & Finance

Banks use data models for:

Fraud detection
Credit scoring
Customer segmentation
Risk analytics
Loan approval automation

PGP learners often get placed in fintech firms because of their strong analytical and ML foundations.

3. Healthcare

Predictive analytics helps:

Diagnose diseases
Predict patient outcomes
Optimize hospital operations
Analyze medical imaging

Healthcare has enormous demand for data professionals.

4. Manufacturing

Data science improves:

Supply chain forecasting
Predictive maintenance
Quality control

5. Marketing & Advertising

Data models determine:

Ad targeting
Customer churn prediction
Campaign ROI
Lead scoring

Understanding these real-world applications helps you clearly judge whether the PGP in Data Science is a smart investment for your career direction.

How to Choose the Right PGP in Data Science Program

Choosing the right institute is crucial. Even the best learners can struggle if the program quality is low. Before enrolling, evaluate the following:

1. Curriculum Quality

A good PGP must cover:

Python
SQL
Machine learning
Deep learning
Data engineering basics
Tableau/Power BI
Cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP)

If any of these are missing, your learning may be incomplete.

2. Hands-On Projects

Projects matter more than theory. Check whether the program offers:

Case studies
Capstones
Real datasets
Industry projects

3. Faculty & Mentors

Experienced mentors help you learn faster and avoid mistakes. Look for trainers with:

Industry experience
Real project work
Strong academic background

4. Placement Support

Good PGP programs provide:

Resume building
Interview training
Hiring partner network
Internship support

5. Reviews & ROI

Look at:

Alumni LinkedIn profiles
Placement statistics
Salary packages
Real success stories

This evaluation helps answer: Is a PGP in Data Science worth it for me personally?

Cost, ROI, and Time Investment: A Detailed Breakdown

Another major factor is cost and return on investment (ROI). A PGP typically costs less than a full master’s degree while offering strong career benefits.

1. Cost Breakdown

Most PGP programs cost:

₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000 (India)
$1,000 – $4,000 (international online programs)

Compared to Master’s programs costing ₹6–20 lakhs, PGPs are much more affordable.

2. Time Required

PGPs usually take:

8 to 12 months
Weekend or evening schedules
Best suited for working professionals

3. When Is the ROI High?

ROI is highest when:

You are switching careers
You want high-paying data roles
You want quick upskilling
You use your skills in your current job
You complete all projects professionally

4. Why ROI Is Usually Positive

Because data science salaries are high and demand is rising, PGP graduates often recover their investment within the first year of employment.

For most learners, a PGP in Data Science is worth it financially, professionally, and academically.

Common Mistakes Students Make While Choosing a PGP

To avoid wasting time and money, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Choosing the Cheapest Program

Low-cost programs may lack:

Proper projects
Experienced mentors
Placement support
Updated curriculum

2. Not Checking Alumni Results

If alumni are not getting jobs, that’s a red flag.

3. Ignoring the Curriculum

Many students join programs without checking:

Depth of machine learning
Coverage of SQL
Availability of real projects
Deployment training

4. No Time Commitment

A PGP requires consistent effort. If you don’t practice, you won’t get results.

5. Selecting a Program Without Guidance

Always look for expert reviews, demos, and career counseling sessions.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures your PGP in Data Science becomes a valuable stepping stone rather than a disappointing experience.

Success Stories: Professionals Who Benefited From a PGP in Data Science

PGPs have helped thousands of learners transition into rewarding data science careers. Here are some common success patterns:

1. IT Professional → Data Analyst

Many software developers switch to data roles to earn higher packages and work on more analytical tasks.

2. Mechanical/Civil Engineer → Data Scientist

Engineers often shift due to better career growth, global demand, and attractive salaries.

3. Finance Professional → Business Analyst

Finance skills + PGP data skills = perfect match.

4. Marketing Professional → Data-Driven Digital Marketer

With data science, marketers improve ROI, customer analytics, and lead scoring.

5. Fresh Graduate → Entry-Level Data Analyst

PGPs help freshers build strong portfolios to stand out in competitive job markets.

These success stories clearly highlight why so many people find the PGP in Data Science worth it.

Is a PGP in Data Science Worth It in 2025 and Beyond? Future Outlook

The future of data science is extremely bright. According to global job trends, data roles will grow rapidly due to:

1. AI & Automation Boom

Every industry will need professionals who can build, train, and manage data models.

2. Massive Data Growth

By 2025, global data usage is expected to double, creating new job opportunities.

3. Integration of Data Science in Every Industry

From agriculture to aerospace—every field uses data now.

4. High Salary Demand

Data science professionals will remain among the highest-paid tech experts.

5. Growing Remote Work Opportunities

Data roles are ideal for global remote jobs.

Given these future trends, choosing a PGP in Data Science in 2025 is one of the smartest decisions for long-term career growth.

Final Verdict: Should You Enroll in a PGP in Data Science?

Let’s answer the key question clearly:

Is a PGP in Data Sci"ence worth it?

✔ Yes — if you want a career-focused, practical, and job-ready education. ✔ Yes — if you want to switch careers into analytics, data science, ML, or AI. ✔ Yes — if you want fast, affordable upskilling without doing a full master’s degree. ✔ Yes — if you want placement support and industry mentorship.

However, the program will only be worth it if you choose a high-quality institute and dedicate consistent effort.

Final Thought

A PGP in Data Science is not just a course—it is a gateway to a high-paying, future-proof career. With the right program and commitment, the return on investment is enormous.