SWE beats DS in every aspect?
I see SWE pays more than DS for master new grad, and it’s much harder to get into DS for new grad due to the imbalance in demand and supply, also that the job generally requires some experiences. I would like to know if SWE is better than DS for sure in other aspects? For example, in higher levels like managers or directors, do software engineers still make more than data scientists at FLAG and hot startups? And for the skills learnt at SWE and DS positions, which help more in later career when you are in management roles? If I would like to open a startup in the future, is it better to be a DS or SWE now? I’m currently at DS position, but I can write production code as well because I have CS background. Previously I thought DS is a buzz world and DS should earn more than SWE, and I like ML way more than other engineering stuff, so I go for DS. But after coming to Silicon Vally I find the SWE roles are more core to the tech companies and DS are like support roles. Should I transfer back to CS?
Swe all the way. More diverse and wider career options long term.
Can you elaborate on why the career path is wider for SWE? Thanks.
much better to be a SWE who’s data (science)-fluent, than a DS who can code from personal experience at FB
Mostly because DS who can code at best can contribute to the existing project. They generally lack the experience to build things from the ground up. That is where the money is. From personal experience (ML PhD but SWE work experience)
Based on my observation, DS get promoted quicker. DS also join meetings with higher level compared to SDE. E.g, DS-1 may paired with tech-lead to plan a feature
There are real DS (also called ML engineers and Applied scientists) who are SWEs with ML specialisation and good at CS skill, and fake DS who have basic ML knowledge and are primarily business analyst with poor CS skills. You’re confusing the two.
At Google, DS is more of a Statistician role. Generally they are second fiddle to Engg (with a few exceptions). But they get promoted super fast. A few of them even manage Engineering teams. But I don't think DS folks are happy overall. They have very narrow knowledge, can't write code, but get to call the shots if their models work. Personally I don't think they put in even half the effort of an Engg. And since they don't code, there is no Production stress. At higher levels promos may be difficult. Folks in this group usually have PhD in Stats/Math/EE. They are mostly from China/Iran.
Well, the core discipline of all these companies IS software engineering. But, ml and research engineers / scientists usually get paid more. But, you also get more mobility with SDE so, in reality, you’ll probably make similar either way.
How about more senior roles? For example the data science manager and engineering manager, which makes more in the same company?
Not true.... SWEs get paid more than DS if you factor in Phd vs masters/bachelors