Data Science or SWE

Apple
jfxiYcx

Go to company page Apple

jfxiYcx
Mar 26 16 Comments

I think I enjoy DS jobs more but looks like SWE has better future. What do you think about this dilemma? Should I pursue what I enjoy more or take the path with better career growth?

#Amazon #google #meta #microsoft #Apple

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TOP 16 Comments
  • Meta
    rif9f94jc

    Go to company page Meta

    rif9f94jc
    do both, go ML
    Mar 26 6
    • Apple
      jfxiYcx

      Go to company page Apple

      jfxiYcx
      OP
      I actually have used a lot of stats in my physics research. Particle physics with lots of statistical analysis
      Mar 26
    • Lynden Incorporated
      BananaPlz

      Lynden Incorporated

      BananaPlz
      @Apple yeah a hard-science like that would be well suited for RS roles, depending on what they want, I'd imagine.
      Mar 26
  • What do you enjoy about DS jobs? I feel
    SWE has the better career trajectory. DS folks either become SWE-lite or they manage other newer DS people. DS can be cool if its a research role, but research DS in big tech looks for publications of novel statistical/ML methods, rather than just being a practitioner of statistics.
    Mar 26 2
    • Apple
      jfxiYcx

      Go to company page Apple

      jfxiYcx
      OP
      I basically enjoy looking at some data and try understanding it and making pretty plots. Right, probably landing a RS role would be hard given my background
      Mar 26
    • Thats cool, i enjoy that too but it tends to be a small part of the role. A lot of the job entails cleaning bad data and doing powerpoint, ha. My current role involves developing data tools and i find it refreshing to make something robust and useful.
      Mar 26
  • Apple
    weesee

    Go to company page Apple

    weesee
    1. Create a poll
    2. Do what you love
    Mar 26 1
    • Apple
      jfxiYcx

      Go to company page Apple

      jfxiYcx
      OP
      I don’t like polls for the questions that I’d like to see different thought processes. Hmmm. I actually love physics but decided to move to tech.
      Mar 26
  • Meta
    AqRt08

    Go to company page Meta

    AqRt08
    Do DS if you like working with data, and SWE if you like building products. There's no reason you can't try both.

    DS roles are generally split between "renamed data analyst that happens to be able to program somewhat competently" (aka DS analytics), and more modeling/research heavy roles (RS and some DS roles)

    My read on it is RS style DS have best longevity because they are generally stronger researchers and have stronger math and programming.

    For SWE it's easier to carve a niche because there's just not enough competent senior level engineers to fill all roles out there. So you'll usually stay in demand as long as you're flexible and put in the work.
    Mar 26 0
  • Alteryx
    mJYv81

    Go to company page Alteryx

    mJYv81
    That’s a toss up. I think that SWE is difficult and if you don’t enjoy it then you’re not going to be happy. If you enjoy Data Science more then I would see what you can do with that
    Mar 26 1