Your Guide to Data Science vs. Software Engineering

Data science and big data have become more frequent topics in our daily conversations. However, data science remains relatively unknown to many interested in careers in computer sciences or related disciplines. Data science remains relatively novel.

Are you exploring tech career options but undecided on which to pursue? Here Are Some Key Differences Between Data Science and Software Engineering Career Paths:

What is Data Science?

Data science is an interdisciplinary field derived from computer science that employs various scientific methodologies and processes to study various forms of data, including structured, semi-structured, and unstructured forms. Data scientists employ several technologies for data transformation, cleansing, and analysis, while software engineers rely more heavily on their programming knowledge. Data scientists specialise in manipulating large sets.

Data scientists use large volumes of information to predict, understand, intervene, and explore. Data scientists specialise in approximations, data analysis results, and their interpretation. Like software engineers, data scientists strive to optimise algorithms by managing speed vs. precision trade offs while working closely with experts to find an equilibrium between assumptions and results.

Data science requires knowledge of analytics, statistics, and mathematics. William S. Cleveland was the first to introduce it as an independent discipline; since then, it has grown increasingly popular worldwide and has been recognised with two jobs being listed among America's Top 25 for 2021: data scientist being number 2.

What is software engineering?

Software engineering is the practise of creating software using engineering principles. A software engineer analyses user requirements before building, testing, and designing applications to meet them.

Fritz Bauer of Germany defines software engineering as "establishing and employing sound engineering principles to produce cost-effective software that runs on real machines reliably."

Informally, computer programming or system analysis refers to a range of computer programming or system analysis activities that may overlap with disciplines like economics and management science.

Software engineering provides a foundation for understanding software, providing economics and computer science professionals with tools for understanding its inner workings and labour-intensive processes. Management science serves as an alternative method of task completion. As a result, software engineering has become one of the world's most sought-after careers.

A Career in Data Science

Data scientists aid business stakeholders in reaching their goals through data manipulation. They research effective techniques for using this information to accomplish goals and increase business potential. Data scientists often collaborate closely with sales, design, and marketing teams as they explore different solutions together, providing flexible support while making innovative suggestions on innovative concepts.

Know what decisions are being made at all organisational levels so you can better comprehend data projects, their various functions, and how best to work within them. You must also understand the working patterns within your company to collect data accurately, thereby increasing efficiency and better predicting consumer behaviour over time and experience.

Data science careers require many of the same skillsets as software engineering: coding, analytical reasoning, and effective communication. Furthermore, data science careers may necessitate more advanced knowledge than software engineering careers; for instance, advanced math or data manipulation techniques may be needed for successful data manipulation techniques.

Skills and qualifications needed for a data scientist

Data scientists, like software engineers, are highly skilled professionals. Nearly half have postdoctoral degrees, while over 80% hold master's degrees in relevant fields.

Your career can start with a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, statistics, social sciences, or engineering. Degrees provide the ideal platform for building tech careers; however, they're not mandatory.

Start your career in software engineering now

Software engineers use their knowledge of programming languages and engineering to develop applications for computers. In addition, software engineers specialise in designing, developing, maintaining, testing, and evaluating software products.

Software engineering is an in-demand field within the tech sector. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, job growth for software engineers is projected to grow by 22% between now and 2030. In addition, engineers work across numerous industries.

Software engineers enjoy more than job security. To compete for top engineers, employers often offer attractive benefits as an incentive. For example, some employers provide flexible working arrangements, such as the option to work from home; other benefits might include discounts or employee discounts on health insurance premiums.

Software engineering is an exciting field that often leads to unexpected discoveries. As businesses adopt cutting-edge tools and technologies, the demand for professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and skills to solve complex issues continues to increase.

A software engineer requires specific skills and qualifications

Students looking to pursue careers as software engineers typically obtain a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject such as mathematics, computer science, or programming.

Programmers don't require degrees like data scientists; employers have increasingly prioritised practical skills over formal education. Degrees may provide the essential foundational knowledge, but to find employment, they may not always offer all the specific abilities needed; those with real-life programming experience and proven programming credentials tend to fare better when looking for employment.

As a software developer, it is necessary to learn to code. C++ JavaScript, JavaScript, and Python are popular programming languages that offer benefits depending on what project you are working on. However, each has distinct advantages and disadvantages that should be carefully evaluated when making decisions for a software project.

C++ is a fast and efficient programming language, ideal for applications or embedded software on devices with limited memory. On the other hand, Java may be easier to learn, but its performance suffers in situations that demand fast execution speeds.

What Can a Data Scientist or Software Engineer Achieve?

Data scientists typically earn an annual base salary of approximately $116.654 in the U.S. Entry-level data scientists can earn up to $93,167 depending on location, experience, and skills. In contrast, senior data scientists may make up to $142,144 annually.

In the U.S., software engineers generally earn an average annual salary of $108,201. However, entry-level engineers may earn as much as $76,899 annually, while senior software engineers can make as much as $131,219.

Data scientists and software engineers enjoy high salaries, top benefit packages, and rewarding jobs with significant challenges and rewards.

Begin learning data science or software engineering now

Software engineering deals with creating features and applications for users, while data science involves gathering and processing information. Both professions require programming skills; however, software engineering typically specialises in programming languages instead of data science, which involves machine learning or statistics.

Are you keen on solving problems using computer programming and analysis? Then, our Data Science Course can equip you to become a fully-fledged data scientist.

Our full-time software engineering course offers the fastest and most reliable path towards web development careers. However, these are also available for those with flexible schedules who would prefer part-time courses.

Both careers can be highly satisfying and in high demand; it all depends on your passions. Be sure to do your research first before making such a significant decision; read up on software engineering, data science, and various tech career options available today.