Hey there, fellow tech enthusiasts! I’m stuck at a crossroads, and I’d love some advice from those who have been in my shoes. I’ve got internship experience in data science, where I worked on statistical models, cloud services, and MLOps elements. I’m now pursuing a CS master’s degree, and I’m torn between diving deeper into data science or pivoting to software engineering.
On one hand, I enjoy certain aspects of data science, like exploring different models and methods to solve problems. But, I’m not too fond of stakeholder management and aligning my results with business metrics. The problem is, most entry-level data roles focus on these exact aspects that I’m not too keen on. Data science internships often require AI/LLM experience, which is not my strong suit.
On the other hand, I can leverage my CS background to pivot to software engineering. There are more job opportunities in this field, and I can explore traditional systems/backend software development. The catch is that I’d need to put in a few months of hard work to catch up on my LeetCode and DSA skills.
So, I’m seeking advice from those who have experience in both data science and software engineering. Have you been in a similar situation? What did you decide, and how did it work out for you? Share your thoughts, and let’s discuss the pros and cons of each path.