Do you think data science or software engineering is more difficult as a job? Starting from scratch with both. Not looking for the answer of what’s harder to break into but just harder in general

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Naw software engineering. They’re real coders. Data scientists are usually not professional coders. That said, it’s a different skill set and probably easier to get into if you weren’t a CS major.

like

As a data scientist the programming you are doing is probably hacking together Python or R scripts built from scratch by yourself. You use them once and throw away.

As a software engineer you try to fix and update an incomprehensible mess of legacy code written by 100 developers before you and there’s none of them left to answer to your questions about that the hell the code is supposed to do.

That’s unless you are joining a startup building a new product but frankly you’re not there yet.

like

There are all sorts of data scientists and software engineers so it is a little hard to generalize.

Are you trying to create the next xgboost? That's hard work. Probably harder than most software engineering.

Are you a data scientist performing one off analyses using of the shelf packages? You need good statistical knowledge but the application isn't to hard.

Are you a data scientist performing analysis and writing code that will be integrated with business critical systems that need to be performant? That's hard.

Most data scientists start as the middle kind.

like

Data science. It’s programming + stats + business

like

Bcg2 yea that’s what I’ve read too. They dabble in python but like 60% of their time is spent cleaning data

like

Lol data science is mostly doing the statistics and modeling, not to look down on it, but just that you seem to not have any idea what it entails.... Machine learning engineer is the middle man of those two but you're not creating the models, just implementing them

like

Software engineering. I'm a data scientist.

That said data scientists building production coflde probably have it worst.

like

Director 1 with the little I know I agree with you, but curious as to why you say this? Also what do you mean by production cofdle?

So as a data scientist here, I will tell you we do the 3rd kind

Broad strokes not judgements. I switch between two and three depending on project needs.

Would you guys say that the nature of the work can be ambiguous? Reason I ask is because with all the projects I’m on in technology the work is feel like with data science maybe it’s not the case. Maybe difficult and that’s ok as long as it’s more black and white

Last post was grammatically fucked I’m drunk sorry

Not sure what you mean, but you'll know if you are doing data science.

D1 I meant is the nature of data science project work ambiguous? Or is it pretty clear cut on what needs to be accomplished?

Like all things it depends. Things that seem clear cut aren't necessarily clear cut. For example I spent quite a bit of time on a working capital forecasting model for a large $200B+ rev per year org. The ask is pretty clear in that we need to improve the finance orgs working capital forecast.

The ambiguity lies in how to accomplish it. Are we creating top down, bottom up, or middle out forecasts? What is the right level of forecast granularity? How do we handle forecasts for new products? How do we integrate the forecasts with management systems? How do we integrate user feedback into the forecasts? To what extent do we need to be able to explain the models? What technology or data constraints do we need to work with?

I could go on but most organizations haven't thought through most of these problems, and wouldn't think to do so, so it isn't just the model building but also figuring out what works in the org.

I've also worked on a number of projects where we are just fishing for insight. Those can be frustrating.

Gotcha, thanks

Related Posts

Is it true that Google has some roles that require a security clearance?

like

Very proud of her toy she brought to me 😂

Post Photo
likeuplifting

Hi Fishes,

I have cleared 2 technical rounds and 1 HR round in EY GDS and I was asked to submit documents by 16th October, how long will it take for HR discussion to happen?
How much can I expect for AWS Data Engineer with 8 YOE.
Currently holding offer for 28.3L +1.5 JB.

Your inputs will be much helpful

like

Does anyone have any advice on finding a mentor? I’m a 1st generation college graduate and fairly new in my accounting career. I’ve been networking and wanting to reach out to people but I don’t want to come off wrong.

like
like

Hello Fishes

Completed all the rounds in Service now for full stack developer - Staff Software Engineer role.
YOE: 9.5
Current CTC: 43 (Including VP + RSUs)
Tech stack : Java + Frontend


Note: Hike is due in current company..
What should be the ideal CTC I should ask for during the negotiation ?

like

Hi Fishes,
What Is the maximum salary in Uhg of salary grade pay 26

What should expect salary YEO 6.10

What are we supposed to do with our kids during Winter break when school is closed for TWO WEEKS and we need to hit our billables?

like

Does bosch fires it high paying employees?.. I heard job security is quite good here

like

After getting letter of Intent from Deloitte , how long it will take to get the offer letter ?

like

Hi all,
I need 11 ♡ for my dm to be enabled.

Thanks 🙂

like

What are your summer plans?

like

18 years later, it’s still not getting any easier for me.

like

What android phones do you recommend?
Not the ones breaking the bank! Use it for regular video calls, watch YouTube videos. Not gaming or anything fancy.

like

Creamy Corn Chowder. Labor intensive but worth it! To see more of my tasty creations follow me on my Instagram @tinyhappykitchen

Post Photo
like

Looking for a 1 month one bedroom sublease in Chicago for the month of June

Who else is getting wine drunk and watching Bojack Horseman?

like

Would using a sports betting app be an issue if I am cleared?

likefunny

Can anyone help me with job referral
YOE:3
Skill:storage developer,python,c,Linux
Need a referral for switch

like

Recommendations for local food and fun things to in Vancouver during the winter? Going skiing in Whistler during the day but staying in the city

like

Additional Posts in Consulting

I was scheduled to fly out Sunday evening for a trip I didn’t want to take, I mustered up the courage and said I wouldn’t be going... and the partner said, sure, I understand. So I’m not traveling 🤗

likesmart

McKinsey & Company Bain & Company Looking for Associate/Consultant roles in MBB/big 4 in ATLANTA.

Pre-MBA/Masters/experienced hire level.
Any referrals?


Deloitte EY KPMG PwC McKinsey & Company Boston Consulting Group Bain & Company

likefunny

what’s the ratio of equity/stocks to bond/fixed income in your Merrill lynch 401k plan?Do you make any modifications or just use recommended distribution? First job with 401k and not sure what to do!

like

When do raises and bonuses get released for Deloitte?

like

Paranoid that my utilization is low this year and my current assignment ends right before our yearly review happens

My weight positively correlates with my utilization.

like

Leaders need to stop pinging and asking for free “resources”. WE DON’T HAVE PEOPLE! HIRE MORE “RESOURCES” OR SELL PROJECTS AFTER KNOWING THE RESOURCE POOL FROM THE RESOURCE MANAGER. WE’RE GETTING CRUSHED WITH THE WORK WE HAVE ON OUR PLATE!

Thanks,
Disgruntled resource

likesmart

I am a senior with 40% utilization.AMA

likefunny

Restaurant recommendations in nyc that are kid friendly? Bonus if it’s in midtown east but we’ll go anywhere. Really, we just need it to be big enough to be able to fit a stroller by the table.

like

anyone find a way to get a discount to Equinox? Does deloitte have a corporate rate?

like

What do y’all like to do on the weekends?

likeuplifting

Those @ Deloitte- I received a D-launch survey to choose between in person or virtual. How is the location decided if I go with the in person option? Home office is located in SF Bay Area within Risk & Finance Advisory. I appreciate any feedback on the experience!

like

Last time you thought you were going to get fired?

like

I have no idea what I want to do or where I want to end up working in the long run. There’s just too many options 😟

like

Has anyone else's MQMs not posted yet?

like

I got offers from top consulting firms in Berlin and Amsterdam. Any ideas what factors to consider in my decision?

likehelpful

Any standing desk recommendations for electric adjustable desks, can fit monitor setup, under 400?

like

I need to get something off my chest...Frontera (O’Hare) is overrated. There I said it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s good, but it’s overrated...

likefunny

MicroStrategy or Tableau?

like

What's the deal on EY layoffs? I've been hearing audit, tax, and some assurance groups laying off people the past few weeks? Are other groups aware of any firings? What levels, cities, etc.?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal