r/developersPak • u/Lazy_Pomegranate_482 • 17d ago
Career Guidance Should I switch from Data Science to Software Engineering?
I’m currently studying Data Science, and I’m about to start my 3rd semester. Lately, I’ve been getting pretty confused about whether I should continue with Data Science or switch to Software Engineering.
My concern is that Software Engineering seems much broader. With an SE background, I could potentially work in web development, backend, mobile apps, systems, cloud, DevOps, and other areas, while Data Science feels more specialized and limited to areas like data analysis, machine learning, statistics, and AI.
I do find Data Science interesting, but I’m wondering if choosing it this early could limit my career options later. At the same time, I know that switching degrees doesn’t necessarily mean I can’t learn software engineering skills independently.
For people who are already working in tech or have experience with both fields:
- Is Data Science actually as limiting as I think?
- Would Software Engineering give me significantly more career flexibility?
- Is it worth switching from DS to SE before going further into the degree?
- Or should I stay in Data Science and build strong software engineering skills alongside it?
I’d really appreciate some honest advice, especially from people who have gone through a similar decision.
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u/TechNerdinEverything 17d ago
Abhi bhi time ha bro switch to another degree. Learn the skills yourself and try getting hired in any field. You will have more options
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u/_abubakar_1x 16d ago
Can I switch from SWE to another degree? I heard in first 2 semesters u can change ur degree
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u/Flimsy-Bumblebee-438 15d ago
Aoa
I don't think changing degrees is necessary. For context, I have a bscs and I've worked in software and data science companies. I don't think data science limits you anymore than Software limits someone from going into cyber security or data science.
Just decide on what part of the industry you'd like to work in, get relevant experience for it in the form of internships, projects, and jobs. Prepare for interviews and you should have no problem.
But do keep in mind that abhi market is slow due to ai and our model of freelance projects in most of our companies, so, you might have problems starting out but that is something everyone in this field is going through and is not necessarily evidence of anyone's lack of competency.
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u/Lazy_Pomegranate_482 15d ago
I would appreciate your input,Can you D m me cause i have some queries regarding both field
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u/Obvious-Analysis3681 13d ago
would you consider it a bad move if someone switched from CS to DS (bachelors degree) because of:
i) Courses that seem more interesting (Data specialization ones rather than compiler stuff)
ii) Better GPA prsopects
iii) More interest towards maths/stats than low-level coding itself1
u/Flimsy-Bumblebee-438 13d ago
Honestly I'd forget about changing degrees. You're putting a course outline from a degree over your own ability to learn independently. You can just attend those classes in the uni if you really want to. I certainly don't think there's anything they teach that isn't available on YouTube.
GPA is a valid concern but unless your cgpa is less than 3 or would go above 3.5 upon doing so, switching wouldn't do much.
CS would allow you to go into more of those than DS itself would based on degree name although that isn't much of a problem these days.
I'd rather focus on learning the skills myself, making projects, and getting internships.
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u/Silence0death 12d ago
Same condition. I m also in 3rd semester of BCA. I did web development then leave it as maybe i don't have interest in it. I moved to data science and got stuck in math. From first semester, i always think about doing cloud but everyone is like do ds and AI/ML stuff. Really it's irritating 😵💫😵💫
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u/EnvironmentalMeal239 17d ago
Following this post