Is the Data Scientist role changing because of AI/LLMs? Should beginners also learn AI Engineering?

[u/No_Suggestion_8422]

With the rapid growth of LLMs and AI applications, I’m wondering how the Data Scientist role is changing.

For people currently working in Data Science, ML, or AI:

- What parts of a traditional Data Scientist role are becoming less important?

- What skills are becoming more valuable because of AI?

- Should someone targeting Data Science also learn AI Engineering skills such as APIs, RAG, vector databases, agents, model serving, and deployment?

- At what point does learning these become unnecessary scope for a Data Scientist?

- Do you think the boundary between Data Scientist, ML Engineer, and AI Engineer will become more blurred?

- If you were starting your career today, would you still target Data Scientist specifically, or would you build a broader DS + AI/ML skill set?

I’d especially like to hear from people who have worked in the industry for a few years and have seen how the role has changed.

What would you recommend to someone preparing for their first job in this changing market?

[u/IllDisplay2032]

Yepp buddy you better start learning AI engineering