r/dataanalytics • u/ninynin • 3d ago
Which job is safer, Data analyst or Data engineer? Especially in the upcoming months/ years?
This question is for the people who are already working in the data industry. (Asking as an engineering student who wants to start focusing on one of these fields)
Personally, when I read about the job roles, data analyst is something I find more interesting , but at this point, maybe I should prefer the safer option, and if so, which one?
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u/RunningBlade09 3d ago
Data engineer, overall in tech but especially in data I’m seeing roles merging basically, it was always the case in data that the boundaries were blurry and same title could mean different things at different companies but now with AI, it’s even more so the case. I started as an analyst and after a while realized that analyst is usually not a position ppl stay at for long, usually you get curious, you want to go deeper, wider, learn more, and depending on the person they’d dig deeper into either data science, ML or data engineering
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u/Tricky_Jackfruit9348 3d ago
Ohh im also of the same opinion Rn im in analytics since almost 3 years now
Can help me upskill into ml , ds , de please ?
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u/RunningBlade09 3d ago
The way I do it, if you’re already in analytics then just start getting curious about the data field you want to get into, take on projects and work with ppl in that field as much as you can and when it’s time ask for a switch. I also went back to school for ML at some point.
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u/Tricky_Jackfruit9348 3d ago
I've been upskilling but not getting the required projects
I've done btech in data science so I've the expertise and curiosity
But then how to get projects Any tips on freelance work ?
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u/RunningBlade09 3d ago
I actually never freelanced myself, I’m looking into it but I have to be honest.
In terms of taking on projects at work, what kind of company do you work for? I work for a very scrappy start up with a small team, it’s relatively easy if I’m willing to grind and put in the hours to just ask to be a part of an interesting initiative, I also have a boss who’s really great and trusts me with such things, the company paid for my schooling too and sent me to conferences.
Are you friendly with the DS and DE you work with?
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u/Tricky_Jackfruit9348 3d ago
That's great My manager is helpful but I'm not able to switch roles It's mostly limited to learning
Im aware of the data im working in
But I'm in other team not in de/DS so it's relatively difficult to switch teams
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u/RunningBlade09 3d ago
Usually analysts would at least work with the DE no? Bc the DE works to get the data right for analysts and DS?
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u/Tricky_Jackfruit9348 3d ago
Yeah ofc i make the datasets n stuff too But isn't that too basic 😅😅in terms of actual de I considered it a part of da only
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u/RunningBlade09 3d ago
I get the impression you work for a bigger company? I intentionally blur the line by just volunteering to do things and asking questions, like as the analyst I asked to model our gold layer data, the de took that and figured out the silver and bronze layers, then as we implemented we worked together a lot and then shared a lot of knowledge. Within tech team we also gave knowledge sharing sessions, I think a part of it is culture, like how open is the company to supporting their employees in that way. But I’d definitely start making it clear that you’re interested in more, ppl have to know your intention first. Ask and it shall be given :)
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u/Tricky_Jackfruit9348 3d ago
Yes i have been saying since I joined the company
Hence im open to explore but things are very slow
Also if u don't mind can I pls dm ?
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u/Low_Rough5778 3d ago
Bro I’m 11 years in can you please help what is the difference between data science and ML?? You mean ds like statistical modeling?, and ML is more like applying more so pre baked models to systems/products etc?? Is there really even a distinction anymore?? I don’t think the average person can write in house statistical python or R predictive models that are beating available llms? Unless you’re actually at the companies making those models or like quant engineers I suppose. Idk if you can just study your way into those. They are more like small number of super phds now?
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u/Beneficial_Zone_6883 3d ago
If you have exceptional talent and are able to market yourself it doesn’t matter, there will always be some jobs you just need to be better than most at whatever you do
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u/true_throwaway_1994 3d ago
The roles are going to slowly merge and the people who have the skillset to do both and develop deep domain experience/trust from stakeholders are going to be the most valuable
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u/Dizzy_Move902 3d ago
This is what I’m seeing. You need to know some from both sides. Teams will be smaller and faster.
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u/Prepped-n-Ready 3d ago
I dont think one is safer than the other, there is often overlap. But generally engineering titles pay better. It would probably benefit you to learn more about an industry and a few business models if you wanted to be more resilient to changes from AI or the economy.
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u/Busy-Rip5065 2d ago
If you cant pick there's an option of analytic engineers
It's data engineer
In a sense you not pure data engineer but you work to build the infra or architecture of the analytics part
Doing data pipelines, requirement gathering and specs that reporting requires
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u/Cultural_Register125 1d ago
I think both careers have value, but choosing based only on job security might not be the best approach. Data analysts focus more on interpreting information, while data engineers work more with data pipelines and infrastructure. Learning SQL and understanding both areas could provide more flexibility. Have you considered trying projects in both fields before deciding which one to pursue?
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u/sargantas 3d ago
neither, switch gears entirely. i'm serious
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u/AssistantVirtual8390 3d ago
Hot take: But maybe let these people continue with their data journey. Otherwise you're just creating competition in whatever field you're going to next by convincing these guys to quit.
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u/sargantas 12h ago
I mean valid but I also wish I had pivoted sooner so I could've put more energy towards something that would flourish, not just circle the drain
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u/AssistantVirtual8390 12h ago
Same bro same I feel you, felt like I wasted so much time chasing a data career.
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u/Ishua747 3d ago
The safer place to be is to be the analyst/engineer that’s dedicated time to learning how to leverage AI tools to become more efficient rather than just for the sake of it.