Are you a fresh graduate or a young professional looking to explore the world of data science vs. artificial intelligence?
With the increasing use of technology in every industry, data science and artificial intelligence have become vital for businesses to improve decision-making and streamline processes. While both fields deal with data, they differ in their goals, tools used, types of data processed, and job roles.
In this guide, we'll help you understand the key differences between data science and artificial intelligence and how they shape today's job market.
Data Science vs. Artificial Intelligence: Roles
Data science and artificial intelligence are two distinct fields with some similarities but also many differences.
The key similarity between data science and AI is their shared reliance on data to create value. Both fields use a combination of computer science, mathematics, and statistics to extract insights from data. However, there are some fundamental differences in terms of goals, usage, and applications.
Differences between Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Data Science vs. Artificial Intelligence: Tools
Data science and artificial intelligence differ in terms of the tools used and types of data processed.
Tools used in data science include programming languages such as R or Python, while tools used in artificial intelligence include deep learning libraries such as TensorFlow or PyTorch.
Comparison of Tools Used in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Data science typically deals with structured data, while AI deals with both structured and unstructured data. Structured data refers to well-organised datasets that have a clear structure, whereas unstructured data refers to textual and visual data that lacks a fixed format, like tweets, images, and videos.
Data Science vs. Artificial Intelligence: A Career Path
Both fields offer traditional job roles such as data analysts and machine learning engineers. However, there are several unconventional career paths one can explore, depending on their interests.
Traditional Job Roles in Data Science vs AI
Unconventional career paths
Salaries vary depending on the role and experience level. The average entry-level salary for a data scientist is around ₹6-8 lakhs per annum, whereas for an AI engineer it is around ₹7-10 lakhs per annum.
Education and Upskilling
There are several educational programmes for those looking to build a career in either field.
- One can pursue undergraduate degrees in data science or artificial intelligence, which typically take four years to complete.
- The average fees for an undergraduate degree in data science range between ₹6-10 lakhs, while for AI it's around ₹8-12 lakhs.
- For postgraduate programmes, one can opt for a Master’s degree in either field, which takes two years to complete.
- The average fee for a master's degree in data science ranges from ₹2-15 lakhs, and in AI, it could be anywhere between ₹3-20 lakhs.
In addition to traditional degree programmes, there are also certification courses that one can take to upskill and reskill themselves. These courses range from a few weeks to a few months, and their fees vary accordingly.
Online courses have also become popular, with various platforms offering certificate programmes in both fields.
Data Science vs. Artificial Intelligence: Specialisations
Both data science and artificial intelligence have numerous specialisations available based on different applications and industries.
Data science specialisations include business analytics, big data analytics, predictive analytics, and healthcare informatics, whereas AI has specialisations such as natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, robotics, and expert systems.
It is important to choose a specialisation that aligns with your career goals, as it can help you stand out in the job market.
Charting Your Career Path in Data Science vs. Artificial Intelligence
In today's fast-paced job market, choosing the right career path can be daunting. We hope this guide has provided you with a clear understanding of the similarities and differences between data science and artificial intelligence, as well as a comprehensive overview of the education, upskilling programmes, and specialisations available.
At WIZR, we are committed to helping you achieve your career goals by providing expert guidance and financial assistance for upskilling programmes.
FAQs
1. Can I pursue a career in data science or artificial intelligence without a degree?
Yes, while having a degree can be beneficial, it is not always required. Relevant certifications, online courses, or bootcamps can help you build the skills and knowledge necessary for entry-level positions.
2. Which are the highest-paying data science jobs?
Data Science Manager, Machine Learning Engineer, and Data Scientist are some of the highest-paying data science jobs in India, with an average salary ranging from ₹12 lakhs per annum to ₹25 lakhs per annum depending on experience level.
3. How much can I expect to earn with an entry-level position in artificial intelligence?
Entry-level positions in artificial intelligence, such as AI Developer or AI Engineer, offer salaries ranging from 4 lakhs per annum to 8 lakhs per annum, depending on experience level and company.
4. Is it easy to switch from data science to artificial intelligence?
Yes, switching careers from data science to artificial intelligence or vice versa is possible given the similarities between both fields. However, additional upskilling may be required, depending on your current skill set.
5. How has COVID-19 affected job opportunities and industry growth in data science and AI?
Despite the pandemic, the demand for data science and artificial intelligence professionals has continued to grow. Remote work has become more common, with many companies adapting to virtual work environments.
