The terms "data science" and "machine learning" are closely related. Machine learning is in fact a part of data science. So it makes perfect sense that anyone who's unfamiliar with data science might confuse the two.

But if you're pursuing a career in data, you need to start with a strong understanding of what data science is, and what machine learning refers to specifically.

In this article, we’ll learn more about data science and machine learning, including their differences, job prospects, and the skills required to become a professional in either discipline.

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What Is Data Science?

Data science is the processing, extraction, and analysis of unstructured data generated by a business in order to help develop insights to inform decision-making in businesses of all sizes. If you’re shopping online on Amazon or Walmart, for example, a data scientist could uncover a pattern in your choices using big data, which would help them to better understand overall customer behavior. This helps companies to develop recommendation engines, tagged with the lines like “you may also like” or “since you were viewing this product, you may also be interested in”. This is only possible when the company has enough data to apply algorithms to analyze and extract information.

In simpler terms, data science is a blend of technology, decision-making, and management. It strives to obtain accurate data from sets of unstructured data. Data scientists prepare and analyze data by incorporating skills from computer science, statistics, and database management.

Techniques and technologies used in data science include:

What Is Machine Learning?

Machine learning is an element of data science and the study of algorithms. It is seen as an indispensable part of data science. Machine learning allows computers to learn from data so that they can carry out certain tasks. It is used to process data sets autonomously without human interference. Based on the algorithms, it works on the data extracted from different sources with the help of data science.

Data science has enabled the generation of data in large amounts, which means it has now become difficult for data scientists to manage it manually. This is where machine learning comes in. Machine learning makes it easier for data scientists to manage the data without any external advice or input.

This is achieved through techniques like:

Skills Needed for Data Science and Machine Learning

While there's plenty of overlap, there are some specific skills you need to specialize in machine learning. And if you choose to become a more generalized data scientist, there are skills you'll end up learning that apply to other areas of the discipline.

Here are some of the most important skills you'll need to perfect if you want to pursue data science, compared to the skills specific to machine learning expertise.

Data Science

Machine Learning

Data Science Careers and Salaries

Listed below is a selection of job titles within the data science field, along with the typical annual salary each role attracts.

Machine Learning Careers and Salaries

Next Steps

If you’re motivated to switch careers, we’re here to help with all the tools, skills, and knowledge you’ll need to become a professional data scientist. Our full-time Data Science program offers an accelerated online program of classes, mentorship, and professional guidance designed to get you a career in data science, fast. If you need to keep working while you learn, try our part-time Data Science bootcamp.

Which Tech Career is Right for You?

Ready to change your career and join the world’s next workforce? At Thinkful, we’ve got your back with various tech programs to get you equipped with in-demand skills.


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