Data Science vs. Information Technology: Industry and Careers

Given the current popularity of data science careers, many people find themselves weighing a job in data science versus work in a related industry. One of the industries that has strong similarities to data science is information technology (IT). Of the two, data science is more commonly associated with advanced computational skills, while information technology is associated more with customer support.

It is important to discuss some of the key similarities and differences between data science and information technology. By comparing the two industries, it is possible to identify the most popular careers one can pursue when combining the skills required in these two fields.

How Does Data Science Compare to Information Technology?

When pursuing a degree in data science, it is common to see programs that focus on the overlap between information science and data. In this sense, there are a lot of similarities between pursuing a career in data science and pursuing a career in information technology. Data science can be defined as the various stages of working with information and data, from the collection and storage of that data to the analysis and visualization of the data. In contrast, information technology hones in on specific sections of the data science lifecycle, with a focus on managing information, data storage systems, and networks.

In comparing data science to information technology, many of the similarities between the two can be seen in the type of training that students receive. Whether you are interested in pursuing data science or information technology, you will have to develop a skill set around managing information and data. Many of these skills are learned in degree and certificate programs which can combine or collapse the two. Both information technology and data science require the fundamentals of working with information and data in a way that ensures the safety and security of data, as well as protecting the integrity of data over time. This is seen through the consistent focus on teaching students and professionals how to manage and organize their own data stores, as well as best practices for sharing information and data with others.

Data science tends to include more training in skills which are a necessity when conducting your own research and presenting findings such as learning how to use one’s knowledge of data science tools, like programming languages and statistical models, to generate key insights that can be shared with others. Data scientists are prepared to generate and present information, whereas information technology tends to be more focused on managing and maintaining information systems and tools.

Careers in information technology tend to focus less on research and developing data science projects, and more on learning technical skills which can be applied within a specific space or career. Some of these skills include database design and management, protecting information and data through secure systems, and navigating the back-end of complex computational networks. After developing these skills, many individuals who pursue a degree or certification focused on information technology, tend to pursue IT jobs in which they are able to apply their skills to working with clients, customers, or a company.

Data Science Careers in Information Technology

A primary difference between pursuing education or training in data science versus information technology is the type of careers that you can pursue with that training. While many data science-trained students and professionals go on to careers within companies or research centers that focus on team-based projects, many IT students move towards working within a community or organization which require their skills such as schools, libraries, and more traditional office settings.

Despite the differences in the type of settings that Data Scientists and IT Specialists are trained for, most students who gain data science skills through degrees, courses, and/or certificate programs can use those same skills to pursue a career in information technology. Training in data science can lead to pursuing a variety of IT careers such as becoming a Data Analyst, Web Developer, or Database Administrator.

Data science students and professionals who are interested in breaking into a career in information technology can focus on developing the skills which are relevant to the position that they are pursuing. If data analytics is your goal, building up a skill set that includes knowledge of Microsoft Excel and several programming languages is a necessity. Future Web Developers can also benefit from learning how to code, with a focus on JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Database Administrators should focus on developing skills in the SQL programming language, database management systems, and cybersecurity.

Want to Become an Information Technology Specialist?

Noble Desktop offers multiple classes for data scientists and/or students who are interested in beginning a career in information technology (IT). Noble Desktop’s data science classes include a variety of course offerings which focus on the latest tools and techniques that will support any interest in the field of information technology. The Data Analytics Certificate offers a comprehensive overview of some of the top skills in information technology such as database management, design, and data analytics.

In addition to data science courses, Noble Desktop’s web development courses include all of the courses and certificate programs that you would need to pursue opportunities as a Web Developer or Database Administrator. Whether you are an IT specialist interested in expanding your opportunities in data science or someone invested in breaking into a role in information technology, there are many routes that you can pursue to start your career in information and data science!