[aramndrt]

What about AI/ML attracted you more? I’m at a point in my studies, and I can either go down the big data route (more backend focused) or AI (frontend focused, i.e. how the computer interprets data), and I just can’t decide. Any insights would be much appreciated! :)

[abdullin]

Generally I'd suggest to pick the route the excites you the most. Because you'll naturally spend more time and energy there, allowing you to advance the most.

Personally I've always been fascinated with AI/ML, because of reading too much SciFi as a kid :) Plus modern LLMs are a bit like magic - you can make computer do amazing things if you just manage to say the correct incantation :)

I've also spent a large chunk of my career around big data (worked in a couple of startups). Data is interesting and important, but it was boring for me.

Long story short. If you like learning a lot of things - AI/ML would be a wonderful field. But you'll need to keep on learning. If you like messy code - also AI/LLM.

If you like working with data, predictability and stability. Then big data might be your thing. Also if you like digging into different business domains and connecting numbers to processes and people.