Although data science and AI engineering share tools and terminology, they are not interchangeable careers. This article explains how the work, goals, and impact of each role differ so you can choose the career path that fits you.

Looking ahead to 2026, the most impactful trends are not flashy frameworks but structural changes in how data pipelines are designed, owned, and operated.

Prompt engineering is not just about asking models the right questions — it is about structuring those questions to think like a data auditor. When used correctly, it can make quality assurance faster, smarter, and far more adaptable than traditional scripts.