Confused on choosing a domain to explore this Summer, need suggestions :(
Posted by Potential-Pumpkin390@reddit | learnprogramming | View on Reddit | 11 comments
I completed my 4th semester (from India btw) and about 30% into learning Java. Last semester, I explored both Data Science and Web Technologies a bit, and I feel somewhat confident in both areas.
But I'm confused on what to choose between Web and ML and also unsure about the current market. I'm not biased towards anything that one is better than the other and they both interested me at the same level!
For context:
I'm learning full stack from Traversy Media and taking the Data Science, ML path with Corey Schafer and Andrew NG.
It would be so great if you could help out with your insights. Thanks!
> PS: Sorry for the long post. TIA! :)
LookTurbulent426@reddit
I think there’s 2 things u can do, start a project that’s a hybrid of all the fields u find the most interesting and see which part frustrates u and bores u the most. The other thing is to use an app like Byter to familiarize urself with problems and concepts in any field u want, or use llms to generate on demand problems. So what im saying is either make a large hybrid project or start solving little problems in the fields u find interesting.
Any-Bus-8060@reddit
I was in almost the same spot during college, tried to “pick the perfect domain” and it honestly just slowed me down.
If you’re already 30% into Java and have touched both, don’t overthink it. Pick one for like 2–3 months and actually build something real. That’s what gives clarity, not tutorials. Most people get stuck because they keep switching before going deep.
Also the market thing changes fast. Web has more entry-level opportunities, ML usually needs stronger fundamentals or solid projects to stand out. So if your goal is internships sooner, web is a bit more forgiving.
What helped me was treating it like a short experiment instead of a life decision. Go all in on one, ship a couple projects, then reassess. You’ll know pretty quickly what you actually enjoy doing day to day.
OffPathExplorer@reddit
Pick one for now and go deep instead of splitting focus. Web dev is easier to get internships faster, ML needs more time and strong fundamentals. You can start with web, build solid projects, and explore ML on the side. The key is consistency, not the “perfect” choice.
PalpitationOk839@reddit
Pick one path and stick to it for a while, otherwise progress feels stuck. Web is more practical early, ML is slower but deeper. Either way, consistency makes its running
Potential-Pumpkin390@reddit (OP)
Sure, eyeing on web for now!
SensitiveGuidance685@reddit
I was in the same spot, and honestly you don’t need to pick permanently right now.
If you want faster progress, go with web dev. You can build and ship projects quickly, which helps a lot early on.
ML is great too, just slower to see results.
A good approach is: focus mainly on web this summer, and do one small ML project on the side. By the end, you’ll naturally know which one you enjoy more.
Potential-Pumpkin390@reddit (OP)
Sure, thanks! How are you doing now btw?
abrahamguo@reddit
It just comes down to what you’re passionate about.
If you’re curious about the market, look at job postings in whatever geographic area you would work in.
Potential-Pumpkin390@reddit (OP)
Thanks, would look into it :)
itsmunzir@reddit
was in the exact same position after my second year - flip-flopped between web and ML for months and wasted a lot of time. what broke the tie was realizing the web path let me ship something real in a weekend while ML kept me in tutorial hell for months. the market doesn't actually care which one you pick at 20% proficiency - it cares that you finished something and can talk about the bugs you hit.
Potential-Pumpkin390@reddit (OP)
Thanks man! I was looking for a reply something like this. Btw, where did you end up now? Any suggestions for your fellow survivor?