This is probably a very common question and needs to be understood well.

Data analysts work on the simpler parts whereas Data scientists work on more complex parts. So if you will join as Data Analyst and improve your skills, then you will probably take up the role of Data Scientist in the company.

To clearly understand the difference between both the terms you need to know the qualifications required for both of the designations.

There are 3 types of analytics you need to know to understand your jobs better.

Descriptive – This includes querying data, cleaning data, modeling data, creating reports, creating alerts /automation for all the activities. Examples includes Sales trend reports or reports to gauge the success of a marketing campaign, or even the SMS you get when you buy something on your credit card.

Predictive – To predict why things are happening the way they are in a business, e.g. Why profits were suddenly dropped in September, how high will be the demand for AC’s in June etc.

Prescriptive – To prescribe or give a business foresight on how to proceed in the future for the scenarios predicted by Predictive model. E.g. give discounts every November, as sales are low because everyone is waiting for year end discounts.

So if you are fresher join as Data analyst and improve your knowledge and qualifications to work as a Data scientist.