They really are quite similar in a lot of ways in a BROAD sense. They're both versatile support classes in groups and raids, in general. They're both pretty potent soloers. Druid is more versatile solo (has different solo options) than shaman while leveling, but shaman is more strictly powerful at max level, especially in the expansions. In the small group settings, so like duos or trios, shaman is head and shoulders above druid.
Shamans are defined by buffs and debuffs, overall. They have BY FAR the best stat buffs (melee love you) and the best slow (massively reduces melee damage NPCs deal, which is most damage NPCs deal). They are secondary healers and only damage dealers when they have nothing else to do or by necessity. This isn't ALL they can do, but it's probably their defining features.
Druids are not as specialized I guess? They're just generally a support healer role with some special tricks: charming animals can be a big deal in some areas, and "quadding" (pulling 4 enemies at once and using special AOE spells you get to kill all 4 at once) as a solo activity, and teleports, and damage shields. They have a variety of respectable-but-not-amazing damage spells.
There's probably more nuance to playing a shaman than a druid. And shamans are generally a "busier" character to play in terms of actions per minute. I can't think of anything else. Druid is a good choice for a new player, but they're both great classes.
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