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What Skills And Knowledge Does A Data Engineer Need?

Data Engineers Build Repositories For Data And Play A Key Role In Managing These Repositories And Managing A Large Amount Of Data Generated By Digital Activities. 

They are responsible for developing, building, testing, and managing data storage architectures such as databases and large-scale data processing systems. Like the engineer who builds a building, a big data engineer implements interconnected pipelines that exchange large amounts of filtered information.

These data transmission lines allow data scientists to enter or exit application datasets for analysis. To be more precise, the main task of a data engineer is to build information transmission channels, which are called pipelines, and we also use the term pipelines in this article to describe information channels and flows.

Typically, data engineers have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, computer science, or a related field of information technology.

The expertise gained from this type of certification allows them to use programming languages ​​to extract and query data through the implementation of social dialogs. Typically, data engineers succeed in finding a job as a data engineer based on a five-step plan.

These five steps are as follows:

  1.  Obtain a bachelor’s degree and start working on projects related to data analysis.
  2.  Strengthen big data analysis skills.
  3. In-depth study of the techniques and algorithms used in the data processing.
  4.  Receive specialized certifications in the field of big data professional engineering.
  5. Obtain a master’s degree in computer science, engineering, applied mathematics, physics, or related fields for career advancement.

Data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2020 shows that given the importance of data engineering and big data in various sectors, people with computer and information technology skills are in high demand. Data engineers with experience, qualifications, and certifications are more likely to be hired.

What is data engineering and who is a data engineer?

Data engineering is an ever-changing field whose main focus is the implementation of reliable infrastructure and mechanisms for data collection. A data engineer is a person who is responsible for managing and controlling the processes used to store data.

Data engineers often have the task of converting big data into useful forms for analysis. To do this, the design, build, install, test, and maintain high-scalability data management systems.

How to become a data engineer?

There are many job opportunities related to data engineering. Data engineers help businesses, tech companies, small startups, and even industries like healthcare make the most of their data sources.

However, it is important to take smart steps when entering the field of data engineering. David Bianco, the data engineer, and author of inside big data, who has valuable experience building and implementing data transmission lines, encourages data engineers to learn the programming languages ​​and tools that help them get hired.

“As a data engineer, it is important to know how to use specialized tools,” he says. Languages ​​come and go, so it’s best to have a thorough understanding of the concepts of building a pipeline, or strong data channel.

  1. Get a bachelor’s degree and start working on small projects

Anyone wishing to enter this field needs a bachelor’s degree in computer science, applied mathematics, physics, statistics, or related fields. Data engineers need real-world work experience to be able to obtain specialized job opportunities.

Internships are the best choice in this area. People who are interested in this field, but whose field of study is different from the technical fields, have the chance to work as a data engineer in large organizations, of course, these people must be related to the data structure, algorithms, database management. Gain the necessary data and programming skills.

  1. Seek to improve skills related to big data analysis

It is better to seek to improve your skills related to security. SQL is one of the basic languages ​​of working with databases that data engineers need to know to advance their business goals. This is necessary because most data is stored in relational database systems.

Data engineers use SQL to build and implement queries and retrieve data from repositories such as Apache Hive for data analysis purposes. In addition, data engineers should have sufficient knowledge of programming languages ​​such as Python and R that help with statistical analysis and modeling.

Mastery of Spark, Hadoop, and Kafka is also essential. In addition to mastering programming languages, there are other skills you should consider learning. These skills include how to implement a robust database architecture, machine learning, implement solutions for data storage, data mining, data pipeline construction, and the use of cloud infrastructure such as Amazon Web Services.

Data management technology is constantly evolving, so data engineers must be aware of what is happening in their field.

  1. If the first job you choose is not data related, there is no problem

The first job you get may not be related to data processing or even engineering. If the job you choose is not related to your field of work but is related to information technology, it will provide you with valuable information about organizational challenges and how to overcome them. The first job challenges you to think creatively and find unusual ways to solve problems. Why is this important?

Because you will soon learn that data engineers can not do everything alone. Data engineers need to connect with senior executives, data scientists, and data architects to advance their goals so they can work together as a team.

  1. Look for additional certifications in the field of professional or big data engineering

To advance in the data engineering profession, it is best to seek professional certification. If you want to focus on a particular skill, it is best to look for specific certifications offered by companies such as Oracle, Microsoft, and IBM in the field of data processing and analysis. There are many options in this area, one of which is the Certified Data Management Professional CDMP.

The CDMP, developed by the International Data Management Association (DAMA), is a comprehensive certification for all professionals whose field of activity is related to databases.

Many employers find that the applicant is very good at working with data by looking at the acronym on the resume.

  1. Achieve higher degrees in computer science, engineering, applied mathematics, physics, or related fields

Many data engineers can be successful without a master’s degree, because not all data-related jobs, such as data engineering, require a master’s degree. Some employers prefer work experience and documents that prove technical expertise to masters or higher degrees.

 What are the responsibilities of a data engineer?

Data engineering is a strategic job with many responsibilities, ranging from building high-performance algorithms, predictive models, and proof-of-concept to developing the data sets needed to model and explore data.

The most important responsibilities of a data engineer include the following:

  •  Ensure that the storage and data collection system meets the needs of the business and industry standards.
  •  Integrate new data management software and technologies with an existing company and research structures concerning the new data acquisition opportunities available to the business.
  •  Utilize new tools and technologies that allow businesses to receive data more intelligently from customers.
  •  Customize software components using a wide range of available languages ​​and tools such as scripting languages. Software components have the ability to integrate with different systems and provide a strong analytical infrastructure for evaluating the data to be stored by the business.
  •  Store and process data securely in a variety of situations. Data engineers are at the forefront of a company’s cyber defense, implementing and updating disaster recovery protocols. In addition, they improve the reliability and quality of data by providing accurate solutions.

Comparison of data engineer and data scientist

While the data engineer has the task of building, testing, maintaining, and maintaining architectures that affect big data, the data scientist is responsible for organizing the big data to be used in in-depth data analysis and accurate insight. Provide business solutions.

The two experts often work closely together. A data scientist cannot interpret anything unless the data engineer has prepared the necessary infrastructure and tools for storing and processing the data.

Leading job opportunities for data engineers

Data engineering is one of the most constantly evolving professions that can create an exciting and challenging work life for data engineers. Despite the many complexities, many job opportunities are available to data engineers. You can work as a data engineer, senior data engineer, big data engineer, and data-related jobs in organizations or companies.

If you love working with new tools and can think of things beyond a relational database, then you have the authority to help companies adapt their ever-changing and evolving needs to the evolving world of information technology.

 A data engineer’s review list

Finally, we review the steps you need to take to become a data engineer:
  • Getting a Bachelor’s Degree: Getting a bachelor’s degree in computer science or programming or a related field is a good way to get acquainted with engineering.
  • Strengthen Big Data-Related Skills: Employers are looking for people who have unique skills and are fluent in programming and software languages. Accordingly, it is important to be familiar with the different methods of big data analysis. Seek certifications related to this field to gain more skills and expertise in the work. Obtaining specialized certifications increases your chances of getting a data engineering job.
  • Obtaining a Master’s Degree: Obtaining a master’s degree is one way to stand out in today’s competitive job market. Higher degrees show that you have taken more steps towards your knowledge and advancement