Data engineering is a popular and lucrative field in the technology industry, with a high demand for skilled professionals who can manage and process large amounts of data. However, getting started as a data engineer can be daunting if you have no experience.
In this blog, we will outline some practical steps you can take to become a data engineer with no prior experience.
Data engineering is a field where people work with data, including collecting, storing, analyzing, and organizing it. It’s a combination of software engineering and data science.
What is the role of a data engineer?
Data engineers make sure that data is accurate and dependable. They take information from various sources and organize it into formats that machines can understand. They also create and test systems that make it possible to use data for predicting or prescribing actions.
Three major roles of data engineers. These are as follows:
1. Generalists
Data engineers are responsible for every stage of the data processing, from managing and analyzing it to making it usable for machine learning and other applications. They usually work in small teams or small companies that focus on data. This role is a good option for those who want to move from a Data Scientist role to a Data Engineer role.
2. Pipeline-centric
Pipeline-centric data engineers collaborate with Data Scientists to leverage the collected data and are often employed in medium-sized companies. They need to possess a strong understanding of distributed systems and computer science to excel in this role.
3. Database-centric
In larger organizations, Data engineers primarily concentrate on data analytics since the volume of data in such organizations is vast. Data engineers who specialize in databases collaborate with data warehouses and design various table schemas.
Also Read: How to become a Cloud Engineer with no Experience in 2023
Steps to becoming a data engineer
Step 1- Make a career plan
The first step in becoming a data engineer is to understand the role and responsibilities of a data engineer. A data engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure and tools needed to store and process large amounts of data. They work closely with data scientists and analysts to ensure that data is available and accessible when needed. Understanding the role of a data engineer will help you determine whether it is the right career path for you.
Step 2 -Data engineering education
| Education | Time investment | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Bachelor’s degree + Master’s degree in CS or a related field like data analytics/data science | 4 years + 2 years | Allows for a wider job scope in multiple specializations and seniority levels | Takes a long time to completeand is costly |
| Bachelor’s degree in CS or a related field like data analytics/data science | 4 years | Is the basic credential preferred by employers. Covers a variety of skills | Takes a significant time to complete and is costly |
| Associate’s degree + bachelor’s degree combination in CS like data analytics/data science | 2 years + 2 years | Is affordableProvides the skills needed | Takes a long time to completeRelatively expensive tuition, though more affordable than other degree options |
| Full-time data engineering bootcamp | 12 weeks | Training is often project-based and aimed at in-demand practical skills Many programs offer specializations (e.g.,data engineering, data science full-stack, data analytics | Less extensive topic analysisMay prepare students for more junior/ entry-level rolesSome specialized roles will be off the table without a degree |
| College/university certificate | 1 to 2 years | Training is often project-based and focused on in-demand skills over theoryShorter time to complete than degree optionsGenerally less expensive tuition than degree options | Less comprehensive topic coverageMay prepare students for more junior roles at first, like junior/associate software engineer or computer programmer, with the potential to climb higher or switch to data engineering rolesSome specialized roles will be off the table without a degree |
| Self-study | 10 weeks to several years, depending on pacing and focus | Supported by a plethora of free and paid online learning resourcesOffers greater scheduling and flexibility | Requires discipline and significant time investmentMay prepare students for more junior roles at first, like junior/associate software engineer or computer programmer, with the potential to climb higherSome specialized roles will be off the table minus a degree |
Time estimation: Completing your education can take anywhere from 10 weeks to six years, depending on the program and structure you choose.
Step 3 – you have Learn SQL and Big data
You should learn how to write SQL queries to extract, manipulate, and aggregate data from databases. You can learn SQL by taking online courses or reading books. Data engineers work with large amounts of data, so it is essential to learn a Big Data technology like Hadoop,
Step 4 – Earn a certification (optional)
Completing a certification will help boost your credibility in front of some employers. Additionally, some certifications require you to have significant experience in your field; hence, it makes sense to wait to do them later in your career.
A few suitable data engineering certifications include:
Step 5 – Search for data engineering jobs
Internship opportunities can provide you with hands-on experience and exposure to the industry. Many companies offer internships for data engineering positions, even for those with no experience. You can apply for internships through online job portals or through your network. Internships can provide you with valuable experience and help you build your resume.
Skills Requirements to become a data engineer.
Requirements to become a data engineer vary with existing skill level, educational background, and career aspirations.
Technical skills
- Python
- Java
- SQL
- Machine learning
- Version control
- Hadoop
- Cloud
- AWS
- Kafka
- Logical reasoning
Soft skills
- Good communication skills
- Strong work ethic
- Critical thinking
- Adaptability
- Collaboration
How much does a data engineer make?
India
India’s average annual Data engineer salary is over ₹830,000.
The USA
The average annual Data engineer salary in the USA is around USD 116,591.
Data Engineer Job Description
A data engineer’s main job is to collect and organize raw data and make it easy to understand for data scientists and business analysts. They want organizations to use the data to improve their performance.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a good understanding of what it takes to become a Data Engineer and how to get started on this exciting career path. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can gain the necessary skills and experience to succeed as a Data Engineer in any industry.
