In today’s data-driven world, data architects are a critical part of any tech team. These professionals design blueprints to create, adjust, and maintain data management systems, ensuring companies can make the most of the information they have gathered. This can include integrating a multitude of data sources, organizing structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data, centralizing datastores, and much more.
Without data architects, data management systems can quickly become cumbersome and disjointed. A lack of integration creates silos, preventing those who need the information from accessing it all quickly or through a single interface.
If you are interested in becoming a data architect, here’s an overview of the skills, education, and training you’ll need and the duties you’ll likely have once hired.
Top Data Architect Skills
Data architects need a range of hard skills to thrive in their roles. Usually, this includes knowledge of specific systems as well as various technical concepts.
Here is an overview of the top data architect skills hiring managers want to find:
- Database management software
- SQL
- Hadoop
- NoSQL databases
- Application server software
- UI and query software
- Backup software and procedures
- Agile
- ERP implementations
- Data mining
- Data modeling
- Predictive modeling
- Data visualization
- Machine learning
- ETL tools
- Programming languages (Python, Java, C, C++, Perl, etc.)
- Troubleshooting
Additionally, data architects need soft skills that help them navigate the working world and do their jobs effectively. Here are some of the most in-demand soft skills for data architects:
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Organization
- Time management
- Teamwork / Collaboration
- Flexibility
- Accountability
Education and Training Requirements
If you want to become a data architect, your first step is likely to further your education. Generally, data architects have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, usually in a major like computer engineering, computer science, information technology, or a similar field. For senior-level roles, a Master’s degree may be preferred.
Having a few additional certifications can also be beneficial. These credentials could help you stand out from other candidates, increasing the odds that you’ll land a role with an employer of choice. Here are some of the most desirable certifications for data architects:
- Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP)
- IBM Certified Data Architect – Big Data
- Salesforce Certified Data Architect and Management Designer
- Hortonworks Data Flow Certified NiFi Architect (HDFCNA)
Common Data Architect Job Duties
As with all jobs, a data architect’s duties can vary from one company to the next. However, certain ones are fairly common. Here’s a look at the most popular data architect must-haves:
- Evaluate data management technologies
- Create relational databases
- Integrate several data sources
- Design, build, and deploy database architectures and associated applications
- Implement features to ensure data integrity and security
- Develop data models
- Monitor data management system performance
- Troubleshoot performance issues
- Identify and outline database development standards
- Collaborate with other IT specialties
If you want to become a data architect, all of the information above can help you on that journey, allowing you to take your career in the ideal direction with greater ease.
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