Data is a tremendous force that boosts modern-day organizations. Many businesses try to leverage the power of data to look for solutions to problems, make strategies, and run business operations effectively.
It is not surprising that the demand for the data architect is increasing daily. So what do you need to know about this profession before pursuing it?
Let’s read on to see more!
Job Description
What Is a Data Architect?
Data architects are IT (Information Technology) professionals who use their computer science & design skills to analyze the data infrastructure of their organization, develop future databases, and perform solutions to manage data.
As most companies use data, you can work in any industry as a data architect, including entertainment, technology, finance, health care, and government.
Types of Data Architects
The volume of data that organizations use daily continues to rise rapidly. It is one of the critical elements for business leaders who are based on data to make decent decisions. It is also crucial to clients who want to keep their data safe.
There are various ways that you can use your skills as a data architect and various roles you may fill, including:
Machine Learning Architect
This position is responsible for designing scalable systems that are used with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models.
Security Architect
If you take on this role, you will likely have to design and employ safeguards to ensure data integrity, availability, and confidentiality.
Cloud Architect
You use your company data in its cloud environment for optimal performance.
Project Manager
This role involves overseeing projects associated with the building and planning of data architecture.
Data Architect
This position requires you to define your organization’s data vision before putting it into practice.
Responsibilities and Tasks
As a data architect, your typical responsibilities might range from estimating the existing data architecture to maintaining databases secure.
Depending on your industry and organization, your daily jobs might include:
- Plan, define, or analyze data architecture framework, including reference data, security, master data, and metadata.
- Make procedures to ensure data accessibility and accuracy.
- Translate your business requirements into data warehouses, databases, or data streams.
- Work with teams within your organization to build multiple data strategies, develop models, and assess shareholder goals and needs.
- Develop APIs (application programming interfaces) to retrieve data
- Research data acquisition opportunities.
- And more
Where Do Data Architects Work?
Data architects can work in various industries, including the entertainment, technology sector, finance, health care, and government. The professionals may have the option of working remotely, depending on company policy.
Education Requirements
To become a data architect, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, computer science, or another related field.
You need to focus on programming, data management, big data development, application design, technology architectures, and systems analysis.
Many companies typically favor a master’s degree with a few years of experience in management, data design, and storage work for senior positions.
In addition, you can take up additional certifications to equip yourself. It is optional but will give you an edge.
Essential Skills
To become a successful data architect, you will need several skills, including hard and soft. These including:
Turning Business Problems Into Data Design
You might have to work with technology stakeholders to turn business issues into data designs.
You are responsible for creating optimal designs via iterative processes, aligning the organizational objectives and system requirements with the client’s needs.
Strategic Thinking
As a data architect, you will need an overall perspective on your business issues, activities, and events, and think about their long-term impact and implications.
Your role may also include determining patterns, policies, standards, vision statements, and roadmaps.
You also often effectively focus on results instead of activities and solutions.
Problem Resolution (Data)
You can analyze, manage, and log issues to identify and implement the appropriate resolution. Then, you must ensure that any problem is resolved.
Metadata Management
Data architects often understand various metadata management tools. They are responsible for designing and maintaining the proper metadata repositories to let their organization understand its data assets.
Data Standards
Architects in this field can also set and develop data standards for their organizations. They can communicate the data standards’ business benefits and govern and champion these standards across their organizations.
Data Modelling
You can generate data models and know where to utilize different types. It is also necessary to understand various tools and compare multiple data models.
Data Innovation
Data architects need to recognize and exploit opportunities to ensure the more effective and efficient performance of their organizations. They can discover new ways of conducting organizational and business processes.
Communicating Between the Non-technical and Technical
You will often work in a team and collaborate with other professionals. So good communication skills will allow you to work with them more effectively.
In addition, these skills also allow you to communicate more effectively with stakeholders, including non-technical people.
Essential Tools
Here are some valuable tools for helping make data modeling effective and successful endeavors for various organizations and businesses.
- Archi
- BiZZdesign Architect
- CA ERwin Data Modeler
- Database Deployment Manager
- Database Workbench
- Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect
- ER/Studio
- Future Selection Toolbox
- IBM System Architect
- Erwin Data Modeler
- IBM InfoSphere Data Architect
- DbWrench
- Visible Analyst
- Valentina Studio
- SQL DBM
Job Outlook
Most data architects report high job satisfaction, probably because they play an essential role in businesses, providing them with attractive income.
Their role will become even more important as technology evolves, and good data architects will welcome this change by staying up-to-date with new languages and systems.
Vast amounts of data are produced by the minute, so data architects are essential to deal with issues daily. They also have a long vision and try to imagine their companies’ problems in the following three to five years.
More and more organizations and businesses are realizing that these professionals are one vital link in their data chain.
They also know that these architects are essential to introduce order into the chaos and deliver access to data that analysts and scientists can mine for business solutions later.
Salary
The average salary for data architects in the US is $142,658 each year or $73.16 per hour. Entry-level positions normally start at $120,000 each year, and most experienced workers can make up to $180,000 each year.
Advantages and Disadvantages
As a Data architect, you will likely come across the following pros and cons:
Pros
- Suitable for those who like to solve problems mentally
- Ideal for those who value achievements and are results-oriented
- It is not too difficult to get into this career.
- Very high salary
Cons
- Not suitable for people who prefer to help and teach others
FAQs
How to Become a Data Architect
If you are interested in this career, here is a quick rundown on how to get started. Note that the route can vary from person to person, and this guide covers only the most basic steps. For more details, please click here.
Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree
You’ll need to start by gaining a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer engineering, computer science, or other related fields.
To become a data architect, you must often have a robust background in systems development, information management, and application design.
You will also want to successfully complete subjects in these topics and in web development, computer programming, systems analysis, technology architecture, and operating systems.
Step 2: Complete at Least One Internship
You need to know that Data architecture isn’t typically one entry-level job. As a result, you should get as much experience as possible to prepare for this role.
We recommend looking for internships in the IT field, helping you develop essential skills in network management, performance management, and application architecture.
Step 3: Get Experience in The IT Field
Don’t expect your first job title to be data architect, as you will need at least 3 to 5 years of job experience. In addition, you will need to succeed in at least one project, demonstrating your competence and expertise.
So you should apply for an entry-level job in database administration or programming. Then continue strengthening your skills in development, management, database design, warehousing, and modeling.
Step 4: Apply for a Data Architect Position
After completing the necessary training and a few years of experience, you will be all set to begin a career in data architecture.
Then, it is time to search for a job in large educational entities, finance, insurance companies, healthcare firms, businesses, and other organizations that must process vast amounts of data.
Also, you can find success searching for a data architect job with software corporations and computer manufacturers.
Step 5: Gain Professional Certifications
Certification is optional but recommended as it will give you an edge in the hiring process. Having at least one certification will allow you to stand out from other candidates and be more appreciated by recruiters.
Step 6: Pursue your Master’s Degree
A master’s degree will entitle you to take on many senior positions in data architecture. A master’s degree in data science or computer science is the best option.
Does Data Architecture Require Coding?
Yes, data architecture might require coding. So as a data architect, you must have a solid grasp of coding to make data frameworks that many people can securely use. Some of the coding languages that a data architect uses include Java, Python, C, and C++.
What Are the Differences Between Data Architects And Data Engineers?
Although data engineers and architects share many similarities, each has unique responsibilities that impact their work’s purpose.
Data architects are generally responsible for designing the blueprints and structuring a data framework. Meanwhile, data engineers perform most of the programming actually to create the framework.
As a result, data engineers and data architects typically work closely together.
Career Advice
A data architect is an excellent job, like many jobs in the technology field. It allows for much professional growth, is in high demand, and offers good salaries.
As technology continues to grow and dominate our lives, the demand for a data architect in the technology field will increase. So there is no denying that data architecture is one of the fastest-growing roles in technology.
If you want to start your career in this field, you must prepare at least a bachelor’s degree and the necessary skills. Also, consider getting a master’s degree and related certifications.