Data Analytics Architect
The path to becoming a Data Analytics Architect is quite different from a path to becoming a Data Scientist, despite both being a part of the data science field. Data Analytics Architects focus on designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure that allows data to be collected, stored, processed, analyzed, and used by any number of users. They team up with data scientists to turn data into actionable business intelligence. These professionals rely more heavily in their backgrounds on computer engineering and computer programming than data scientists. This career is more similar to that of a Big Data Engineer or a Data Engineer than a Data Scientist. In a sense, Data Analytics Architects are similar to DevOps professionals who focus on data pipelines or data streaming.
Steps to Becoming a Data Analytics Architect
Becoming a Data Analytics Architect involves completing formal training in data analytics architecture, which is rare, or completing training in fields such as computer engineering and computer programming, and then taking on data analytics architectural projects or working for an extended period of time under the mentorship of a Data Analytics Architect while working on data analytics projects in another role, such as a Data Engineer.
Skills and Knowledge Required to Become a Data Analytics Architect
Data Analytics Architects must have a strong foundational understanding of data analytics architecture, meaning they should have working knowledge of data analytics and data science and knowledge of the tools, platforms, and languages used to transform data. They should also have a strong foundational understanding of computer engineering and computer programming. Familiarity with cloud-based computing environments and data storage systems, as well as experience with data modeling and big data platforms, data analysis and data warehousing, and data governance and management are all crucial. These professionals work with structured and unstructured data and must also have a working knowledge of Agile methodologies.