What is Data Engineering All About?
The fundamental key to understanding data engineering lies in the “engineering” part. Engineers are indeed capable of designing and building things. Meanwhile, “data” engineers efficiently help in designing and building pipelines for transforming and transporting data.
And when it reaches data scientists and other end users, it attains a highly usable state. Further, the pipelines must acquire data from disparate sources, thereby collecting them in a single warehouse. This deliberately represents the data in a uniform manner, which works as the only source of truth.
Even though data engineering might sound quite simple, it requires lots of data literacy skills. And that is the exact reason for the supply shortage of data engineers. Nevertheless, there are certain things you need to consider before hiring one from the existing group.
What to Look for in a Data Engineer?
Data engineers have the efficiency of building an infrastructure to store and organize all data. However, not all data engineers are created equal or even possess the same skills. Of all, the fundamental ones include knowledge and experience.
You must ensure that the professionals possess the requisite skills, deep knowledge, and understanding of numerous programming languages. Besides, they must also have a set of technical skills and essential knowledge of SQL database design.
Data engineers must have stellar communication skills for working across departments. Also, they must have proficiency in determining what business leaders wish to gain from datasets.
What Do You Need to Know Before Hiring a Data Engineer?
Before you start your search for data engineers, there are a few things you need to know. The first is that data engineers can be seamlessly distributed among three categories. They are - generalists, database-centric, and pipeline-centric.
The job of data engineering is quite complex, so it is important to hire strong developers only. As everything is associated with coding, a real-world experience is more than crucial. Thus, textbook knowledge will never suffice the requisite skills and knowledge.
Proficient data engineers need to have ample knowledge regarding technologies. It is because they are required to fulfill three fundamental duties. So, they must serve internal customers' needs, ensure the data pipeline's functionalities, and control data cost.
Lastly, you need to check whether the data engineer possesses communication and social skills since soft skills can redirect their attention towards detailing, thereby appreciating clean design.
Also, ensure that the data engineers have a passion, eagerness, and love for learning.
Skills to Look for When You Hire Top Data Engineers
There are a plethora of skills associated with data engineers. So whenever you’re willing to hire a professional, here are a few skills you need to look out for.
Data Mining Tools
Data mining involves extracting vital information for finding patterns in enormous data sets while preparing them for analysis.
Real-Time Processing Frameworks
Processing the real-time generated data is crucial for generating quick insights for acting upon it.
Data Warehousing and ETL Tools
Data warehouse and ETL deliberately help companies leverage big data in a considerably meaningful manner.
Machine Learning Skills
When machine learning is integrated into big data processing, data engineers can accelerate it by uncovering patterns and trends.
Data Buffering Tools
Data buffering tools are efficient drivers for speeding up data processing power. Essentially, it is an area for storing temporary data and moving from one place to another.
Data Visualization Skills
Data engineers work extensively with visualization tools for presenting the insights generated into a consumable format for end-users.
Cloud Computing Tools
Setting up a cloud for storage and ensuring high data availability is the primary task of skilled data engineers.
Steps to Hire Data Engineers
Since you are familiar with the requirements of a data engineer, now is the time to begin searching. Listed here are a few steps you need to follow while searching for the job:
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First, you need to create an attractive job posting and post them on various job boards. Ensure that you include a detailed description of the position and all other requirements.
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Take time to screen and check the applications thoroughly when you start receiving them.
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Communicate with the eligible and promising candidates and fix interview dates. This will help you determine whether or not the job suits them.
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After interviewing the candidates, you can make a final decision. And when you deem fit, only then can you extend a job offer.
How to Hire an Experienced and Reliable Data Engineer
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When it comes to data engineering, experience is the key.
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The data engineer must be eager, passionate, and have a love for learning.
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You want to ensure that the person you hire possesses all the requisite skills to deliver promises.
