4 answers
Jonathan
Student
Odessa, Texas
2
Questions
Asked
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where should i start to become a database architech?
i have started my jobcorps experience and while browsing career options database architech caught my eye and i would appreciate any leads to get me started on a career path like this one
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4 answers
Isabel Dominguez
Student
101
Answers
Corning, California
Updated
Isabel’s Answer
Hello Jonathan!
Embarking on the journey to become a database architect is an exciting endeavor! Begin by immersing yourself in the essentials of database management. Dive into the world of SQL and database design principles, which you can explore through accessible online courses or engaging classes at your local community college.
Get your hands dirty with real-world experience by participating in projects or internships that revolve around database management. Make it a point to acquaint yourself with various database management systems (DBMS) such as the widely-used MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Oracle.
Boost your credentials by aiming for notable certifications like the Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate or Oracle Certified Professional. As you continue to grow and develop, consider seeking out more advanced training in areas like data modeling, security, and performance tuning.
Remember, networking with fellow professionals in the field and keeping a keen eye on industry trends can greatly enhance your career progression. So, keep pushing forward, Jonathan! Your journey to becoming a successful database architect is well within reach.
Embarking on the journey to become a database architect is an exciting endeavor! Begin by immersing yourself in the essentials of database management. Dive into the world of SQL and database design principles, which you can explore through accessible online courses or engaging classes at your local community college.
Get your hands dirty with real-world experience by participating in projects or internships that revolve around database management. Make it a point to acquaint yourself with various database management systems (DBMS) such as the widely-used MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Oracle.
Boost your credentials by aiming for notable certifications like the Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate or Oracle Certified Professional. As you continue to grow and develop, consider seeking out more advanced training in areas like data modeling, security, and performance tuning.
Remember, networking with fellow professionals in the field and keeping a keen eye on industry trends can greatly enhance your career progression. So, keep pushing forward, Jonathan! Your journey to becoming a successful database architect is well within reach.
Rajesh Kumar Subbiah
Manager
39
Answers
Florham Park, New Jersey
Updated
Rajesh Kumar’s Answer
To start your journey towards becoming a database architect, here are some steps you can take:
Learn Database Fundamentals: Start by gaining a solid understanding of database concepts, such as data modeling, normalization, indexing, and relational database management systems (RDBMS). Familiarize yourself with SQL (Structured Query Language), which is essential for working with databases.
Earn a Degree or Certification: While not always mandatory, obtaining a degree or certification in computer science, information systems, or a related field can provide a strong foundation. Consider pursuing a bachelor's degree or relevant certifications like Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) or Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate.
Gain Practical Experience: Look for opportunities to gain practical experience working with databases. This can include internships, entry-level positions, or volunteering for database-related projects. Seek out roles where you can assist with database administration, data analysis, or database development.
Specialize in Database Technologies: Familiarize yourself with different database management systems, such as Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, or PostgreSQL. Gain hands-on experience with these platforms, learn their features, and understand their strengths and limitations.
Master Data Modeling and Design: Deepen your knowledge of data modeling techniques, such as entity-relationship (ER) modeling and dimensional modeling. Understand how to design efficient and scalable database schemas that meet business requirements.
Stay Updated with Industry Trends: Keep up to date with the latest trends and emerging technologies in the database world. This includes cloud-based databases, big data technologies, NoSQL databases, and data warehousing. Stay informed through blogs, industry publications, and attending relevant conferences or webinars.
Develop Soft Skills: Database architects often work closely with stakeholders, developers, and other team members. Develop strong communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Effective collaboration and the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions are essential.
Network and Seek Mentorship: Engage with professionals in the field by attending industry events, joining online communities, and seeking mentorship. Networking can provide valuable insights, guidance, and potential job opportunities.
Continuously Learn and Grow: The field of database architecture is constantly evolving. Commit to lifelong learning by staying curious, exploring new technologies, and expanding your skillset through courses, workshops, or online resources.
Remember, becoming a database architect requires a combination of knowledge, practical experience, and continuous learning. Be patient, persistent, and proactive in seeking opportunities to develop your skills and gain hands-on experience in database architecture. Good luck on your career path!
Learn Database Fundamentals: Start by gaining a solid understanding of database concepts, such as data modeling, normalization, indexing, and relational database management systems (RDBMS). Familiarize yourself with SQL (Structured Query Language), which is essential for working with databases.
Earn a Degree or Certification: While not always mandatory, obtaining a degree or certification in computer science, information systems, or a related field can provide a strong foundation. Consider pursuing a bachelor's degree or relevant certifications like Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) or Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate.
Gain Practical Experience: Look for opportunities to gain practical experience working with databases. This can include internships, entry-level positions, or volunteering for database-related projects. Seek out roles where you can assist with database administration, data analysis, or database development.
Specialize in Database Technologies: Familiarize yourself with different database management systems, such as Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, or PostgreSQL. Gain hands-on experience with these platforms, learn their features, and understand their strengths and limitations.
Master Data Modeling and Design: Deepen your knowledge of data modeling techniques, such as entity-relationship (ER) modeling and dimensional modeling. Understand how to design efficient and scalable database schemas that meet business requirements.
Stay Updated with Industry Trends: Keep up to date with the latest trends and emerging technologies in the database world. This includes cloud-based databases, big data technologies, NoSQL databases, and data warehousing. Stay informed through blogs, industry publications, and attending relevant conferences or webinars.
Develop Soft Skills: Database architects often work closely with stakeholders, developers, and other team members. Develop strong communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Effective collaboration and the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions are essential.
Network and Seek Mentorship: Engage with professionals in the field by attending industry events, joining online communities, and seeking mentorship. Networking can provide valuable insights, guidance, and potential job opportunities.
Continuously Learn and Grow: The field of database architecture is constantly evolving. Commit to lifelong learning by staying curious, exploring new technologies, and expanding your skillset through courses, workshops, or online resources.
Remember, becoming a database architect requires a combination of knowledge, practical experience, and continuous learning. Be patient, persistent, and proactive in seeking opportunities to develop your skills and gain hands-on experience in database architecture. Good luck on your career path!
Brad Goettemoeller
Solutions Architect
4
Answers
Bend, Oregon
Updated
Brad’s Answer
Hi Jonathan, Architect is the top job in the individual contributor career track. You would likely start out as a data analyst and then grow into a database admin or engineer. Data analysts primarily work in spreadsheets like MS Excel or Google Sheets. Learning SQL will be the next thing to work on. SQL is primarily used on relational database systems but spreadsheets have some querying abilities as well.
Database admins (DBA) manage the performance of databases and also do db engineering.
Data engineers really just write complex SQL and stored procedures but don't do manage the db overall.
Data Architect will take some years to get to. You will need to build lots of technical, problem solving, and collaboration skills.
Another aspect to consider is whether you'll focus on Microsoft data products, open source DBs, or large data processing platforms such as SnowFlake, DataBricks, or Data Dog.
Look for jobs like data analyst.
Database admins (DBA) manage the performance of databases and also do db engineering.
Data engineers really just write complex SQL and stored procedures but don't do manage the db overall.
Data Architect will take some years to get to. You will need to build lots of technical, problem solving, and collaboration skills.
Another aspect to consider is whether you'll focus on Microsoft data products, open source DBs, or large data processing platforms such as SnowFlake, DataBricks, or Data Dog.
Brad recommends the following next steps:
Hagen Finley
Technical Sales DELL Alliances
52
Answers
Fort Collins, CO
Updated
Hagen’s Answer
Hello Jonathan,
I am fellow DB enthusiast but not a DB admin per se. I've worked with Dell & EMC in the data storage business for over 20 years.
My suggestion is to broaden your goals a little as the opportunities in the data engineering space appear to be growing. That would extend your capabilities to include the storage, movement and structure of data. There are lots of books on this topic today. The O'Reilly technical series includes data mesh, data pipelines, data engineering and more. Data engineering also overlaps with data science and AI so if you found those areas interesting you could incorporate them into you career plans.
Tech admin roles whether for databases, servers, networking etc. have dropped in market value compared to the early days in the 90s and 2000s and I believe that trend will continue. In this rapidly changing landscape, I don't think you can get too much math. Calculus is foundational to AI. AI is going to replace some roles and it's hard to see how that will play out. Therefore, you want to reinforce your career plans with AI competencies - and I don't mean being able to pose questions to OpenAI. Some measure of data science skill is likely to be necessary no matter what you do.
There's also a reemergence of the data lake house architecture which had lost credibility until recently. That's sort of DB admin on steroids as you would be working with a variety of data sources, logs, databases, ERP and so forth. Tools such as trino and Starburst let you connect with a variety of sources and then manipulate that data with SQL. I think that's pretty exciting (but I am a strange man ;-).
Hope that helps.
Read! - one person says read an hour a day -everyday. It takes time but that self disciplen will change your career. I get 2 books a month on Audible and have for 20 years.
Create your own database with data about your life - simple tables and queries. It's fun and there are lots of free options such as PostgreSQL you can install on a laptop.
Isabel is correct that a certification may be necessary to land your first job. I more or less did that.
If you're college bound there are a lot of great college courses. At Berkeley they taught us how to create our own database program. (I was a philosophy major but that foundational layer can be very helpful later).
I am fellow DB enthusiast but not a DB admin per se. I've worked with Dell & EMC in the data storage business for over 20 years.
My suggestion is to broaden your goals a little as the opportunities in the data engineering space appear to be growing. That would extend your capabilities to include the storage, movement and structure of data. There are lots of books on this topic today. The O'Reilly technical series includes data mesh, data pipelines, data engineering and more. Data engineering also overlaps with data science and AI so if you found those areas interesting you could incorporate them into you career plans.
Tech admin roles whether for databases, servers, networking etc. have dropped in market value compared to the early days in the 90s and 2000s and I believe that trend will continue. In this rapidly changing landscape, I don't think you can get too much math. Calculus is foundational to AI. AI is going to replace some roles and it's hard to see how that will play out. Therefore, you want to reinforce your career plans with AI competencies - and I don't mean being able to pose questions to OpenAI. Some measure of data science skill is likely to be necessary no matter what you do.
There's also a reemergence of the data lake house architecture which had lost credibility until recently. That's sort of DB admin on steroids as you would be working with a variety of data sources, logs, databases, ERP and so forth. Tools such as trino and Starburst let you connect with a variety of sources and then manipulate that data with SQL. I think that's pretty exciting (but I am a strange man ;-).
Hope that helps.
Hagen recommends the following next steps: