Data architects design blueprints for data management systems. After assessing the company’s data sources, both internal and external, architects create a plan to integrate them, centralize them, protect them, and keep them updated. This allows employees to have access to critical information at the right time and in the right place.
Responsibilities of the Data Architect
An data architect might be needed to:
- Work with IT managers and teams to develop a data strategy that meets industry needs
- Make a list of all data required to implement the architecture
- Find new data acquisition opportunities
- Assess and identify current data management technologies
- A fluid vision of how data flows through an organization should be created
- Develop data models for database structures
- Create, document, build, and deploy database applications and architectures (e.g. Large relational databases
- Integrate technical functionality (e.g. scalability, security, performance, data recovery, reliability, etc.)
- Take steps to ensure data accessibility and accuracy
- Continuously monitor, improve and report on performance of data management system
- Combine existing warehouse structures with new systems
- Establish and enforce database development standards
- Keep a corporate repository for all data architecture artifacts.
It may surprise you to learn that this is a challenging job. Data architects may be required by companies to specialize in data modeling techniques. Others may need experts in data warehousing and ETL tools, SQL databases, data administration, or data warehousing. Data architects will likely be high-ranking employees who have many years of experience in business intelligence.
How to Become a Data Architect
These are the steps that most people take to become data architects.
1. Study computer science, engineering or another related field to earn a degree.
A bachelor’s degree is required to become a data architect. This can be achieved by completing a bachelor’s in computer science or computer engineering. The course should cover data management, programming and big data development, as well as systems analysis, technology architectures, and programming. A master’s degree is preferred for senior positions.
Experience could be the most important aspect of your job application. Employers will expect top-level candidates to have previous experience in managing application architecture, network management, and performance management.
2. You can improve your business and technical skills, from data mining to solving analytical problems.
Data architects need technical skills
- Software for application server (e.g. Oracle)
- Software for database management (e.g. Microsoft SQL Server
- Software for query and user interface (e.g. IBM DB2
- Software for enterprise application integration (e.g. XML)
- Software for developing environments
- Software for backup and archive
- Implementation of ERP and agile methodologies
- Predictive modeling, NLP, and text analysis
- Data modeling tools (e.g. ERWin and Enterprise Architect are examples of data modeling tools.
- Data mining
- UML
- ETL tools
- Python, C/C++ Java and Perl
- UNIX, Linux and Solaris.
- Hadoop and NoSQL databases
- Machine learning
- Data visualization
This list can be updated as technology changes.
Business Skills for Data Architects
- Analytical Problem Solving: Approaching high level data challenges with an eye on what is most important and using the right approach/methods in order to maximize time and human resource use.
- Effective communication: Listening carefully to managers, data analysts, and other staff members to create the best data design. Also, explain complex concepts to non-technical coworkers.
- Expert Management Managing and advising a team of data modelers, database engineers, database administrators, and junior architects.
- Industry Knowledge Understanding how your chosen sector functions, and how data are analyzed and used to support flexibility in the face of big data developments.
3. You might consider additional certifications or further learning.
You have many opportunities to learn and expand your skills as a data architect at companies like IBM, Salesforce, and Hortonworks. If you are unsure, talk to your mentors or review job descriptions. This will help you decide which acronyms are most valuable.
Certified Data Management Professionals (CDMP)
The Data Management Association International developed the CDMP, which is a common certification for data architects. It doesn’t have a specific platform or vendor focus, making it a valuable credential for all database professionals.
The CDMP is available at four levels: associate, practitioner master, master, and fellow. Candidates who have provided evidence of education, experience, and passed the professional knowledge exam are eligible to receive it. Re-certification requires proof of professional activity and continuing education.
IBM Certified Data Architect – Big Data
The IBM professional certification program requires candidates to have a wide range of skills, including understanding data replication and cluster management. They also need to be able to understand data lineage and LDAP security. The Certified Data Architect exam also covers BigInsights and BigSQL.
Salesforce Certified Data Architecture & Management Designer
The data architecture and management design certification exam is for those who have worked with Salesforce. It tests candidates’ understanding of large data volume risks, mitigation strategies, LDV considerations and best practices in an LDV environment.
Simplilearn’s Big Data Architect Masters Program
Simplilearn’s master’s program is designed to improve your knowledge and skills in data model creation, SparkSQL interfaces, Scala and RDD, as well as replication, scalability and Hadoop clusters. Participants will benefit from both instructor-led and self-directed learning through participation in lab projects and experiences.
TOGAF (r) 9 Certification Program
There are two routes to the TOGAF Professional Certification: certification and foundation. This credential’s foundation section is designed to verify that candidates are familiar with the basic concepts and terms of TOGAF 9 as well as core principles of enterprise architecture.
Data Architect Average Salaries
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not list salaries for data architects. However, it does list 2020 salaries for similar roles: . The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t list specific salaries for data architects. However, it does list 2020 salaries for similar roles:
- Computer Network Architect: $116 780
- Database Administrator: $98,860
- Computer Programmer: $89 190
Jobs similar to Data Architect
There are many paths that you can follow to become a data architect. People may start their career as Database Administrators (DBAs), or as entry-level programmers. You will be able to focus on the daily tasks of data management (e.g. Installation, upgrades, backup and recovery are just a few of the many tasks that DBAs must focus on. DBAs will gain an understanding of data storage and use.
A Data Engineer is perhaps the closest job to being an architect. When comparing careers, it is clear that engineers approach data work differently. Architects design the architecture that collects, integrates and centralizes data. Engineers are involved in the development, testing, and maintenance of data to ensure that it is available for analysis.
Data architects do not analyze data. They make data available to others, not analyze it. You might consider becoming an analyst.
- Data Analyst
- Data Scientist
Data architect jobs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Database Administrators are a closely related position to data architecture and will see an 8% increase in job opportunities from 2020-2030. Business communities started to see the benefits of data structure designs.
