Data architecture is a critical component of modern business operations, as organizations rely on data to make informed decisions and drive growth.
In the 21st century, data architects play a vital role in designing, implementing, and maintaining the systems that store, process, and analyze this data.
To become a data architect in 2023, it is essential to have a solid understanding of the technologies and trends shaping the field.
This includes a deep knowledge of data modeling and database design, as well as experience with big data and cloud computing platforms.
Additionally, data architects should be familiar with data governance and security best practices, as well as the regulatory requirements surrounding data privacy and protection.
Intro to Data Architect
A data architect is a technology and information profession that utilizes computer science and design skills to review and analyze an organization’s data infrastructure, plan future databases, and implement solutions to store and manage data for organizations and their users.
In today’s digital era, it is undeniable that every company will definitely need and use data.
Therefore, a data architect is quite a promising profession because he can work in almost all industries, including technology, entertainment, health, finance, and government.
Data Architect Duties and Responsibilities
A Data Architect must also be able to collaborate with teams and have “Team-Player” skills and reliable communication. To become a
Data Architect, you must master several things, such as data policy development, logical data modeling, data querying languages, data strategy, physical data modeling, and data warehousing.
Data Architect is a profession that requires one to be visionary and see what opportunities can be optimized to achieve the company’s business goals. Then, what is the workload of a Data Architect? Here’s the explanation!
In general, the job desk of a Data Architect is quite broad and includes many things. The following is a job desk to become a Data Architect:
- Translate business requirements into databases, data warehouses, and data streams.
- Analyze, plan, and define the data architecture framework, including security, reference, metadata, and master data.
- Create and implement data management processes and procedures.
- Collaborate with other teams within the organization to design and implement data strategies, build models, and assess company needs and goals.
- Develop application programming interfaces (APIs).
- Monitor and also make reports regularly.
- Design and build relational databases on a large scale (enterprise).
- Data Architect is a profession that communicates more with business managers for synchronization needs between business needs, applications, and data.
Skills Required
If you want to become a Data Architect, there is some basic knowledge that you must master and understand. Here is some basic ability to become a data architect:
1. English
Communication using English is mandatory for all jobs, including Data Architect. Even though this profession in Indonesia is still scarce and new, a Data Architect must be able to communicate in English, both written and orally.
Plus, currently, more foreign companies require the Data Architect profession, so that requires you to be able to communicate in English.
2. Machine Learning
A Data Architect must master Machine Learning as evidenced by work experience. Machine Learning is a technology that can study existing data and perform specific tasks according to what it learns.
One example of the results of Machine Learning technology we can encounter daily is the Face ID system on our gadgets.
3. Data Visualization
Data Architect is a profession that must understand how to visualize data. This data visualization is needed to tell and present the existing data.
Data visualization also plays a vital role in the progress of the company because it helps a developer to be able to communicate data more effectively.
Suppose a Data Architect can master data visualization. In that case, it will undoubtedly make it easier to understand the information contained in the data.
These three essential points must be mastered by a Data Architect. Experience and high-flying hours are needed to become a reliable and professional Data Architect.
4. Project Management
As a Data Architect, you must also have reliable project management skills. Data Architect work is one of the most complex in the IT field.
Therefore project management skills are the main requirement for anyone working in this field. Data architecture work is always related to the internal team and collaboration between other divisions, so you must be competent in setting work priorities.
Career Prospect
According to Climbtheladder, the Data Architect profession is rising in the next few years. As data becomes more complex, a Data Architect must be able to analyze it quickly and find patterns that can be used to make better decisions.
There are still very few human resources available today, making anyone successful and experienced in becoming a Data Architect, the target of global-scale companies.
This also affects the high income of a Data Architect and is accompanied by various significant challenges that must be faced.
For those still fresh graduates or have yet to decide on a career path, the Data Architect profession can be the right choice.
The first step to becoming a Data Architect is to take part in internships in various companies to discover the constraints and responsibilities in each business sector.
Apart from that, you can also take multiple free and paid courses to prove how far your skills go to become a Data Architect.
If you have entered the entry-level to become a Data Architect, then the opportunity to become a professional Data Architect will open up. Currently, there are many vacancies regarding Data architects on several job portals such as LinkedIn, GrabJobs, and Kalibrr.
Education Required
To become a data architect, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field is typically required.
However, some employers may also consider candidates with degrees in mathematics, statistics, or engineering, as long as they have relevant experience and skills in data management and architecture.
Additionally, certifications in data management and architecture, such as those offered by the Data Management Association (DAMA) or the International Association of Information Technology Professionals (IAITP), can also be beneficial for aspiring data architects.
It’s also important for data architects to have experience with programming languages, database management systems, data modeling, and data warehousing.
Continuing education and staying current with the latest trends and technologies in the field is also important for a data architect.