How to Get Started as a
Data Warehouse Architect
Refine Your Skills and Remain Relevant
As the tech world continues to evolve, organizations increasingly turn to cloud-based services for handling and storing data. Cloud services eliminate paperwork, allowing storage and retrieval of data through the internet. This is where data warehouse architecture comes into play.
A data warehouse is a unique system that stores extensive data collected from different sources within and outside of an organization. A data warehouse architect ensures the data is well-organized, accessible, and secure. Below you will discover what this role entails, the technical and business intelligence skills you will need, and the different paths you can choose to become a data warehouse architect.
What Is a Data Warehouse Architect?
A data warehouse architect is responsible for designing, maintaining, and elaborating data management solutions. Some of your daily duties will include analyzing data, designing blueprints for database management systems, developing solutions, and retrieving data from cloud systems. In addition, you will work with an array of technologies, including ETL, Oracle, EAI, and CDC, to fulfill all customer needs and company goals.
How Does Data Warehouse Architecture Relate to Data Science?
Data science involves analyzing and interpreting data, as well as preparing reports. Similarly, in data warehouse architecture, you will need to analyze, group, and manage data before storage. In order to excel in this field, data warehouse architects must be proficient in areas such as data cleaning, systems analysis, and engineering.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Data Warehouse Architect?
Generally speaking, it can take you anywhere between four to six years to become an accomplished data warehouse architect. First, you have to spend four years in college pursuing a bachelor’s degree, which is generally acknowledged as the minimum education requirement. From there, you can apply for entry-level positions or pursue higher education.
Where to Study Data Warehouse Architecture
There are several paths you can pursue as an aspiring data warehouse architect, including bootcamps, community colleges, and universities. Ultimately, the best learning path will depend on your career goals, as well as your level of experience in the industry.
Data Warehouse Architect Community Colleges
Community colleges, also known as junior colleges, are two-year institutions that are open to anyone, regardless of whether or not they’re in an associate degree program. They offer associate degrees in data science, data analytics, computer science, and other related concentrations. An associate degree will allow you to land an entry-level position.
Data Warehouse Architect Universities
The minimum education requirement for most data warehouse architect jobs is a bachelor’s degree. This learning path is suitable for anyone without experience in data warehousing. You will spend four years learning about database design, business analytics, operating systems, warehousing tools, and many other relevant subjects.
Data Warehouse Architect Coding Bootcamps
A coding bootcamp is the fastest way to launch a data warehouse architect career. These are short-term programs that last anywhere from a few weeks to a year. They allow you to develop real-world skills in data engineering, analytics, data mining tools, and machine learning. Most bootcamps also include extensive career services to support your job search.
Data Warehouse Architect Online Courses
Online courses offer a quick and convenient way to learn data warehouse architecture. These courses vary in level and predominantly focus on developing technical and business skills. You can also use online training to acquire certifications, which is an excellent career advancement tool.
How to Become a Data Warehouse Architect: A Step-by-Step Guide
Pursue an education
Complete an internship
Develop technical and business skills
Draft a resume
Earn certifications
Entry-Level Data Warehouse Architect Job Requirements
An entry-level job in data architecture typically requires a bachelor’s degree in data science or a related field, minimal experience, and knowledge in database management software and hardware. You’ll also need experience in machine learning and programming languages such as Python, MySQL, or JavaScript.
Data Warehouse Architect Salary and Job Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), data warehouse architects earn an average annual salary of $98,860. BLS also projects an eight percent job growth rate between 2020 and 2030, with approximately 13,900 job openings each year.
Example Data Warehouse Architect Job Interview Questions
Once you’ve finished the relevant education and earned entry-level experience, you’re ready to apply for jobs. In addition to a clean and organized resume, you’ll need to be prepared for the interview process. Below are five interview questions you can expect and should prepare for.
- What is data warehousing?
- What’s an effective method you can use to identify and rectify deviations from database development standards?
- What data design models have you used to support business applications?
- Can you discuss a situation where you successfully applied predictive analytics to deliver results?
- What methods do you use to ensure that a business model meets industry requirements?
What Does a Data Warehouse Architect Do?
A data warehouse architect’s primary responsibility is to design and interpret data. This data helps companies make informed decisions based on the company’s goals and customer needs. You will observe industry trends, create blueprints, and analyze database performance. Below are some of the daily tasks you can expect in this career.
Data Analysis
You will obtain raw data from internal and external sources before converting it into meaningful information. For the most part, you will spend a chunk of your time analyzing large sets of data, observing patterns, grouping data, and preparing reports. Additionally, you will use various mining and analytics tools to ensure your data aligns with industry standards.
Data Management
One of your main responsibilities is to process, organize, and store data. You will identify and implement modern data management technologies to uphold the integrity of your systems. Network security is also an essential part of data management, as you must ensure the data is secure.
Developing Data Models
Data architects design models for data structures to ensure seamless management and storage. Data modeling enhances database performance, reduces data errors, and ensures safe storage. Furthermore, data modeling makes it easier for organizations to integrate traditional and modern data warehouses.
Essential Data Warehouse Architect Skills and Certifications
Data warehousing is a demanding career that requires a wide variety of technical and soft skills. With that, earning a professional certification will not only prepare you for your career but also upon up more advanced career opportunities. Here are a few key skills and certifications that will give you an advantage in the industry.
Data Warehouse Architect Skills
Data Technologies
You must be well-versed in traditional and modern data technologies. These technologies include enterprise data warehouse software, data modeling tools, user interface software, programming languages, and ETL tools.
Communication
Data architects spend a significant amount of time interpreting data and presenting reports. Many of the job duties related to this position will require you to collaborate with other departments. For this reason, it’s important to have communication and problem-solving skills to ensure all collaborative efforts are successful.
Industry Knowledge
A data warehouse architect must understand modern data warehouse trends. The industry is still evolving, and you should stay updated on current technologies and data management tools. This will ensure you stay relevant in this field.
Data Warehouse Architect Certifications
Certified Data Management Professional (CMDP)
CDMP is a very popular certification for data warehouse architects. The program features four categories: CDMP Associate, CDMP Practitioner, CDMP Master, and CDMP Fellow. Each category teaches specific fundamentals and demands for different levels of job experience. You must complete an exam and show proof of employment or continued education in the field.
IBM Certified Solutions Architect - Data Warehouse V1
This certification is meant to demonstrate your ability to design, plan, and architect a data warehouse solution. Prior to taking the certification exam, it’s recommended that you sharpen your skills in data governance, business intelligence tools, data cleansing techniques, database management solutions, database structure, and SQL syntax and techniques.
IBM Certified Solutions Architect - Cloud Pak for Data v4.x
This certification demonstrates your ability to design, plan, and architect an AI and data solution in a hybrid cloud environment. Prior to taking the certification exam, you’ll want to sharpen your skills in cloud pak for data architecture, data science algorithms, cloud computing, machine learning operations, analytics, and data governance.
Reasons to Become a Data Warehouse Architect in 2022
Data warehousing is a lucrative career path with a high salary and field security. Working as a data warehouse architect is a great option if you enjoy analyzing data, solving math problems, and working with an array of software. The demand for professionals in this field continues to increase, which offers you a future-proof career.
Data Warehouse Architect FAQ
Is It Hard To Become a Data Warehouse Architect?
Whether or not it’s hard, depends on opinion. Becoming a data warehouse architect requires a bachelor’s degree and years of experience. Many of the associated job duties require a wide variety of technical skills and communication skills. For some professionals, the technical demands would be considered difficult, while other field professionals would disagree.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Data Warehouse Architect?
Typically, it takes four to six years to become a data warehouse architect, as most positions require a bachelor’s degree at minimum. The timeframe will ultimately depend on your chosen learning path and the business requirements of your ideal workplace.
What Technologies Should I Learn?
To succeed as a data warehouse architect, you should be familiar with Oracle, Python, Linux, Agile methodologies, ETL tools, machine learning, and SQL server. Tech bootcamps and online classes provide an excellent way to learn and improve your skills.
Are Data Warehouse Architects Paid Well?
Data warehouse architects are paid very well. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary is $98,860 per year, which can increase significantly based on level of education, level of position, experience, and job titles.
