How to Become a Big Data Engineer: A Simple Guide

The big data market is projected to reach $450 billion in the next three years, opening doors to excellent job and growth opportunities for big data professionals. According to Glassdoor, big data engineering is one of the best-paying technology jobs in the United States, with an average annual salary of $116,145. If the potential in the sector makes you want to learn how to become a big data engineer, this guide will provide a roadmap to help you achieve that goal.

What is Big Data Analytics?

Big data analytics is the process used to extract insights, such as customer preferences, hidden patterns, market trends, and associations. It is used across industries, such as healthcare, banking, education, and retail, to understand customers and make profitable decisions. 

How to Become a Big Data Engineer?

Step 1: Get the Right Education

Get a degree in a related field, such as computer science, software engineering, math, statistics, or physics. The right educational qualification will equip you with solid technical and soft skills for the job.

Step 2: Gain Hands-on Experience and Technical Skills Needed

Gaining expertise and extensive technical knowledge is critical to becoming a big data engineer. Getting hands-on experience by interning, freelancing, and working in similar roles will enhance your knowledge and prepare you for the position.

Step 3: Consider Online Courses From Emeritus

To advance in this highly specialized profession, it is necessary to master skills such as big data technology, SQL, data mining, ETL systems, and programming languages. The big data courses and data sciences and analytics courses on Emeritus are great ways to strengthen your profile. These short-term, intensive courses taught by experts can help you obtain the credentials and skills needed to become a big data engineer and boost employability. 

Step 4: Work on Projects With Real Data

Projects are an opportunity to showcase your work and prove your proficiency in data. If you are wondering where to start, you can use publicly available data or take an online course. 

Step 5: Connect With Others in the Industry

Networking in the field is an effective way to enhance your skills. You can share projects, seek advice, and feedback, resolve queries, learn about job opportunities, and get referrals. 

Step 6: Ask for Someone to Mentor You

Look for a mentor who can guide and help you hone your knowledge and expertise in the field. Try to connect with a big data expert who can give you valuable input. If you are taking an online course, utilize the opportunity by connecting with experts available to you. 

Step 7: Apply for Entry Level Jobs

Big data engineering is typically a senior role and can be a long-term career option. Apply to entry-level jobs in a related field to build your experience and profile. 

Do You Need a Degree to be a Big Data Engineer?

Many big data engineers hold Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. While a degree is considered an advantage, it is not a necessity. Alternatively, you can consider short-term online courses to gain the knowledge and credentials needed in the field. 

Is Being a Big Data Engineer a Good Career?

Big data engineering is a lucrative career opportunity. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, big data engineering comes under computer and information scientists, and under mathematicians and statisticians, with projected job growth of 21 per cent and 31 per cent, respectively. Furthermore, according to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for a big data engineer in the United States is $116,145. 

Big Data Engineer Role and Responsibilities

• Designing and maintaining software systems
• Maintaining, testing, and improving data pipelines 
• Storing data in the data repository 
• Carrying out ETL processes
• Collecting and processing data 
• Building data architectures 
• Working in collaboration with other teams

What Does a Big Data Engineer Do Every Day?

Big data engineers manage and maintain the data infrastructure of an organization. They are responsible for designing, developing, analyzing, testing, and maintaining the big data sets of a company. 

Benefits of Taking a Data Analytics Course

Taking a big data analytics course is a cost- and time-effective way to enhance your profile. Such courses help professionals build foundational knowledge and master the skills required to become a pro. If you are looking for a big data analytics course, explore Emeritus’ courses in data analytics taught by experts from renowned institutions. 

Now that you know how to become a big data engineer, get started on taking the necessary steps.

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