Data Architect Careers

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Data Architects are responsible for the design and development of complex database infrastructures responsible for the storing and utility of data. The primary responsibility of professionals in this field is the analyze the needs of clients in order to develop a database that is best aligned with individual or organizational needs.

Data Architect Career Guide

Professional Data Architects should essentially have a broad range of skills that include computer programming and language fluency, knowledge of data mining, storage, and reporting, and expertise within a wide range of current data processing software. The best way for you to prepare for a career within this highly influential field is through reputable degree programs specifically focusing on Data Science.

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Degrees for Data Architect Career

The Masters in Data Science or the Masters in Data Analytics could be ideal options to consider along your path to becoming a part of this field. Each degree programs offers a generalized path that could include specific concentrations in Data Architecture.

The field of Data Science has provided the foundation for specialized fields such as Data Architecture to grow. As a professional in this line of expertise, you could pursue careers at the entry level in a team of architectural specialists, or even more forward into leadership positions in the field. The curriculum at the master's level typically consists of course work that can also increase your abilities in leadership within this field.

Some of the skills that you could potentially learn within the Data Science or Data Analytics curriculum can include those focusing on data migration and integration, database design, and data modeling. While you search for careers in the field after graduation you might notice that these are some of the skills required for initial acceptance into new positions.

Online Degrees for Data Architect Careers

If you are searching for a degree program that can assist you in integrating into this growing field, you can choose from different types of convenient options to best fit your needs as an upcoming learning. The implementation of online degree programs has made it possible for students with the busiest schedules to enjoy the benefits of higher education, without having to lose out on important time at work or at home.

Online degree programs in Data Science related fields can provide you with a high quality level of education found in traditional learning environments. In most cases, online Masters in Data Science programs can be modeled after an on-campus program or even taught by the same professors through the same university.

The main difference between online and traditional programs in Data Science is the location in which you are learning. Online students can log in to their courses from any location that has internet capabilities, while traditional learners are typically required to be on-campus to attend their classes in person.

If you are considering online degree programs as a method for becoming a part of this field, you can rest assured that there are numerous reliable options currently available through reputable schools throughout the U.S. Each designed to provide you with the knowledge, practice, and skills you need to become a professional Data Architect.

What Do Data Architects Do?

As a Data Architect, you could potentially work for a variety of organizations or individuals that are in need of sophisticated databases and data warehouses. At the beginning of a project, you might meet with business executives or members of a data analysis team to review the purpose, function, and needs of the client.

Depending on what type of data is being collected, the people responsible for utilizing the data, and the experience of those responsible for analyzing data, a wide range of data storage and utility programs could be require for optimum service.

Your primary role as a Data Architect may be to use what you know about organizational needs to develop a complex system responsible for the collection and organization of large sums of data for other professionals to analyze. This could include analyzing a current data system to identify potential areas for improvement or change, or implementing a new and unique system that better fits your client’s needs.

Implementation of a data system may not be the only responsibility of the Data Architect. In some cases, it may also be your duty to ensure the security of these systems, as well as create pathways for backup and recovery of lost data for a multitude of different reasons.

Depending on the company you are employed with, whether or not you are working for one company or in consulting, and what type of specialization you have – if any, you might find that the various data software and resources you utilize during your day’s work may vary. There are a number of different software programs and methods that can be used depending on the type of data you are responsible for planning for and the end users that will be working with it.

Salary and Pay for Data Architects

Data has quickly become possibly one of the more important aspects of business growth during the technological age. Professionals that are seeking careers in diverse fields such as IT, business, or even healthcare can partner their knowledge of data with specialization in any of these fields to optimize their opportunities in the professional environment.

The rate of pay that you receive for your services can depend on a wide array of factors including your overall experience, the type of systems that you are trained to work with, and the area in which you work. As you gain more experience in the field, you may have more opportunities arise with better pay and benefits.

In order to give you the best information about average salaries for Data Architects, our team of educational experts has reviewed some of the careers and their respective pay scales for individuals in this field. Take a look through the list below to learn more about what awaits you in the field.

  • Database Administrators: $90,070 on average per year (BLS).
  • Software Developers: $105,590 on average per year (BLS).
  • Computer Research Scientists: $118,370 on average per year (BLS).

Recommended Courses for Data Architects

When you first transition into a Masters in Data Science with specialization in Data Architecture, you can participate in courses that can educate you on the various components of data storage and analysis common in this line of work. Courses such as Data Warehousing can outline the process by which data is captured, analyzed, and reported to client organizations, including a look into the decision making process that follows this relay of information.

Additional course work in Business Intelligence can enlighten students in this program to the importance of data specifically in the business environment and how this information can lead to changes and improvements to business function, sales, and customer relations. Courses specific to Business Analytics can also increase your abilities to connect the field of data with business for expansion of career opportunities in the working environment.

In terms of data oriented classes that you might take during your program, you can expect to see general courses such as Data Mining, Data Visualization, and Quantitative Analysis. Each of these classes can allow you to practice your skills with analyzing data from large sources, drawing important information for these sources, and providing information related to data in a way that is useful for client organizations.

Essential Data Architect Software Programs

As a new Data Architect in the field, it can be vital to be well-versed with common software currently used in the architectural environment. Different organizations may use different tools for the development of new and complex data systems, making it possible for you to work with several different systems throughout the duration of your career.

Certification programs can be found at universities that offer you practice within common software programs, which could be beneficial when competing for jobs at high-end tech organizations or large businesses throughout the country. Practice within each area may also be seen as more valuable when applying for jobs, so showcasing your skills within these software programs can help you along the way.

Common software programs that you should become familiar with include ER/Studio – which is a large-scale program suitable for increasing data quality, creating innovative and unique data models, and architecture fitting for the business environment, and PowerDesigner – another popular modeling tool for enterprise architecture. If you have experience in these programs or others relevant to Data Architecture, you may be able to use that to your advantage during the application and interview process.

Data Architect Organizations to Know

Fields related to IT, Data Science, and Business can constantly undergo change and innovation. As a new profession in this field, it can be beneficial to learn habits associated with continued learning and exploration into new ideas related to your line of work.

Some professionals have found it beneficial to become involved in professional organizations as a way to connect with other professionals with similar interests, gain access to important research and development in the field, and participate in public events on a regular basis.

Popular professional organizations for Data Architects can include the Data Science Association – which is an agency that invites professionals from all realms of Data Science to join its ranks and the Healthcare Data and Analytics Association. If you decide to pursue careers in diverse fields such as healthcare, specialized knowledge and expertise in this sector can help you to make better and more informed decisions while working in the field.