#144 - Data Career Advice w/ Matt Housley, Chris Tabb, and Joe Reis
Sep 18, 2023
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Data professionals Matt Housley, Chris Tabb, and Joe Reis chat about career advice in the evolving data job market. They discuss remote work challenges, important skill sets for data scientists, proactive job search strategies, in-person collaboration, and the importance of self-motivation in data careers. They also explore ways to improve the value of IT and data teams by adopting a sales or marketing mentality, showcasing data capabilities, and emphasizing the importance of certifications.
In-person interactions play a crucial role in career development, offering learning opportunities and the absorption of knowledge from others.
Combining engineering skills and leadership abilities is essential for aspiring data architects, emphasizing the importance of experience, learning, and adapting best practices.
Networking, both virtually and in person, is key to finding job opportunities, and leveraging personal projects can showcase expertise and attract potential employers.
Deep dives
Importance of in-person interaction in the workplace
In the podcast episode, the speakers discuss the importance of in-person interaction in the workplace, particularly for career development. They highlight how working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic has affected learning opportunities and the ability to absorb knowledge from others. They emphasize the value of face-to-face interactions for learning from colleagues, picking up on social cues, and contributing to discussions. They also discuss the changing landscape of hybrid work and the need for organizations to consider employees' preferences for remote or in-office work.
The role of architecture and engineering in career progression
The podcast explores the difference between architecture and engineering in a data career. They emphasize the need for a combination of engineering skills and leadership abilities for those aspiring to be architects. They highlight the importance of gaining experience in different roles and industries, learning from past projects, and adapting best practices from previous companies. They advise against solely focusing on job titles and instead emphasize the building of knowledge, experience, and expertise over time.
The importance of networking and proactivity in job searching
The speakers stress the value of networking, both virtually and in person, when searching for job opportunities. They encourage individuals to reach out to companies directly, express their interest, and highlight their skills and experiences. They emphasize the need for proactivity in building a network, attending meetups, and staying connected with colleagues and professionals in the field. They also recommend leveraging personal projects and making them public to showcase expertise and attract potential job opportunities.
The significance of continuous learning and certifications
The podcast discusses the importance of continuous learning and certifications in the data engineering field. They suggest targeting certifications related to cloud platforms like AWS or Azure, as these platforms are widely used in the industry. They highlight the value of gaining a comprehensive understanding of cloud ecosystems and tools and recommend starting with general cloud certifications before moving on to data engineering-specific ones. They also stress the need for hands-on experience and practical projects to supplement certification knowledge.
Networking and evangelism for data teams
The speakers emphasize the importance of networking and promoting the value of data teams within organizations. They encourage data professionals to become evangelists for the potential of data-driven initiatives and to identify opportunities for providing additional value. They highlight the need to change the perception of data teams as mere data report generators and instead position them as strategic partners in driving organizational success.
Balancing virtual and in-person interactions
The podcast discusses the challenges of balancing remote work with the need for in-person interactions. They highlight the importance of in-person meetings and collaborations in fostering communication, providing feedback, and building relationships. They encourage individuals to make the most of virtual interactions, such as scheduling face-to-face calls and deliberately seeking opportunities for engagement and collaboration. They also stress the need for organizations to create environments that support the synergies between remote and in-person colleagues.