15 Tips to Become An Analytics Engineer
by Brenda Barron Stokes on Nov 23, 2022 Becoming an analytics engineer is a goal for many aspiring tech professionals. The role offers great opportunities to work with data and help make better business decisions. However, the path to becoming an analytics engineer is not always easy. It takes hard work and dedication to become an expert in this field. In order to become an analytics engineer, you need to possess a variety of skills and have acquired knowledge in many subjects. But since the prerequisites are a bit lengthy, the prospect of starting out on the journey to become an analytics engineer with no guidance can seem daunting. That’s what we aim to remedy here today. With this guide, we’ll provide you with the insights and resources to get your analytics engineering career off the ground.
We will start by covering what an analytics engineer does follow by a list of tips and tricks for getting started in this field. These tips cover the various skills required for success in the role, some of the most common methods for landing a role and provide resources for further exploration.
So if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work, let’s get started!
What Does an Analytics Engineer Do?
At its core, an analytics engineer is responsible for creating and managing the technology that enables businesses to analyze data. This could mean anything from designing a database or creating scripts to automate processes. It also involves making sure the data is secure and running smoothly.
Analytics engineers are also involved in developing algorithms for processing data, visualizing data insights, and optimizing data-driven operations. In short, an analytics engineer is responsible for helping a business make sense of its data and get the most out of it.
On average, analytics engineers make an annual salary of $100,300 according to Comparably – making it an attractive and lucrative career. For many, getting started in this field just makes sense.
15 Tips and Tricks for Becoming an Analytics Engineer
While you do need to complete many tasks before becoming an analytics engineer, it’s totally achievable – especially if you know where to start. The following tips should help you get a handle on what to prioritize in your preparation.
1. Develop a Strong Foundation in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Technology
Learning the basics of these fields will help you understand how to manipulate data and create algorithms that can analyze it effectively.
2. Learn Programming Languages
Most analytics engineers use some form of programming language to build their systems and create scripts that help process data. So, you’ll likely need to learn multiple languages such as Python, Java, and C++.
3. Learn Data Analysis Techniques
Understanding data analysis techniques such as machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and neural networks will help you become a more effective analytics engineer.
4. Develop a Solid Understanding of Databases
An analytics engineer must have an understanding of databases in order to effectively store and access data. You’ll need to learn the basics of SQL and NoSQL databases, as well as have a good grasp of how they interact with other systems.
8. Learn ETL Tools
Understanding ETL (extract, transform, load) tools can help streamline data analysis and enable more efficient operations. So be sure to invest time in learning these technologies as well.
9. Get Familiar with Git
Git is a version-control system that most analytics engineers use to store and share code. It’s very important to understand how it works so you can collaborate efficiently with your team.
10. Become Data-Driven
Analytics engineers must be able to think critically and make data-driven decisions. So, it’s important to become familiar with basic data analytics concepts and stay up-to-date on new methods and technologies.
11. Get Experience in Data Visualization
Analytics engineers are often tasked with creating visual representations of data in order to present it in an easy-to-understand form. Learning how to create data visualizations with tools such as Tableau or PowerBI will give you a leg up in the field.
12. Familiarize Yourself with Cloud Computing
Understanding cloud computing solutions such as AWS and Azure will make it easier to deploy analytics projects. It’s also important to understand the various platforms that are used for data storage and processing, such as Hadoop.
13. Gain Experience with Data Stack Tools
Analytics engineers often need to use data stack tools such as Snowflake, Fivetran, and ThoughtSpot in order to process complex datasets. Taking the time to learn about these technologies can help you become a more effective analytics engineer.
14. Network With Others in the Industry
Networking is one of the best ways to meet potential employers, so make sure you’re actively looking for opportunities to connect with others in the analytics field. Attend industry conferences or join online communities dedicated to analytics engineering.
15. Keep Up With Trends in Analytics Engineering
Staying up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in analytics engineering is critical to becoming a successful analytics engineer. Make sure you’re reading industry blogs and publications, attending webinars and seminars, and keeping up with the latest technologies.
Put Your Training to Use and Become an Analytics Engineer
We hope this guide has given you the knowledge and resources to get started on your journey as an analytics engineer. With hard work and dedication, we have no doubt that you’ll be successful in this field.
And if you want a head start on looking for top-tier analytics engineer positions, check out our job board. You’ll find a variety of high-quality opportunities to apply for once you’ve accumulated your skill set and prepped your resume.
Good luck!