How to Become a Data Engineer: Australian Careers in Data Science

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Master of Data Science

Establish yourself as an expert in data science and be part of a growing in-demand field when you study the online Master of Data Science at UNSW.

The skills you develop in this program are broad and deep and apply across all fields and industries. Cover advanced statistics and machine learning, programming and database systems, plus strategic decision making and more. This course explores more ways to organise, identify, analyse and ultimately use data to inform strategies, redefine ambiguous questions and find answers that make a genuine impact.

Created and led by academics who are at the forefront of the industry, you can ensure that your online learning experience will be of the highest standard.

Designed with the busy individual in mind, this 100% online course allows you to learn each subject in seven week blocks, allowing you to accelerate your study and graduate in two years.

Pursue a career that’s dynamic and rewarding, starting with the Master of Data Science. Enquire today!

Online

Data Analyst, Data Engineer, Data Scientist, Database Administrator, Machine Learning Engineer, Market Research Analyst, Market Researcher

Price may vary

Accelerated; complete in as little as 2 years

Master of Artificial Intelligence

Spark innovation, drive change and improve business outcomes using Artificial Intelligence (AI), one of the most in-demand skills in Australia.

Gain hands-on experience using today’s AI tools and strategies in La Trobe’s 100 per cent online Master of Artificial Intelligence course. We’ll teach you AI research, NLP, design and deep-learning fundamentals.

You’ll work on real-world projects in our virtual lab supported by Microsoft. The lab gives you a way to practice and perfect your machine learning and natural language processing skills.

Focusing on machine learning, you’ll detect anomalies and implement searches, game trees and playing, expert systems and chatbots.

With NLP skills, you can implement algorithms, transfer learning, language models, text classification, part-of-speech tagging and much more.

Choose an industry-focused specialisation in Interactive Media and Computer Vision or Natural Language Processing to gain deeper industry experience.

Entry into the course is open for students with a bachelor degree in any field. You can complete the course in 14 months, ready to take Microsoft certification exams.

The AI workforce is projected to need up to 161,000 professionals by 2030, according to ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2021. This includes roles in computer vision, robotics, data science, human language technologies.

A graduate diploma and a graduate certificate are also available to build on your experience to take a step toward a role in AI.

Online

Data Engineer, Data Scientist, Software Engineer

Price may vary

14 to 24 months

Graduate Certificate in Data Science

The online Graduate Certificate in Data Science at UNSW covers the foundational skills of data science as applied in computer science, economics and mathematics. It also includes programming, statistics and data systems.

The program provides you with the skills that employers demand in a fast-tracked model, plus gives you a pathway to study the Graduate Diploma in Data Science and Master of Data Science.

Courses are delivered online in seven-week intensive blocks, which means you could graduate with a Graduate Certificate in as little as 8 months.

Online

Data Analyst, Data Engineer, Data Scientist, Database Administrator, Machine Learning Engineer, Market Research Analyst, Market Researcher

Price may vary

Accelerated; complete in as little as 8 months

Graduate Diploma in Data Science

The online Graduate Diploma in Data Science at UNSW covers the foundational skills of data science as applied in computer science, economics and mathematics.

You’ll learn about important decision-making techniques, along with how to be a good data storyteller. The course also includes programming, statistics and data systems.

The fast track option means you could graduate with the diploma in 16 months. It also provides a pathway to study the Master of Data Science, should you continue to take it to the next level.

Online

Data Analyst, Data Engineer, Data Scientist, Database Administrator, Machine Learning Engineer, Market Research Analyst, Market Researcher

Price may vary

Accelerated; complete in as little as 16 months

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What is a Data Engineer?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Data Engineer?

The career of a Data Engineer is both dynamic and rewarding, playing a crucial role in the data-driven landscape of modern businesses. Data Engineers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the systems that allow organisations to collect, store, and analyse vast amounts of data. They work closely with data scientists and analysts to ensure that data is accessible and usable, enabling informed decision-making across various sectors. This role is perfect for those who enjoy problem-solving and have a passion for technology and data.

In their day-to-day responsibilities, Data Engineers focus on creating robust data pipelines that facilitate the flow of information from various sources to data warehouses or databases. They are skilled in programming languages such as Python, SQL, and Java, and often utilise tools like Apache Spark and Hadoop to manage and process data efficiently. Additionally, they are tasked with ensuring data quality and integrity, which involves implementing data validation and cleansing processes. This attention to detail is essential for maintaining the reliability of the data that businesses rely on.

Collaboration is a key aspect of a Data Engineer’s role, as they frequently liaise with cross-functional teams to understand data requirements and provide technical solutions. They may also be involved in the design and implementation of data architecture, ensuring that systems are scalable and secure. As technology evolves, Data Engineers must stay updated with the latest trends and tools in data management, making continuous learning an integral part of their career.

Overall, a career as a Data Engineer offers a unique blend of technical expertise and creative problem-solving. With the increasing importance of data in driving business success, Data Engineers are in high demand, making this a promising field for those looking to make a significant impact in the tech industry. The opportunities for growth and advancement are abundant, making it an exciting career choice for individuals passionate about data and technology.

Career snapshots For Data Engineers

The role of a Data Engineer is increasingly vital in today’s data-driven world. These professionals are responsible for developing, constructing, testing, and maintaining data architectures, ensuring that data flows smoothly and is accessible for analysis. As organisations continue to rely on data for decision-making, the demand for skilled Data Engineers is projected to grow significantly.

Average Age: 37 years
Gender Distribution: 63.6% male, 33.1% female
Average Hours Worked: 40 hours per week
Average Salary: AU$100,586 per year
Unemployment Rate: Low, with a strong demand for skilled professionals
Number of People Employed: Approximately 55,200
Projected Growth: Strong growth expected as data needs expand across industries

Data Engineers typically work in sectors such as Information Technology, Government, and Engineering, with opportunities available in major cities like Melbourne and Sydney. As the field evolves, ongoing education and skill development will be crucial for those looking to advance in this dynamic career.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

What will I do?

Data Engineers play a crucial role in the modern data-driven landscape, responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining the systems that allow organisations to collect, store, and analyse vast amounts of data. They ensure that data flows seamlessly from various sources to the end-users, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning. With a blend of technical expertise and analytical skills, Data Engineers are essential in transforming raw data into valuable insights that drive business success.

Develop Technical Solutions – Create and implement technical solutions to enhance data access and usage across the organisation.
Data Aggregation and Analysis – Aggregate and analyse diverse data sets to extract actionable insights that inform business strategies.
Database Management – Design, build, and maintain robust databases to ensure efficient data storage and retrieval.
Collaboration with Stakeholders – Work closely with data scientists, analysts, and business stakeholders to understand data needs and provide appropriate technological resources.
Report and Dashboard Development – Create reports, dashboards, and tools that facilitate data visualisation and accessibility for business users.
Data Quality Assurance – Monitor data quality and integrity, implementing measures to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Performance Optimisation – Optimise data processing and storage solutions for improved performance and efficiency.
Documentation and Compliance – Maintain comprehensive documentation of data systems and ensure compliance with data governance policies.

What skills do I need?

A career as a Data Engineer requires a robust set of technical skills and a strong analytical mindset. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or Scala is essential, as these are commonly used for data manipulation and processing. Additionally, a solid understanding of database management systems, particularly SQL, is crucial for designing and maintaining data architectures. Familiarity with big data technologies like Apache Hadoop and Apache Spark, as well as cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure, further enhances a Data Engineer’s ability to manage large datasets efficiently.

Beyond technical expertise, Data Engineers must possess strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams. They are often tasked with understanding the data needs of various stakeholders and translating those requirements into technical solutions. Effective communication skills are vital, as Data Engineers must convey complex technical concepts to non-technical team members. Continuous learning and adaptability are also important traits, given the rapidly evolving nature of data technologies and methodologies.

Skills/attributes

Proficiency in SQL and database management
Experience with ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes
Strong programming skills, particularly in Python or Java
Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure
Knowledge of big data technologies like Apache Hadoop and Apache Spark
Understanding of data warehousing concepts
Ability to design and implement data pipelines
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Effective communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams
Attention to detail and a commitment to data quality
Experience with data visualisation tools
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects
Continuous learning mindset to keep up with evolving technologies

Resources

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How to Become a Data Engineer: Australian Careers in Data Science

What is a Data Engineer?

Career snapshots For Data Engineers

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Skills/attributes

Resources

Career Outcomes