A Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a Data Architect in India

Are you looking to make a career transition into becoming a data architect in India? If you’ve decided to pursue this intriguing and in-demand role, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the process of becoming a data architect, from salary insights to where to get the necessary education and certifications. Let’s get started.

A Booming Career for 2021

As India moves towards a data-based economy, the demand for skilled data architects has never been higher. Recent research by experienced corporate recruiters found that the demand for data architects in India is anticipated to grow by 44% in 2021. Major players such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, have also tripled their spending on cloud-related data products and services.

As there are numerous opportunities in this field, a data architect is one of the better-paying jobs in India. Windows Central reports that an average data architect salary in India is ₹9,31,023 per annum and can go up to ₹18,50,785 per annum (with the right skill set and experience).

Data Architect Education & Certifications

Thanks to the complex nature of data architect jobs, earning the right educational qualifications is essential. To start with, most employers expect an electrifying Bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field. In addition, post-graduation courses in data analytics, data modeling, and systems engineering have also become popular in recent times. And last but not least, industry certifications from a reputable institution such as Amazon or Google Cloud.

Data architects can also take advantage of free tutorials and courses offered by various data-oriented websites and training centers. These tutorials cover topics from big data processing, SQL, and distributed computing to data visualization and even machine learning. Furthermore, hands-on projects will give you a bit of an edge over other applicants. Online boot camps and self-led training are also increasingly becoming an option for those seeking to get certified.

The Bootcamp Roadmap

To become a successful data architect in 2021, it’s important to understand the ways in which bootcamps can bolster your career. First and foremost, students should begin by familiarizing themselves with systems and databases, as they are two of the most fundamental components of the data architecture landscape. Secondly, frameworks such as Hadoop and Apache Spark must be learned, as they are commonly used to manage and optimize data resources.

Networking and cloud technologies should be mastered as well. Additionally, you’ll want to take the time to understand automation frameworks, source control systems, and service-oriented architecture. Finally, understanding serverless architectures and container-based architectures is also important for budding data architects.

Success Stories

Success stories from those who have transitioned into the data architecture are a great source of motivation. For instance, Rashi Verma is a data architect at a leading Indian IT giant who has successfully made the transition into data architecture. After completing a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Verma spent the next few years studying and certifying herself in advanced concepts such as Big Data, Hadoop, and machine learning. She underwent numerous boot camps and projects before applying for a job at the IT giant, where she was accepted.

Another inspiring story of success is that of Adiva Guru, a big data architect at a leading media and content services company. After earning a Master’s degree in computer sciences, Guru became an expert in big data technologies such as Hadoop, Apache Spark, and MongoDB. She completed several boot camps and real-world projects to boost her portfolio, before she was accepted for roles at the media company.

Overcoming Obstacles

Upgrading to a new career can be daunting as there will be tough obstacles to overcome. One common difficulty faced by aspiring data architects is staying current in the ever-evolving technology landscape. It’s important to keep up with new developments, trends, and best practices through networking and reading industry publications.

Another obstacle that aspiring data architects may face is finding a job in the right location. Most employers expect data architects to be located in major metropolitan areas such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. Consider this when deciding on a job search location.

An Actionable Roadmap to Becoming a Data Architect in India

• Earn a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field and consider post-graduate studies in data analytics and systems engineering.
• Enroll in boot camps and free tutorials offered by reputable institutions to gain industry certifications.
• Gain hands-on experience in big data processing, distributed computing and database programming.
• Stay current on trends and best practices in the industry through networking and publications.
• Apply for jobs in the major cities of India.

Conclusion

Data architect roles are becoming increasingly attractive to aspiring professionals in India. This guide has aimed demystify the process of becoming a data architect and provides an actionable roadmap to get you started. With proper training, education, and certifications, you’ll be one step closer to joining India’s vast pool of successful data architects.