A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Data Architect in India

Last updated on May 7, 2023

Photo by Nick Hillier on Unsplash

Are you looking to transition into a career as a data architect in India but don't know where to start? Look no further because this article is your one-stop-shop for making that transition.

Data architecture plays an integral role in businesses and organisations in India. By understanding data management, data mining, and analytics, you can become a valuable asset to a company looking to strengthen their data-driven strategies and processes. In this article, we'll be discussing some of the steps you need to consider and take in order to become a data architect in India, from gaining the necessary skills to getting the correct certifications, tackling the job market and how to prepare for interviews.

Steps for Transitioning Into a Career as a Data Architect in India

1. Learn the Necessary Skills

Before preparing for a career as a data architect in India, first be sure to understand the fundamentals. Data architects are expected to have a solid working knowledge of software development, IT architecture, and system design, while also understanding the principles of data administration, programming languages and database principles.

In addition, there are some specific skillsets that are necessary in the data architecture profession. This includes skills such as data modeling, the ability to translate requirements into an effective data design, data quality management, ETL (extract, transform, load) infrastructure and more. If you don't possess certain skills that you feel will be needed in a data architect role, don't worry - this is completely normal. While in school, or depending on your current profession, you may have limited to no knowledge of data architecture. In that case, consider taking courses or researching the data architecture field to gain the necessary knowledge before applying for the position.

2. Obtain the Necessary Certifications

In order to be considered for a role as a data architect, one must first obtain the appropriate certifications. Many organisations in India require certifications from institutions like Oracle and Microsoft before candidates are considered for a role as a data architect.

If you plan to pursue Oracle Database Certifications, it's important to familiarise yourself with the different tiers. Certifications range from higher-level Oracle Database Administrator Certification to the more specialized Oracle Database Design Certified Expert. Depending on your career path and interests, you may opt for the more general certifications, or you may choose to focus on more specific certifications that are industry related.

3. Have a Clear Job Strategy

Once you have obtained the necessary certifications and skills, it's time to start applying to positions that match your certification. Before you start applying, you should have a clear job strategy in place. Understand what type of jobs you're looking for, as well as which organisations you would like to work with in order to align with your interests.

It's important to utilise proactive job search techniques. This includes networking with your peers, attending job fairs, and getting in contact with recruiters. Utilising LinkedIn to network and get in contact with recruiters can be especially useful. This can be a great way to get your name out there and get insight on any job openings or upcoming interviews.

4. Understand the Marketed Salary for Data Architects in India

Finally, when it comes to transitioning into a career as a data architect in India, you should also be aware of the salaries you can expect. The salaries of data architects in India depend on their experience, skills, and certifications. According to the latest salary data from PayScale, the average salary for a data architect in India is INR 1,09,925 per year.

In addition to the base salary, data architects often receive bonuses for their work. Bonuses are often given for favourable project outcomes and recommendations from managers. Bonuses can range from INR 1,750 to INR 57,000 per year.

Real-life Stories of People Who Transitioned Into a Data Architect Career in India

There are people out there who have gone through the process of transitioning into a career as a data architect in India. Here are some real-life stories of people who have successfully done so.

The first story is of Suresh, a software engineer who wanted to move into the data architecture field and took the necessary steps to do so. He started off by Obtaining Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional certification and gained hands-on SQL experience by working on multiple projects. He also implemented an ETL pipeline to migrate large amount of data from multiple relational and non-relational databases while creating data models with high performance. In the end, he landed a job as a data architect at Raj Technologies with a salary of INR 1,20,000 per month.

The second story is about Nandini, who was working as a business analyst with limited knowledge of SQL and Database. She enrolled in Oracle Database Design Certified Expert course online to increase her understanding of the databases. With the help of mentors and peers, she was able to learn the fundamentals and gain hands-on experience with implementing ETL pipeline. She went on to apply for positions in data architecture, was later offered an opportunity as a data architect at Calcutta Database Solutions with a salary of INR 1,50,000 per month.

Finally, the last story is about Manish, who was working as a software engineer and had a limited understanding of data architecture. He joined a digital learning platform to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to transition into this role. He was able to make a successful career transition by getting the Oracle Database Design Certified Expert certification and landed a job as a data architect at ABC Database with a salary of INR 1,70,000 per month.

Overcoming Challenges During the Transition

If you're looking to transition into a career as a data architect in India, you may encounter various challenges on the way. It's important to understand that these challenges are normal and can be overcome. Here are some tips on how to do so :

1. Networking

One of the most important steps to transitioning into the data architecture field is to start networking. Networking can help you find job openings, gain insight on the job market, and even get recommendations for positions you may be interested in. Leveraging tools such as LinkedIn, taking courses on Udemy or joining various meetups and events in your local area can help you expand your network.

2. Preparation for Interviews

In addition to networking, it's also important to prepare thoroughly for any interviews you may have. Make sure you familiarise yourself with the company and the role, practice technical questions, and even prepare answers to potential behavioural interview questions. Being well-prepared will help to give you confidence during the interview and show that you are prepared and know what to expect.

3. Gearing Up for the Job Market

Understanding the job market is another important step to transitioning into a data architect position in India. Utilise job portals, conduct in-depth research on the industry, and make sure you understand the landscape of the job market. This can help you gain insight on the type of roles that are available and make it easier for you to find the right job for you.

Conclusion

Transitioning into a career as a data architect in India is no easy feat, but with dedication and hard work, it is possible. It’s important to understand the skills needed, obtain the necessary certifications, have a clear job strategy, and understand the salaries you can expect. Moreover, understanding the job market, networking, and preparing thoroughly for interviews can help to make the transition process easier and smoother. We hope this article has been a helpful guide on how to transition into a data architect career in India. Good luck!