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While database architects and data architects* are often mistaken for each other, they are different roles. Both are crucial to handling a company’s data, but their focus, responsibilities and associated industries differ.

Data architects take a bird’s-eye view of an organization’s needs and develop comprehensive data strategies. Their broad scope is concerned with how data flows through the entire organization, from initial collection to final analytics. Once final analytics are completed, data modelers then implement these strategies and solutions.

They typically work in technology companies, healthcare organizations, financial firms and government agencies. They often work closely with C-suite executives, business analysts, data scientists and other similar roles.

Database architects typically home in on the design and implementation of specific databases. Their specialty lies in database technology, and they often focus on resolving complex technical issues. They generally handle:

• Designing the structure of databases, including tables, relationships and indexes
• Fine-tuning databases for optimal performance
• Implementing security measures at the database level
• Handling data migration and database upgrades

Database architects often work with e-commerce platforms, companies with legacy systems needing database modernization, organizations with specialized database needs, or firms in retail, logistics or supply chain management, where database performance is critical. They’re usually part of a technical team and may report to IT managers, data architects or other technology leadership roles.

While these two positions may work closely together, they handle equally important but different aspects of data. However, those aspiring to pursue either role may share comparable educational backgrounds.

*��ɫ��Ƶ does not educationally prepare students to become a data architect; however, it does help prepare for roles as a database architect.��

As with most jobs, the daily duties of someone working in data architecture may vary. So, depending on the employer, industry or specific project, the following responsibilities will change, but the general functions remain the same.

These professionals are responsible for:

• Identifying user needs to create and administer databases
• Designing and building new databases
• Ensuring that organizational data is secure
• Backing up and restoring data to prevent data loss
• Ensuring that databases operate efficiently and without error
• Making and testing modifications to database structure when needed
• Maintaining databases and updating permissions

These are foundational to the role and provide valuable guidance for anyone considering this career path.

The nature of this job is based on technical information, so education is critical. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is generally the minimum requirement to be considered for this role. For senior positions, employers may look for a master’s degree in a related field.

Professionals who practice data architecture must possess both the technical prowess to build robust data frameworks and the soft skills to support the organizational needs that those systems serve.

When it comes to technical skills, proficiency in various technologies and methodologies is required. Given the increasing reliance on data across virtually all industries, there is demand for the following skills:

• IT skills: Strong foundation in information technology is essential, as these professionals often work closely with IT departments.
• Database management system software: Expertise in technologies like SQL, Oracle, Amazon DynamoDB or MongoDB.
• Database user interface and query software: Expertise in interface and query software like Apache Hive, Blackboard software; IBM DB2 and Transact-SQL.
• Development environment software: Proficiency in development environment software such as Apache Kafka, Apache Maven and Oracle SQL Developer.
• Metadata management software: These professionals must have the ability to manage software for metadata, e.g., Informatica, Quest, and Talend..
• Web platform development software: Proficiency in software such as Django, React and Google Angular.

Non-technical or “soft” skills are equally important. They help bridge the tech-focused and business-focused sides of an organization. These include skills like:

• Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
• Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
• Communication: These data professionals must effectively communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Teamwork: They often represent data science and data architecture in working with cross-functional teams. Being a good team player is essential.

Other important skills to have for this role include analytical and problem-solving abilities, which help to effectively communicate the insights of data engineers in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. Data engineers will then manage and convert raw data into information that is usable and accessible. Data engineers develop, test and maintain data structures that the data sciences ten use for analysis.

The ubiquity of data means that this role is not confined to any one industry; computer science has a broad spectrum of job opportunities. However, there are a few common industries in which these professionals tend to thrive:

• Finance and insurance
• Scientific and technical consulting
• Administrative and support services
• Computer systems design and related services
• Computing infrastructure providers, data processing, web hosting, and related services

These data professionals also work in healthcare, retail, logistics, government and many other fields. If working in any of these industries is of interests, seek out specific job availabilities within them by researching companies and checking out their career pages.