How to Answer: What led you to a career in Data Engineering?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Data Engineer job interview.
3. What led you to a career in Data Engineering?
How to Answer
Some arrived to the Data Engineering field along a very traditional path - earning a degree in a related area (Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, etc.) and working at data-related jobs along the way. Others may have started on an entirely unrelated career path and made the switch to Data Engineering. Either way, the answer to this question reveals more about your education and experiences and the decisions you made along the way. Do not be hesitant to share your background and experiences if you did not arrive to this field the traditional way. Instead, touch upon what general skills you may have attained while earning your degree and working at your other jobs.
Written by Helen Lee on June 15th, 2018
Answer Example
"As long as I can remember, I have always had an interest in computers. Once I reached high school, I knew I wanted to pursue a degree in Computer Engineering. While in college, I began to realize that I enjoyed my math and statistics courses almost as much as my computer courses. Upon graduation, my first job was a Data Analyst position for a large financial services company. I found great satisfaction in using my math and statistical skills, but missed using more of my programming and data management skills. Through some associates in my company, I learned about the Data Engineering field and started taking courses to learn more about it. I found it to be the perfect combination of my interests and skills. Fortunately, within a year, a Data Engineering position opened up in my company and I was able to make the switch without a problem."
Written by Helen Lee on June 15th, 2018