Blog

Writing from our team. The latest news, insights, and resources.

salary negotioation

Salary Negotiation for Data Engineers in 2025: Offers, Equity, and Counter-Offers

Quick takeaways: First, check out our students’ actual pay increases by reading the inspiring testimonies of career changers who increased their income after upskilling. In around five years, the income trajectory of one data engineer increased from about $60,000 to about $500,000. Negotiations and strategic employment changes (such as taking advantage of new offers and...

By: Chris Garzon | September 16, 2025 | 23 mins read
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the AI engineer skill map

The AI Data Engineer Skills Map: A 6-Month Plan to $150K+

The field of AI is exploding and behind every intelligent system is a robust data pipeline built by skilled data engineers. Businesses are currently vying for AI Data Engineers who can manage data, implement AI models, and maintain complex data infrastructure. These positions are so in-demand that seasoned Data Engineers frequently command salaries of $150K+....

By: Chris Garzon | September 12, 2025 | 23 mins read
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data engineer

Your First Year as a Data Engineer: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Take your first step toward a high-impact career with a personalized learning plan designed to make your journey smoother and faster. Focused training is the fastest way to bridge the gap from beginner to confident data engineer, especially when you’re aiming to stand out in a crowded field. Clear expectations help you avoid common pitfalls...

By: Chris Garzon | August 5, 2025 | 19 mins read
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5 Things to Know Before Becoming a Data Engineer

5 Things to Know Before Becoming a Data Engineer

So, you want to become a data engineer? Whether you come from a coding background or you’re entirely new to tech, the path to a data engineering career is open to you. Success in this field isn’t about having a specific degree or decades of experience — it’s about strategic action, making your skills visible,...

By: Chris Garzon | June 9, 2025 | 9 mins read
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SQL Questions

SQL interview questions: Zoom

To succeed in a SQL interview for a position at Zoom, you need to have a nuanced understanding of how this technology supports the company’s data-driven initiatives. The interview assesses your ability to handle data efficiently, optimize queries for performance, and design robust database systems that align with Zoom’s operational excellence and innovation ethos. This...

By: Chris Garzon | May 15, 2025 | 19 mins read
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carrer change

The Real Cost of a Career Change and How I Made It Happen

Switching to a data engineering career comes with more than just financial questions. It means real changes in your daily life, your mindset, and sometimes your bank account. Many career switchers face emotional stress and the pressure of stepping into a highly technical field. In the US, salaries for data engineers reflect why so many...

By: Chris Garzon | April 17, 2025 | 11 mins read
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Personalized Learning Paths vs. Bootcamps: What Delivers Faster Results?

Personalized Learning Paths vs. Bootcamps: What Delivers Faster Results?

Thinking about switching careers to data engineering? You’re not alone. With thousands going after every open role, standing out isn’t easy — especially when you’re balancing learning with everything else in your life. There’s a big debate right now: do you jump into a bootcamp, or should you look for something more personalized? If the...

By: Chris Garzon | April 15, 2025 | 14 mins read
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10 myths

10 Myths About Learning Data Engineering That Are Probably Holding You Back

Thinking about a new career in data engineering? You’re not alone — this field is booming, and for good reason. In 2025, the global data engineering market is projected to reach over $106 billion, with experienced professionals in the US earning anywhere from $82,000 to well over $146,000, and top roles going past $200,000. Despite...

By: Chris Garzon | April 11, 2025 | 15 mins read
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Python

Python Questions You’ll Likely Face in a Data Engineer Interview (With Sample Answers)

Preparing for a data engineering interview in 2025? If Python is part of your toolkit, you’re already on the right track. As one of the most versatile and in-demand programming languages, Python is a cornerstone for solving data challenges and building efficient pipelines. Recruiters want to see how well you can navigate real-world problems while...

By: Chris Garzon | March 20, 2025 | 20 mins read
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triple salary

Step-by-Step Plan to Triple Salary with DE Academy

I still remember the day I decided to take control of my career and make a real change. Fast forward, that decision led me to something incredible — I tripled my salary as a data engineer. It wasn’t some overnight success story, but rather a focused, step-by-step process that anyone can follow. In 2025, with...

By: Chris Garzon | March 4, 2025 | 11 mins read
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AI Interviewer

AI Interviewer: How AI Transforms Data Engineering Hiring

Hiring a data engineer has never been more challenging. The demand for skilled professionals is skyrocketing, yet traditional hiring methods struggle to keep up. Manual resume screening is slow, technical evaluations are inconsistent, and unconscious bias can influence decisions. As a result, companies risk missing out on top talent while candidates face a frustrating, inefficient...

By: Chris Garzon | February 19, 2025 | 13 mins read
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FAANG 2025

FAANG+ Data Engineer Learning roadmap for 2025

The data engineering future of FAANG+ companies in 2025 will be defined by advanced data systems orchestration, requiring mastery of a sophisticated set of technologies and methodologies. By 2025, FAANG+ companies will require data engineers to have a strong understanding of computer science principles and programming skills, as well as expertise in distributed data architectures,...

By: Chris Garzon | January 30, 2025 | 8 mins read
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Data Science Salary: What to Expect and How to Maximize Your Earnings

Companies today rely on data scientists to decode complex datasets, forecast trends, and uncover opportunities that drive innovation and profitability. With this high demand comes an equally intriguing question: how well is this expertise rewarded in the job market? Data science offers the allure of dynamic challenges, diverse career paths, and, notably, lucrative salaries. However,...

By: Chris Garzon | January 22, 2025 | 14 mins read
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Why Migrate to Azure? Setting the Stage for Successful Data Migration

Organizations today are not merely collecting information; they are actively transforming it into strategic assets. This transformation demands agility, scalability, and cost efficiency, all of which are pushing companies to re-evaluate their data infrastructure. The cloud, and particularly Microsoft Azure, has emerged as a powerful solution, offering a compelling alternative to traditional on-premises setups. This...

By: Chris Garzon | January 13, 2025 | 15 mins read
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