Blog

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

Data Engineer vs ETL Developer: Key Differences

In an age where data not only informs but also transforms business strategies, understanding the nuances of these positions is more crucial than ever. This exploration is not just a comparison; it’s a deep dive into Data Engineering and ETL Development. Whether you’re a budding professional deciding on a career path or an industry veteran...

By: Chris Garzon | February 3, 2026 | 17 mins read
Learn More
Portfolio Review Checklist

Data Engineer Portfolio Review Checklist (2026): What Hiring Managers Actually Score

A hiring manager opens your data engineering portfolio on GitHub at 10 PM, sifting through dozens of applicants. You have mere minutes to impress. Will your projects make them nod in approval or sigh in disappointment? In 2026’s competitive data job market, your portfolio can make or break your first job opportunity. It’s often the...

By: Chris Garzon | January 28, 2026 | 31 mins read
Learn More
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 | January 21, 2026 | 17 mins read
Learn More
Which career should you pick

Data Analyst vs Data Engineer vs Data Scientist: Which Should You Pick in 2026?

Imagine standing at a career crossroads with three exciting paths before you: Data Analyst, Data Scientist, and Data Engineer. It’s 2026, and data is everywhere – from startups to Fortune 500 companies – so picking the right data role can launch you into a high-demand tech career. But how do you decide which path fits...

By: Chris Garzon | January 17, 2026 | 86 mins read
Learn More

Guide to Learning SQL. How Long Does it Take to Learn SQL?

Learning SQL language requires a lot of practice and repetition to develop a deep understanding of how the SQL language works. The time it takes to learn SQL will vary depending on which level you start, how proficient you want to be, and how much time you have to invest in learning In addition, it’s...

By: Chris Garzon | January 15, 2026 | 15 mins read
Learn More

Building a Personal Brand as a Data Engineering Professional

Personal branding is about establishing a visible, distinctive image of yourself for your target audience—so people understand your skills, values, and how you work. For data engineers, it’s a practical way to stand out in a competitive field. In this guide, you’ll get a clear, step-by-step playbook to define your niche, build proof (portfolio), grow...

By: Chris Garzon | January 14, 2026 | 9 mins read
Learn More
Is-Data-Engineering-Still-Worth-It-in-2026

Is Data Engineering Still Worth It in 2026? Salaries, Hiring Trends, AI Impact

Data engineering has been one of the hottest tech careers of the past decade, but is it still worth pursuing in 2026? With rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and automation, some are wondering if data engineering is losing its luster or even facing an existential threat. At the same time, companies worldwide are doubling down...

By: Chris Garzon | January 13, 2026 | 27 mins read
Learn More

Beginner to Pro: A Complete Python Tutorial Course

Python is an easy-to-learn language that’s widely used for data work—especially in data engineering, where handling and analyzing large datasets is a daily job. This Python Tutorial Course from Data Engineer Academy is built to take you from fundamentals to more advanced techniques through hands-on practice. Here’s the full “beginner to pro” path, broken into...

By: Chris Garzon | January 9, 2026 | 15 mins read
Learn More
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
Learn More
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
Learn More
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
Learn More
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
Learn More
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
Learn More
carrer change

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

Switching into data engineering comes with more than financial questions. It can change your daily life, your mindset, and how you spend your time — while you build new technical skills. This article breaks down the hidden and obvious costs and shows a practical path to switch with less wasted effort and more direction. In...

By: Chris Garzon | April 17, 2025 | 15 mins read
Learn More