Have you ever found yourself on a career path that wasn’t quite the right fit? That’s exactly what happened to me. After six years as a Data Scientist, I was laid off and stumbled into a Data Analyst role that ended up being more Data Engineering-focused. And you know what? I loved it.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve realized that Data Engineering is where my heart is. But, I know I’m not a senior DE yet, and I want to keep growing in this field. So, I’m asking for your advice: how can I specialize and thrive as a Data Engineer?
## Filling the Gaps
I’ve been using SQL, Snowflake, Python, Redshift, AWS, and dbt in my current role, but I know there’s more to learn. Should I dive into books like Designing Data-Intensive Applications (Kleppmann) and The Data Warehouse Toolkit (Kimball) to fill in the gaps? Are there other resources or skill areas I should prioritize?
## Embracing the Pivot
It’s not always easy to acknowledge when you’re on the wrong path. But, I’m grateful for this unplanned pivot. It’s given me a chance to explore a new field that I’m passionate about. And, I’m hoping that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to take the leap and pursue their own passions.
## So, What’s Next?
I’m eager to hear your advice and learn from your experiences. What skills should I focus on? What resources should I tap into? Let’s chat in the comments below!
—
*Further reading: [What is Data Engineering?](https://www.dataengineeringpodcast.com/what-is-data-engineering/)*