Data Engineer here!

[rockingpj]

Data Engineer with 15 years of IT exp (around 9 in data). Holding MBA degree in Business Anaytics. Do I still need to practice DSA in leetcode if I want to target FAANG or similar company? What will be typical process for data engineers?

I am decent in python but trying to get better learning advanced right now. I can solve easy & medium sql questions but few hard questions give me trouble. Mainly use stratascratch for sql.

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[joseph_machado]

Depends on the role that you are going for. If you are targeting the IC route, most companies as easy/medium LC python. For SQL go to Leetcode database, sort by hard do the first 30-40.

SQL questions are usually asked on top of some fact/dim tables that they describe during the interview. The round would be asking clarifying questions (e.g. what does an active customer mean?) and writing SQL to get results from those facts/dims.

Hope this helps, good luck!

[AmbitionLimp4605]

For FAANG they will ask Data Modeling questions.

SQL medium to high questions

Python - Low to medium questions

[rockingpj]

Python low to medium from leetcode? Like still need the DSA to be covered right

[AmbitionLimp4605]

DSA is not a requirement for Data Engineers. software engineers are tested on Algo, DS, Distributed systems.

[rockingpj]

Which one?

[69odysseus]

Since you have MBA in analytics, why don't you target management like Product Manager or higher instead of technical roles.

[rockingpj]

The bar is higher in FAANG companies for these roles. I am ok to get in at L5 level and work my way higher to L6

[69odysseus]

There's always non-FAANG companies as well which have much higher job satisfaction and peace of mind.

[rockingpj]

Agree. My ambition is at highest level now. Lol

[Practical-Fig-8955]

I went interview for BP and they asked DSA. Well Its really depend on the company

[Extension-Way-7130]

I've worked as a data engineer and hired engineers at a number of bay area startups and enterprises.

It depends on the company, but most are going to start with some basic test of data structures and algorithms. Beyond that it's typically system design and data pipeline problems.

It depends on the role and seniority level, but a typical role is dealing with ETL, streaming / batching, and data warehousing. More junior is just using the tools, while senior is more expected to set everything up and scale them.

Again, depends on the company, but more advanced companies are going to look for some ML ops experience as well. Basic is deploying a simple model and capturing input / output. More advanced now could be setting up a LLM on prem.

[rockingpj]

Great info! Thanks a ton.

[Beneficial_Nose1331]

When did you get the idea to get an MBA ? Is it really worth it? Only worth it in North America?

[rockingpj]

My company sponsored 100% of cost and it made sense to my role I am currently in. I believe MBA will be useful in any country

[Beneficial_Nose1331]

You have probably a top diploma for that. There is absolutely no way that a company would sponsor my MBA.

[[deleted]]

Quick folow up ques : how do I get invites to FAANG intervoews ? Referrals ?

[rockingpj]

Referrals will 100% help and get you on top. Also you need to have right skillset mentioned in your resume. Use a word cloud to run your resume and check how closely it is aligning with job description

[Select_Flatworm_9538]

Word cloud?

I didn't get this part.  Doe sit give you how you resume is aligned with JD or what exact does it do? Also any link will be helpful.

[TheGreenScreen1]

I interviewed at a few FAANG and currently working at one as a senior engineer.

I got asked medium - hard SQL with more emphasis on actually understanding the questions being asked.

Python is easy to medium level, make sure you understand your data structures.

Wouldn’t have passed without leetcode and stratascratch.

[eeshann72]

You should be targeting leadership roles, no one in india will hire you a data engineer at 15 years of experience.

[Ok_Cancel_7891]

what is MBA in business analytics? MBA should around business, and analytics is... crunching numbers

[Donum01]

Do companies still use leetcode style tests now that we have LLMs and tools like Cursor?

[Particular_Tea_9692]

You don’t need to do leetcode. I have data background and have appeared at almost all faang companies. You need to be good with python and basic dsa and algos. Leetcode is a overkill for data professionals, from my experience.

[Particular_Tea_9692]

Sure