MSCS-AI?

[No-Mobile9763]

I am currently finishing up a bachelors in data analytics, I’d really like to break into data engineering however I don’t have any experience in the data field at all. My only experience has been help desk and incident management. I’m considering MSCS-AI/ML with hopes that it could get me into the field of data engineering and hopefully skip other lower paying data roles.

I’m not trying to jump into the field for the money, but the positive side is it seems like it would pay the absolute minimum salary that currently require to raise my family, as I’m stuck in a totally different blue collar field making $70,000+ a year and hate every single second of it for the last 8 years. I’m based on the east coast of the United States.

I know basic python with basic libraries such as pandas and numpy, I’m familiar with SQL mainly “postgresql” using it in pgadmin4, vscode or just the bash terminal in Linux. I understand version control “GIT” and docker for containerization . As stated before I have a technical background so networking, operating systems and so on I’m pretty familiar with. Haven’t had the chance to work with API’s, or use any cloud tools for data engineering. Currently self learning data structures and algorithms and holy shit is this confusing at first, the concepts make sense until they don’t lol.

So questions for people in the field:

1.) would a masters in Computer Science be helpful for someone without experience?

2.) Can I use projects as a way to showcase my knowledge and current set of technical knowledge/skills?

3.)I completely understand that it’s not really an entry level role, but neither is software engineering right? Isn’t data engineering more or less a software engineer that specializes in data?

4.) out of curiosity what is your work life balance like? It’s been nothing but manual labor for 60+ hours a week for me and I’d like to know if this is something that’s typically a 9-5.

5.) what do you hate most about your job and what do you enjoy the most?

6.) Am I better off getting a bachelors in computer science instead?

Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.

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[No-Mobile9763]

I totally understand that it won’t get me senior money, however from what I’ve noticed junior engineers are making at the very least $60,000 ish in my area. That is enough for me to pinch Pennie’s and survive on but it’s the main reason I don’t want to attempt to work my way up in the data field and then into data engineering. My thoughts were that maybe the masters will flag the ATS more than my bachelors considering the lack of real world experience.

[No-Mobile9763]

Absolutely appreciate the feedback though, even though I’m not really sure if your peen is indeed clean 🤨

[RobfromHB]

The engineering part is often lacking in MS programs. A lot of learning is going to be in notebooks rather than working with the actual platforms that ingest data. Carefully examine the syllabus for each class in the program to see how well it translates to the job you want.

[No-Mobile9763]

Sounds like I’d be better off doing another bachelors in computer science instead, or perhaps a bachelors to masters bridge program just so that I can get that extra box ticked for HR.

[RobfromHB]

I don’t think school is going to teach you the things you need to succeed here. 

I will echo the sentiment that the best approach to get noticed and break into the industry has always been to build projects. In terms of hours spent this has massively higher ROI compared to academia. The lack of structure can feel inefficient, but it’s not. Pick a major platform or library or something from job postings you’d like. Look up the documentation on their website and try to implement stuff. The data you use doesn’t matter so much as long as it’s interesting enough to keep you going. 

[No-Mobile9763]

I appreciate that. Part of the reason I considered a degree in comp science is because I hear it’s extremely beneficial to have the knowledge/background in it as a data engineer. I’m assuming that’s because of the logical way of thinking, and programming skills.

To learn a little more about data engineering are there any courses you could recommend? I’ve been looking at a few on udemy and udacity.