Welcome back to Big Data, Small Talks, Bitrock’s column that explores the fascinating world of Data Engineering through the eyes and direct experiences of our professionals.
Today we meet another key member of our Data Engineering team, Carlo Pignatiello, Junior Data Engineer, who will talk to us about his experience and his perspective on the Data world. Let’s get to know him better!
How do you collaborate with other teams to ensure that data is used effectively and consistently?
Effective collaboration with front-end and back-end teams is essential and allows us to create a solid foundation for working with data in the optimal way. We adopt a proactive approach that begins with the joint definition of data schemas. We work closely with development teams to define clear and consistent schemas from the early stages of design. This ensures that data is collected, processed, and stored in a format that is useful to everyone. Next, we provide clear and well-documented APIs for accessing data, ensuring that teams can interact with our systems in a predictable and standardised manner. We maintain regular communication and constant alignment, organising periodic meetings to discuss new requirements, changes to existing schemas and to resolve any discrepancies before they become problems. Finally, we implement monitoring and continuous feedback systems to track data usage and gather feedback from teams, thus identifying areas for improvement or potential inconsistencies in real time.
What is the most valuable non-technical skill for a Data Engineer according to you?
I believe that the most important soft skill is undoubtedly the ability to communicate effectively and translate complex concepts. It’s not enough to be data wizards; we also need to be skilled translators. This means being able to explain results and insights to non-technical audiences, presenting conclusions from analyses or details of an architecture in clear language that people without a technical background can understand. It is equally crucial to understand business needs, i.e. to be able to listen to and interpret business requirements, transforming them into problems that can be solved through data analysis or the construction of specific data infrastructures. All this is supported by the ability to ask the right questions, knowing how to formulate relevant questions that help clarify the project’s objectives and better define the problem to be solved with data, avoiding wasting time and resources.
How is curiosity and experimentation encouraged within your team?
Curiosity is the engine of innovation, so we encourage experimentation within our team through various structured initiatives. We provide resources and time dedicated to training and research, allowing enrollment in online courses, participation in conferences and research into new market solutions. We promote an environment where knowledge sharing is an integral part of our work, facilitated by internal presentations, such as “Tech Talks”, and dedicated communication channels. We provide a safe training environment where new architectures, tools and concepts can be freely tested without risk to production systems, viewing experimentation errors as learning opportunities. Finally, we guarantee access to new technologies by providing the latest tools and platforms, encouraging the team to test and evaluate new solutions that can improve our processes or our ability to offer innovative services.
Thanks to Carlo for allowing us to learn more about his role as a Data Engineer and some of the behind-the-scenes workings in the Data Engineering team at Bitrock.
Our professionals don’t just manage data; they make it the basis for informed business decisions, and they do so by constantly investing in learning and experimentation.
If your company is facing the challenge of making data accessible, consistent and the basis for your growth, contact Bitrock for a consultation. Leverage the expertise of our Data Engineering team to transform your raw data into strategic value.
