how to excel as a data professional
how to excel as a data professional
product sense, data governance and domain-aligned data modelling
Here are the most important insights from the Data Crunch conference, which help me do my job better. They are somewhat universal and can be leveraged in various roles.
Domain-Aligned Data Modelling
Designing a data model can be tricky. Usually, I focus on what data we currently have or predict to have. But still, it’s not enough to make a truly immutable and resilient data model for ever-changing requirements and circumstances.
What I got from the brilliant Thomas in't Veld’s talk is that you can create a data model that will persist by developing a theoretical map of the business.
Business is rarely the thing that changes, so if you leverage a business map when designing a data model, you’ll build for now & for the future.
Note to self: Don’t limit yourself to the data that currently tries to describe features or products; instead, think about features & products themselves.
Governance
Governance is close to the area I’m passionate about — data quality, observability & monitoring. That’s why I loved so much what Maggie Hays & John Joyce highlighted:
Deploying a data governance tool doesn't mean the job is done — it’s only the beginning.
To say data governance is in place for each data asset, we should have the following:
ownership (accountability & expertise)
documentation (accessible to everyone)
classification
How to get there?
Set clear goals
Narrow them down
Narrow them down
Narrow them down (now you’re good to go :D)
Drive incremental action
Measure Progress
Repeat
Product Sense for DWEs
I really resonated with the talk on Product Sense delivered by Torq Pagdin & Ameesha Mittal. I feel like product sense is a key component to being a better partner for teammates and excelling in the role of DWE.
The number one thing — switch project mindset to a product mindset to contribute to the evolution of the product and drive the change. To start building Product Sense, a strong sense of ownership of the data/domain is necessary.
How to build it?
Get broader context — whenever a request is incoming, understand the background better
Build strong relationships — building awareness of others’ work & needs as well as what you can do for them
Be curious & ask questions
Identify & use opportunities — think bigger, think for the future