4/3/25, 11:14 AM Complete Step-by-Step Roadmap to Learn Data Engineering in 2025

Complete Step-by-Step Roadmap to Learn

Data Engineering in 2025
Aqsa Z. + Follow
Founder @ MLTUT | Top Data Analytics Voice| 32K+ LinkedIn Community!
Published Oct 1, 2024

If you're a recent graduate, switching careers, or just curious about the world of data,
this roadmap is here to help you every step of the way in becoming a skilled data
engineer. It breaks down complex topics into easy-to-understand parts, making it
accessible for everyone. You'll find tips, resources, and guidance to build your
knowledge and skills.

So, let's get started-

1. Introduction to Data Engineering

Understanding the Basics

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Timeframe: 1 week

Learn about the history of data engineering and how it has developed over time.
Find out how data engineering helps businesses make better decisions and
understand their data.

Industry Overview

Timeframe: 1 week

Get to know different industries that use data engineering. See how data engineering
connects with data science and business intelligence.

2. Key Concepts

Foundational Principles

Timeframe: 2 weeks

Learn the main ideas of data engineering, such as data pipelines, data lakes, and real-
time data processing. Understand why data warehousing is important in today's
world.

Data Quality and Governance

Timeframe: 2 weeks

Explore how to keep data accurate and trustworthy. Discover the best practices for
ensuring data quality.

3. Programming Languages

Choosing a Language

Timeframe: 4 weeks

Look at the pros and cons of programming languages like Python, Java, and Scala
for data engineering. Get comfortable using one language and explore what it can
do.

Libraries and Frameworks

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Timeframe: 4 weeks

Learn about useful libraries for working with data, like Pandas and NumPy, as well as
tools like Apache Spark that help with data processing.

4. Databases

Relational Databases

Timeframe: 4 weeks

Understand how relational databases work (like MySQL and PostgreSQL). Practice
designing and improving database structures for storing data.

NoSQL Databases

Timeframe: 4 weeks

Discover different NoSQL databases (like MongoDB and Cassandra) and learn when
to use them instead of traditional databases.

Database Management Systems (DBMS)

Timeframe: 4 weeks

Get familiar with popular DBMS tools and how they are used in data engineering.
Practice basic operations like creating, reading, updating, and deleting data.

5. SQL Mastery

Advanced SQL Techniques

Timeframe: 3 weeks

Improve your SQL skills by learning more advanced techniques. Find out how to
make your queries faster and work better.

Database Optimization

Timeframe: 3 weeks

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Learn about ways to improve database performance, like indexing and tuning
queries. Develop strategies for managing large datasets effectively.

6. Big Data Technologies

Introduction to Big Data

Timeframe: 2 weeks

Understand what big data is and how it affects data engineering. Learn about the
challenges and opportunities that come with large datasets.

Apache Hadoop and Spark

Timeframe: 4 weeks

Get hands-on experience with Apache Hadoop for storing and processing data.
Learn how Apache Spark is used for big data analysis and processing in real time.

Distributed Computing

Timeframe: 3 weeks

Learn about the basics of distributed computing and the tools that help manage
systems that work together.

Best Data Engineering Courses and Certifications

Become a Data Engineer– Udacity

Data Engineering, Big Data, and Machine Learning on GCP Specialization– Coursera

Data Engineer with Python– Datacamp

Big Data Specialization– Coursera

Data Engineering with Google Cloud Professional Certificate– Coursera

Data Warehousing for Business Intelligence Specialization– Coursera

Modern Big Data Analysis with SQL Specialization– Coursera

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From Data to Insights with Google Cloud Platform Specialization– Coursera

Data Engineering Basics for Everyone– edX

Big Data and Hadoop Essentials– Udemy

Python for Data Engineering Project- edX

Data Wrangling with MongoDB– Udacity FREE Course

Intro to Hadoop and MapReduce– Udacity FREE Course

Spark– Udacity FREE Course

Introduction to Big Data– Coursera FREE Course

7. Projects and Real-World Applications

Articles People Learning Jobs Games Get the app

Project Development

Timeframe: Ongoing

Recommended by LinkedIn

My #1 Piece of Advice for Learning Data Engineering

David Freitag · 1 week ago

Best books to learn Data Engineering

GUVI Geek Networks, IITM Research Park · 1 year ago
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4/3/25, 11:14 AM Complete Step-by-Step Roadmap to Learn Data Engineering in 2025

The Roadmap to Becoming a Data Engineering Jedi

Rana Sheharyar · 11 months ago

Work on projects to apply what you've learned. Collaborate on real-life situations to

get a feel for the challenges in the industry.

Open-Source Contributions

Timeframe: Ongoing

Join open-source data engineering projects. Connect with the community and learn
from experienced professionals.

8. Internships and Entry-Level Positions

Gaining Industry Experience

Timeframe: 12 weeks (3 months)

Look for internships to gain practical experience in a real work environment. Use
what you’ve learned to solve real data engineering problems.

Networking Opportunities

Timeframe: Ongoing

Attend industry events and conferences. Meet professionals to grow your

knowledge and job options.

9. Specialization: Choose Your Path

Areas of Specialization

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Timeframe: 4 weeks

Explore different fields within data engineering, like data warehousing and machine
learning. Find what excites you and fits your career goals.

Advanced Topics Exploration

Timeframe: Ongoing

Learn about important topics like data security and optimization. Stay updated on
new trends in the data engineering field.

10. Continuous Learning

Staying Updated

Timeframe: Ongoing

Subscribe to newsletters and blogs to keep learning. Take online courses and attend
webinars to improve your skills.

Certifications and Accreditation

Timeframe: 8 weeks

Think about getting certifications in relevant areas, like AWS or Google Cloud. This
shows your commitment to learning and growing in your career.

11. Portfolio Development

Project Showcase

Timeframe: Ongoing

Create a portfolio that highlights a variety of projects. Show how you solve
problems and the impact of your work.

Documentation

Timeframe: Ongoing

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Practice documenting your projects clearly. This helps show that you can explain
complex ideas to different audiences.

12. Resume Building

Tailoring Your Resume

Timeframe: 2 weeks

Write a resume that focuses on data engineering jobs. Highlight your achievements
and the skills that matter to employers.

LinkedIn Optimization

Timeframe: Ongoing

Improve your LinkedIn profile to showcase your data engineering skills. Connect with
professionals and join relevant groups.

13. Job Search Strategies

Job Boards and Networking

Timeframe: Ongoing

Use job boards, company websites, and your network to find job opportunities. Ask
your connections for referrals and recommendations.

Crafting Cover Letters

Timeframe: 2 weeks

Write personalized cover letters for each job application. Emphasize how your skills
fit the job requirements.

14. Interview Preparation

Technical Interviews

Timeframe: 4 weeks
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Prepare for technical interviews by focusing on data engineering topics. Practice

coding exercises and design scenarios.

Behavioral Interviews

Timeframe: 2 weeks

Prepare answers for common behavioral questions. Show your teamwork skills and
how you handle challenges.

15. Continuous Improvement

Feedback Incorporation

Timeframe: Ongoing

Ask for feedback after interviews and use it to improve your approach. Keep a
positive attitude and learn from every experience.

Professional Development

Timeframe: Ongoing

Attend workshops and conferences to keep improving your skills. Consider pursuing
further education or certifications as you grow in your career.

16. Celebrate Your Success!

Congratulations on reaching this important milestone in your journey to becoming a

data engineer! You have built a strong skill set and a deep understanding of the field.
Your commitment to learning and practical experience will help you succeed in your
data engineering career.

Happy Learning!

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Like Comment Share 40 · 2 Comments

Hrijul Dey 5mo

AI Engineer| LLM Specialist| Python Developer|Tech Blogger

Just discovered @AI_U's top 10 AI Tools for Data Engineers! Can't wait to unlock the potential of AI
in my daily tasks. Thanks for sharing this valuable resource.

https://www.artificialintelligenceupdate.com/top-10-ai-tools-for-data-engineers/riju/
#learnmore #AI&U

Like · Reply

Manan Chandna 6mo

Aspiring Data Engineer | Multi-Cloud Data Ecosystem Architect | Expertise in Real-Time AI, Secure Pipelines, and Fe…

Thoughtful, however it seems like you left out cloud technologies, which are now a major
component of data engineering.

Like · Reply 1 Reaction

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