Coolgen-Data Architect Interview Questions

Data architect are hard to find. Just because of data center consolidation , cost cutting efforts and due to today's tight economy we don't think these jobs will be removed yet. In fact the current trend to unify data center operations and cost cutting, should only increase demand. To consolidate infrastructure and to effectively share data, more enterprise data architect will be needed. These are the persons who understands business and technology. They can structure the data using technology as the CEO's see the business. The basic question that is in their minds is 'What are the things that you want to store about your business?'. Data is structured across enterprise so that it can be accessed by a multiple applications using web services etc. Data architect should be able to define what the client needs are and then build a system to meet those needs by understanding big picture and small details. This role is more influential especially based on the persons credibility and knowledge. After successful implementation of few systems, one in such role will be in excellent position to move up in ladder to chief technology officer CTO or equivalent.

To land at such data architect position, it is preferred that one would have minimum of 10 years of experience and have worked in different roles programmer analyst, systems engineer etc. Not only technical skills but interaction skills between business and IT units is highly recommended. Base Salaries for data architect ranges between 120,000 - 180,000 depending on the domain knowledge, location and networking. Check the current market on major sites like indeed or dice.

Few Certifications that would help in landing at these types of jobs are TOGAF, PMP, CDMP. 

Sample Dutes Of Data / database Architect, Data Modeler: 

In addition to the data modelling, data architects are accountable in order to :  1) Apply Naming conventions to the data columns. Example - How would you name the column to be implemented for data element EMPLOYEE NAME? 
2) Develop the Glossary of terms and acronyms. Example - EMPLOYEE = EMPL
3) Classify the data elements into categories and name them accordingly. Example - Is the data element storing the dollar amounts? 
4) Develop logical, physical data models in data modelling tool. Example - CA ERwin, CA All fusionGen, aka Cool:Gen. 
5) Validate the databases? Example - Is a model a good representation of business?
6) Document technical and business metadata in repository or data dictionary.  Example - Employee table with 10 columns for HR application. 

7) Integrate existing enterprise data into new database designs. Reuse existing enterprise data rather than building again..

Test your Understanding , Sample Interview Questions :

Here are few questions, that may be asked 

1. How many years experience do you have as a Data Architect, Data Analyst or Data Administrator (not a technical DBA) and on how many computer applications have you been the primary database designer?
2. What is a metadata repository?
3. What metadata repositories have you worked with, in what capacity, and for how long?
4. What data modeling tools have you worked with, in what capacity, and for how long?
5. What Data Base Management Systems have you worked with, in what capacity, and for how long?
6. What computer languages have you used for at least two years as a professional programmer and how many years experience do you have with each language?
7. Describe your experience with impact analysis for a change to a large, integrated computer application and give three to five key factors for success.
8. List three to five techniques that you have used to determine user needs during the development of a computer application.