What’s the difference between a Data Engineer and a Data Manager?

In an era where Big Data is omnipresent, Data Engineers and Data Managers play a crucial role. Whether in data management or data processing, these data experts are proving indispensable to companies. These two professions, although linked by their commitment to information enhancement, have two distinct functions. Discover their differences and their respective missions.

In summary:

• The real distinction between Data Scientist and Data Engineer concerns first and foremost their respective roles.
• The Data Scientist transforms data into useful information, with a focus on Machine Learning.
• The Data Engineer focuses on creating the data architecture.
• There are also differences in the tools used and the nature of the data manipulated.
• ECE offers training courses for these two professions, covering various levels of study.

What does a data engineer do?

The data engineer is considered to be the builder of data management solutions. He’s a professional who designs, implements and maintains the infrastructures needed to store information. He is also the one who handles and analyzes the data.

In addition, a Data engineer engages in the development of complex algorithms to transform raw data into meaningful information. To do this, he uses advanced skills in programming, database management systems and software engineering.

His mission also includes optimizing database performance and guaranteeing database security. It must ensure that information remains accessible, but well protected.

What is a Data Manager?

The Data Manager plays a leading role in teams working with data. He focuses on strategy, project management and data governance.

Its main objective is to align data initiatives with the organization’s overall objectives. To do this, it ensures that the data collected, stored and analyzed effectively serve the interests of the latter.

What are the essential skills of a Data Engineer and a Data Manager?

The data engineer

To be a data engineer, you need a wide range of technical skills. This includes programming in languages such as Python or Java. In-depth knowledge of relational and non-relational databases is also required.

Skills in big data technologies are also required. Finally, you need the ability to design and optimize data architectures to ensure high performance.

The Data Manager :

If you want to become a Data Manager, you need to master project management, data strategy and leadership. You also need to understand the principles of data governance and the regulatory frameworks for managing it.

A data manager has the ability to analyze market trends and align initiatives with business objectives.

What are the other data-related professions of the future?

With the rise of artificial intelligence, the field of data is developing rapidly, opening the way to a variety of promising careers. They include :

• Data Scientists: who specialize in advanced data analysis to extract insights and inform their employer;
• Data Analysts: whose mission is to interpret data to provide reports and visualizations that help to understand a company’s performance;
• the Chief Data Officer (CDO): whose role is to define a company’s data strategies and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

What is the average salary for a Data Engineer and a Data Manager?

The salaries of a Data Engineer and a Data Manager are similar. They vary considerably according to their experience. At the start of a career, annual salaries can range from 45,000 to 60,000 euros per year. Opportunities for advancement will arise as your experience and skills develop.

For more experienced profiles, salaries can easily exceed 70,000 euros, and go well beyond. Of course, the size of the company and its sector of activity also influence remuneration.

Which ECE course should I choose to become a Data Engineer or Data Manager?

ECE offers a range of data-related courses, from bac +3 to bac +5. This offers a range of options for those aspiring to a career in data. For students aiming to become data engineers or data managers, the choice of path will depend on their personal objectives.

ECE’s Bachelor bac +3 in Data Science can serve as a solid foundation in the field of data. Students gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of data science. For those wishing to deepen their knowledge, continue with an MSc specializing in data engineering or management.

The Data & AI major prepares students for both the Data Scientist and Data Engineer professions. The bac +5 engineering program, the MSc in Data Management & Artificial Intelligence and in Data Engineering, are ideal for becoming a data engineer. These programs offer advanced training in data engineering, artificial intelligence, and data management and strategy.

Updated 31 May 2024