Episode 57
How To Get Hired As A Data Engineer - w/ Sam
Everyone wants to be a Data Scientist, but the real jobs (and the big money) are in Data Engineering. In this episode, we sit down with Sam LaFell , a Solutions Architect at Snowflake who transitioned from a complete non-tech background (Communications) into one of the most technical roles in the industry.
First moves to steal
- Get Hired As A Data Engineer - w/ Sam
- Switching to Tech from a Communications Background
- If you are trying to break into data but are intimidated by coding, or if you are confused about the difference between a Data Analyst, Data Scientist, and Data Engineer, this conversation is your roadmap.
- We also dive deep into the modern data stack: What tools do you actually need to learn in 2025?
- Engineering.• Non-Tech to Tech: How to switch careers without a CS Degree.• The "Golden" Project: A step-by-step idea for a portfolio project that gets you hired.• Resume Keywords: The exact tools (Snowflake, SQL, Python) you need to list.• Career Growth: Moving from Engineer to Solutions Architect.• AI & Automation: Why Data Engineering is (mostly) future-proof.
- Engineering06:48 The Lifecycle of Data Pipelines (Explained Simply)08:12 Why pipelines break & why you are needed11:36 Switching to Tech from a Communications Background16:21 Is a Masters in Analytics worth it?17:15 Landing the first Data Engineering Role19:21 Teaching yourself Python from scratch21:13 WHY choose Data Engineering over Data Science?24:26 The exact Tech Stack you need to learn26:03 Example of a GOOD Data Engineering Project28:36 BUILD THIS PROJECT TO GET HIRED 33:36 Must-Know Tools for your Resume35:13 What is a Solutions Architect?
- engineering which is the subject of our discussion. I said let me learn enough about Python to at least have these...
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Transcript-backed moments
A few lines worth stealing before you hand over the full hour.
For somebody trying to make the jump into data engineering, what are some of the important skills? Any resources that you found that really helped you or maybe any tools that are often needed? I
maybe any tools that are often needed? I have interviewed people before like candidates for data engineering roles. If you don't have that real experience that you can show me, then the next best
that you can show me, then the next best thing you can do is you can tell me thing you can do is you can tell me about a project that you worked on. I'm Naman Pandy and in this episode featured
Naman Pandy and in this episode featured not expert is Sam Lafell. Sam is a solutions architect at Snowflake and has extensive past experience in data engineering which is the subject of our
engineering which is the subject of our discussion. I said let me learn enough about Python to at least have these conversations and that one decision fundamentally changed the trajectory of
Show notes
Everyone wants to be a Data Scientist, but the real jobs (and the big money) are in Data Engineering.
In this episode, we sit down with Sam LaFell, a Solutions Architect at Snowflake who transitioned from a complete non-tech background (Communications) into one of the most technical roles in the industry.
If you are trying to break into data but are intimidated by coding, or if you are confused about the difference between a Data Analyst, Data Scientist, and Data Engineer, this conversation is your roadmap. Sam breaks down exactly how he taught himself Python and SQL, why you don't need a Computer Science degree to get hired, and the one specific portfolio project that will get you noticed by recruiters.
We also dive deep into the modern data stack: What tools do you actually need to learn in 2025? Is AI going to replace Data Engineers? And what does a "Solutions Architect" actually do all day?
🚀 In this video, we cover:• The "Big 3" Explained: Data Science vs. Analytics vs. Engineering.• Non-Tech to Tech: How to switch careers without a CS Degree.• The "Golden" Project: A step-by-step idea for a portfolio project that gets you hired.• Resume Keywords: The exact tools (Snowflake, SQL, Python) you need to list.• Career Growth: Moving from Engineer to Solutions Architect.• AI & Automation: Why Data Engineering is (mostly) future-proof.
👇 Timestamps:00:00 Background + Introduction01:39 Sam's Hot Take on Data Engineering03:26 The Big 3: Data Science vs. Analytics vs. Engineering06:48 The Lifecycle of Data Pipelines (Explained Simply)08:12 Why pipelines break & why you are needed11:36 Switching to Tech from a Communications Background16:21 Is a Masters in Analytics worth it?17:15 Landing the first Data Engineering Role19:21 Teaching yourself Python from scratch21:13 WHY choose Data Engineering over Data Science?24:26 The exact Tech Stack you need to learn26:03 Example of a GOOD Data Engineering Project28:36 BUILD THIS PROJECT TO GET HIRED33:36 Must-Know Tools for your Resume35:13 What is a Solutions Architect? (Snowflake Role)38:52 Why Storytelling is a technical skill40:31 Will AI replace Data Engineers?43:21 Outro + Gratitude
🔗 Connect with Sam:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samlafell/
About the Podcast:We explore the real stories behind high-agency individuals—from self-taught engineers to artists—who are just a few steps ahead in the journey. We don't sell you "lottery ticket" success stories; we show you the practical first steps so you can find your own way forward.
#DataEngineering #DataScience #Snowflake #Python #SQL #CareerSwitch #TechCareers #SelfTaughtDeveloper #SolutionsArchitect #BigData #TechResume #CodingBootcamp