In this episode, Bolaji interviews Elize Papineau, a senior data engineer at Shopify, who shares her unique journey from marine biology to data engineering.

Elize discusses her eclectic background, the challenges of finding the right job title in data, and the importance of continuous learning. She highlights her experiences at dbt Labs and Shopify, the significance of data governance, and the value of mentorship.

Elize also reflects on her proudest projects, the lessons learned from data disasters, and her aspirations for community involvement in the data field.

Takeaways: 

• Elize transitioned from marine biology to data engineering through a gradual process of learning and adaptation.
• Finding the right job title in data can be challenging, and understanding one's strengths is crucial.
• Continuous learning and practical experience are key to career growth in data.
• Elize emphasizes the importance of community and mentorship in the data field.
• Data governance and stakeholder interaction are critical in large organizations like Shopify.
• Elize's proudest projects are those that see high user adoption and utility.
• Data disasters can provide valuable lessons and insights for future work.
• Interview challenges often reveal the importance of problem-solving and communication skills.
• Elize aims to contribute to the data community and support others in their journeys.
• Measuring the impact of data work involves understanding user needs and ensuring timely access to data.

Chapters:

• 00:00 : Introduction to Elize Papineau
• 02:59 : Elize's Unique Background and Skills
• 05:54 : Transition from Marine Biology to Data Engineering
• 09:02 : Navigating the Data Job Market
• 12:00 : Finding Identity in Data Roles
• 14:57 : Continuous Learning and Skill Development
• 18:02 : The Importance of Practical Experience
• 20:55 : Discovering dbt and Its Impact
• 24:00 : Working at Shopify and Personal Insights
• 24:07 : Iced Tea: A Lifestyle Choice
• 25:10 : Data Challenges at Shopify
• 27:01 : Understanding Stakeholders and Their Needs
• 29:56 : Data Disasters: Learning from Mistakes
• 34:38 : Navigating Tough Interview Questions
• 39:24 : Proud Projects and Their Impact
• 42:29 : Measuring Business Impact
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