Data engineering is one of the fastest-growing careers in tech. Every company that uses data needs people who can collect it, clean it up, and build the pipelines that move it around. If you’re interested in Data Engineering as a career, but put off by the idea of years of university lectures, here’s some good news: a university degree isn’t the only route into this field.
What does a data engineer do?
Before we get into qualifications, here’s an overview of what the job involves. Data engineers build and maintain the systems that let organisations use their data properly. That means:
- Collecting data from different sources
- Cleaning and transforming messy data into something usable
- Building pipelines that move data automatically
- Setting up databases and cloud infrastructure
- Making sure data is reliable, secure, and ready for analysts, AI models, or decision-makers to use
It’s a technical role, but it’s also a practical one. Employers care far more about whether you can actually do the job than which university you went to.
Do employers require a degree?
Some job adverts still list ‘degree preferred.’ But in practice, most employers care about three things:
- Can you code? Usually in Python or SQL.
- Do you understand how data and systems work? This includes databases, cloud platforms, pipelines.
- Can you problem-solve in a team, under real conditions? With experience to show this.
None of that requires a degree to prove. It needs evidence, through projects, skills, and confidence in an interview. That’s exactly what a good bootcamp is built to give you.
Data engineering is one of the more welcoming corners of tech for career changers. Companies need people who can build reliable data systems, and many would rather hire someone with practical, job-ready experience over a university graduate lacking real-world skills.
Bootcamps as an Alternative
A degree teaches you a lot of theory over several years. A bootcamp strips things down to what you’ll actually use on the job, and gets you there much faster.
Northcoders’ Data Engineering, AI & Machine Learning Bootcamp is a 13-week, full-time course that takes you from beginner to job-ready, by focusing on practical skills and industry practices. The curriculum is updated regularly to reflect industry changes and employer demands.
Over the three months, you’ll cover:
- Python fundamentals: writing clean, professional code
- Data fundamentals and SQL: the standard for working with databases
- Servers, APIs, and networking: the back-end side of data engineering
- Cloud engineering and DevOps: deploying real applications on AWS
- ETL, orchestration, and data pipelines: the bread and butter of the job
- AI and machine learning: including neural networks, LLMs, and building your own AI-powered project
- A group project: working in a team, using Git, Agile, and Kanban, just like you would in a real job
By the end, you’ve built real things with real tools: Python, SQL, AWS, Docker, Git. That’s a portfolio, not just a certificate.
What if I’ve never coded before?
That’s not a problem. Northcoders does ask for basic Python skills in order to join the bootcamp, but provides you with free ‘Learn to Code’ materials as soon as you apply. This is tailored to people who have never coded before, so you can start from scratch and have the foundations needed for the bootcamp. The free materials are self-guided, but there are also guided courses available if you’d like extra support getting up to speed.
What about the cost?
If anything, skipping the degree route can work in your favour. A bootcamp’s price is much less than a 3 year university degree. Northcoders also offers payment options, so you can spread the cost with a payment plan.
Additionally, you’ll be able to work as a junior Data Engineer–and earn that salary–much sooner.
Degree Vs. Portfolio
The key thing to keep in mind is this: employers aren’t hiring your qualifications, they’re hiring your ability to do the job. A degree is one way to try and prove that. A strong portfolio, hands-on project experience, and the confidence to talk through your work in an interview is another. These are all elements that a Data Engineering bootcamp can help you build.
If you’re curious about tech, comfortable with the idea of learning by doing, and ready for a change, a degree isn’t the only door open to you.
Ready to find out more? Take a look at the Data Engineering, AI & Machine Learning Bootcamp and see if it’s the right fit for you.