How to answer "Why Data Engineering" (with sample answers)

Why do employers ask "Why Data Engineering"

"Why Data Engineering" is a very common interview question that employers ask job seekers. It is asked to know why the candidate is interested in the Data Engineering role specifically, and what motivates them to pursue this career path. Employers ask this question to understand how well the candidate has researched this particular role and company, and to assess the candidate's passion and commitment towards working in Data Engineering.

How to answer "Why Data Engineering"

When answering this question, it is important to highlight your relevant skills and experience, as well as your passion for the role. You should provide specific examples of projects or subjects that have sparked your interest in data engineering. It is also helpful to explain how data engineering aligns with your long-term career goals and aspirations.

How to prepare for this question

One of the best ways to prepare for this question is to research the company and the role of data engineering. This will help you understand the requirements and responsibilities of the position. You can also practice answering this question beforehand using your own experiences and skills.

Common mistakes when answering this question

• Being too general in your answer and not providing specific reasons for your interest in data engineering
• Not aligning your answer with the goals of the company
• Reciting your resume instead of providing a thoughtful answer
• Appearing unenthusiastic or unprepared

Sample answers

Answer 1 (bad answer):

"I don't know. It just seemed like a good thing to pursue."

Explanation: This answer comes off as apathetic and does not demonstrate any genuine interest or enthusiasm for the field. It also fails to provide any specific reasons for why the candidate is interested in data engineering, making it difficult for the interviewer to gauge their suitability for the role.

Answer 2 (okay answer):

"I'm interested in data engineering because I have some experience with it through my coursework and previous internships. I've always enjoyed analyzing data and finding insights, and I think data engineering is a field where I could apply those skills to make a tangible impact."

Explanation: This answer demonstrates that the candidate has some prior knowledge and experience in data engineering, and is able to articulate their interest in the field. However, it could be more specific in citing examples of their previous projects or coursework where they demonstrated their skills and interest in this area.

Answer 3 (good answer):

"I'm interested in data engineering for a few reasons. First, I find the process of designing and building data pipelines to be intellectually stimulating. It requires a combination of technical knowledge and problem-solving skills to ensure that the data is collected, stored, and processed efficiently and accurately. Second, I'm excited about the potential for data engineering to drive better business decisions and improve organizational performance. By providing data in a timely and accessible manner, data engineering can help companies make informed decisions based on real-time information, rather than just gut feelings."

Explanation: This answer is a great example of how to articulate specific reasons for why one is interested in data engineering. It showcases the candidate's passion for the technical and problem-solving aspects of the field, as well as their belief in the potential impact it can have on businesses. This answer also shows that the candidate has done some research and has a strong understanding of the role of data engineering.

Answer 4 (great answer):

"I'm fascinated by the idea of turning raw data into valuable insights that can impact business strategy. I'm particularly drawn to the idea of being involved in the entire data lifecycle, from designing data models to building and maintaining data pipelines. I find the potential for generating actionable insights from complex data sets to be incredibly rewarding. Overall, I believe that data engineering is a field where I can continue to learn and grow, while also making a meaningful contribution to the organization."

Explanation: This answer is a great example of how to demonstrate a genuine interest in data engineering, while also highlighting relevant skills and abilities. The candidate shows that they are passionate about the field and are interested in the entire data lifecycle, making them a strong candidate for the role. This answer also emphasizes the potential for personal and professional growth within the field of data engineering.