24: From Ballet Mech Engineer, to HR Tech Data Engineer: Larissa Mendes

01/08/2025 44 min Temporada 1 Episodio 24
24: From Ballet Mech Engineer, to HR Tech Data Engineer: Larissa Mendes

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Episode Synopsis

In this episode, Bolaji Oyejide interviews Larissa Mendes, a Level 3 Data Engineer at Gupy, who shares her unique journey from mechanical engineering to data engineering. Larissa discusses her experiences with data quality challenges, the importance of community support, and her current tech stack at Gupy. She also provides valuable insights on overcoming interview challenges and the significance of effective communication with stakeholders. Larissa emphasizes the need for continuous learning and the power of networking in advancing one's career in data.   Takeaways: Larissa transitioned from mechanical engineering to data engineering by exploring her interest in programming. She faced challenges during her first technical interview but learned to move on from questions she couldn't answer. Building reliable data pipelines is a key aspect of her role as a data engineer. Data quality issues can significantly impact client trust and require careful management. Effective communication with stakeholders is crucial for delivering value through data. Larissa emphasizes the importance of community support for career growth in data. She encourages aspiring data professionals to find their passion and connect with like-minded individuals. Continuous learning and adapting to new technologies are essential in the data field. Larissa's proudest project involved migrating critical queries to dbt, improving developer experience. Networking and learning from others can enhance one's skills and career opportunities.   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Larissa Mendes and Her Journey 05:48 From Mechanical Engineering to Data Engineering 12:32 The Transition to Data Engineering 17:33 Navigating Technical Interviews 19:57 Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Data Engineers 20:35 Building Confidence in Professional Environments 21:34 Exploring the Tech Stack at Guppy 23:20 The Power of dbt in Data Engineering 24:51 Team Dynamics and Roles in Data Engineering 26:45 Learning from Data Disasters 29:23 Communicating Data Value to Stakeholders 31:34 Managing Stakeholder Expectations 34:12 Empathy in Data Requests 36:48 Proud Projects in Data Engineering 40:18 Advice for Advancing in Data Careers   Speakers: Guest: Larissa Mendes, Data Engineer II at Gupy Host: Bolaji Oyejide, Community Manager at dbt Labs   We're Building the Future of Data. Together. We've always believed the best way to get better at data is by sharing what you're learning. That's why we built the dbt Community—a place where data pros at every level can ask questions, debate ideas, and push each other forward. It's not just about solving today's problems—it's about building what's next, together. Crowdsource solutions—70,000+ people who've been there, done that. Find your crew—meet others who use the same tools you do. Stay at the cutting edge—discussions, meetups, and game shows keep things fresh. 👉 Jump in and say hi—join the dbt Community now.

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