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Which would be a better choice of classes for career growth in data warehousing - ETL architecture or dimensional modeling?

Question: I just wanted to get your opinion/idea on what would be a better choice of classes for career growth in the DWH field namely: a) dimensional modeling in depth or b) ETL architecture in-depth class. I like my job as an ETL developer but I am wondering what are the growth prospects as an ETL guy in an organization in comparison to someone who does dimensional modeling for the DWH team.

Sid Adelman's Answer : You like your job. There aren't a large number of people who can say that. While dimensional modeling is very important, there are some organizations that don't understand the value of modeling, don't staff the function and give only it a token nod while the value of ETL is well understood, always staffed and always supported. Go with the in-depth ETL architecture class.

Chuck Kelley's Answer: I think it depends on your strengths and growth aspirations are. If you don't mind being an ETL developer for the next five years of your career moving from developer to ETL architect, then I would take the ETL architecture in Depth class. If in the next five years who want to expand your current knowledge to include some data modeling, then I would take the dimensional modeling in-depth class.

So the best advice I can give you is to determine what you want your career to be for the next five years, and take the best course to fit that career aspiration.


Sid Adelman is a principal in Sid Adelman & Associates, an organization specializing in planning and implementing data warehouses, in data warehouse and BI assessments, and in establishing effective data architectures and strategies. He is a regular speaker at DW conferences. Adelman chairs the "Ask the Experts" column on www.dmreview.com. He is a frequent contributor to journals that focus on data warehousing. He co-authored Data Warehouse Project Management and is the principal author on Impossible Data Warehouse Situations with Solutions from the Experts and Data Strategy. He can be reached at (818) 783-9634 or visit his Web site at www.sidadelman.com.

Chuck Kelley is an internationally known expert in database and data warehousing technology. He has 30 years of experience in designing and implementing operational/production systems and data warehouses. Kelley has worked in some facet of the design and implementation phase of more than 50 data warehouses and data marts. He also teaches seminars, co-authored four books on data warehousing and has been published in many trade magazines on database technology, data warehousing and enterprise data strategies. He can be contacted at chuckkelley@usa.net.

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