The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
University Graduate (Computer Science/Software Engineering)
0-1 year post-graduationSkills to master
- Practical application of algorithms and data structures, Python programming best practices, understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC), basic Git proficiency.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully completed a relevant internship or capstone project.
- Can demonstrate clean, well-structured code in a portfolio.
- Understands basic cloud computing concepts.
- 2
Coding Bootcamp Graduate / Self-Taught Developer
1-2 years post-bootcamp/self-studySkills to master
- Strong Python skills, practical experience with web development frameworks (even if not search-specific), ability to learn new APIs quickly, problem-solving through iterative coding.
You're ready to move on when
- Has a public GitHub profile with several completed projects.
- Can clearly articulate technical challenges faced and solutions implemented.
- Demonstrates a strong drive for self-learning and continuous improvement.
- 3
Junior Data Analyst / Data Engineer
1-2 years in previous roleSkills to master
- SQL proficiency, data manipulation and cleaning techniques, understanding of data pipelines, experience with data visualisation tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
You're ready to move on when
- Experience working with large datasets and ensuring data quality.
- Can write efficient scripts for data transformation.
- Shows interest in how data is used for search and discovery.