As part of our graduate trainee journey in the Data team, we completed our immersion into the DataOps team to broaden our understanding of how data truly flows and operates across the company. In the Data team, our work focused on cleaning raw files and transforming them into usable data. It was fulfilling and gave us valuable exposure to the data lifecycle, but our immersion in DataOps allowed us to see how the operational side ensures that everything we build and prepare is accessible and reliable in production. Through the DataOps immersion, in the span of three months, we were able to see the bigger picture and experience a new level of responsibility.
Our role in DataOps focused on ensuring that all data files were consistently available, accurate, and ready for use by our clients and internal teams. Each morning started with premarket checks, where we verified that the necessary data files had arrived completely, passed validation, and were safe for processing. These checks were crucial because the business relies heavily on accurate and timely data once the markets open, making quality assurance and data availability our top priorities every single day.
During the shift, we monitored Airflow pipelines that automatically generate and process required data files. If a task failed, we investigated logs and dependencies to determine the root cause. We also handled downloading and syncing essential files needed by the Data team. Through this experience, we learned how vital continuous monitoring and operational support are in maintaining smooth business processes.
We were fortunate to be guided by our DataOps lead, Glem, who patiently taught us what we needed to know and ensured that we understood the importance of each task. Working alongside supportive morning shift teammates such as Gab, Veronica, and Kobbie made the learning journey more enjoyable. There were also teammates from other shifts who helped demonstrate how DataOps operations run around the clock to keep everything functioning. For other issues encountered by the team, we were also helped by the data team with their knowledge and expertise about the datasets and tech skills.
Through our time in DataOps, we learned that operations truly serve as the backbone of the company. We gained a stronger appreciation for teamwork, communication, and quick problem solving especially when systems require immediate attention.
Outside of work responsibilities, we also enjoyed two team outings which allowed us to bond, unwind, and build stronger relationships with one another. These moments helped create a positive and supportive environment that made the entire experience more meaningful.
Overall, our immersion in DataOps has been a rewarding chapter in our graduate trainee program. We return to the Data team with a deeper understanding of how operations sustain the business and a newfound respect for the people working tirelessly behind the scenes. We are grateful for the journey, the lessons, and the opportunity to be part of a team that keeps the company’s data running smoothly every day.
