Meet Filip Niziol, a Senior Data Engineer at Digiterre and an active contributor to the Databricks Community. With a rich background in data architecture and a passion for building scalable data solutions, Filip shares insights on his career, Databricks journey, and what motivates him to stay engaged with the community.
We presented him with a range of questions, and below, you will find his responses, expressed in his own words -
Featured Member Introduction
- Name: Filip Niziol
- Community nickname: @filipniziol ⭐
- Pronouns: He/Him
- Company: Digiterre
- Job Title: Senior Data Engineer
Can you provide a brief overview of your career journey leading up to your current role?
I have 15 years of experience, starting on the business side before moving into IT. I've played various roles including BI Analyst, Data Warehouse Developer, SQL Developer, Digitization Expert, Data Engineer, and Data Architect. I am project-focused, and for many years I've been working as a consultant with the ability to build end-to-end projects from scratch.
At BP, as a Data Pipeline Engineer, I developed data pipelines in the finance area using Azure Databricks, Data Factory, and Data Lake. This role enhanced my expertise in Azure technologies and large-scale data processing.
Currently, at Digiterre, I leverage my extensive experience to build robust data solutions.
What do you enjoy most about your current job or role?
I enjoy the opportunity to work on a recently initiated project where I can set standards and build patterns that will be followed by multiple teams in the future. Building stable data pipelines with self-recovery features is particularly satisfying. The sheer volume of data we handle makes the work challenging and exciting.
By contributing to the foundational architecture, I have a direct impact on the project's success and the efficiency of future developments. It's rewarding to know that the frameworks and best practices I'm establishing will support the organization's growth and help my colleagues succeed in their roles.
If you had to describe yourself using three words, what would they be? How do you think your coworkers would describe you?
- Myself in three words: Analytical, Innovative, Determined.
- Coworkers might describe me as Reliable, Collaborative, and Knowledgeable.
Have you had any mentors or significant influences in your professional life? If so, could you tell us about them?
Absolutely. My first mentor was Michal Gogolewski, the Chief IT Specialist at Mary Kay Cosmetics. He introduced me to database engineering and encouraged me to delve deeper into the IT world. Later, at PGE Systemy S.A., I had the privilege of working with experts in data warehousing who taught me best practices and allowed me to express my creativity within the Innovation and Digitization Department led by Maciej Chojnacki. Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to learn from many talented individuals, and currently, at Digiterre, I'm inspired daily by my exceptional colleagues.
When and why did you first start using Databricks?
I started working with Databricks over three years ago while at Lingaro as an Azure Data Architect. We needed a robust platform for processing large volumes of data efficiently, and Databricks was the perfect solution. Since then, I've been using Databricks in all of my projects due to its scalability and seamless integration with Azure services.
Are there any Databricks features that you particularly enjoy or find indispensable in your work?
Yes, I particularly appreciate Databricks Asset Bundles (DABs). They simplify the deployment process significantly. In one of my previous projects where DABs weren't used, we had a separate DevOps team to handle deployments. With DABs, the development team can take ownership of managing configuration and maintenance, streamlining the workflow.
I also love the AI Assistant. I use it extensively to write code, and it's incredibly helpful on the Databricks Community forum when preparing end-to-end code samples with ready-to-use code while answering questions.
Is there a Databricks feature you wish existed or would like to see in future updates?
I'd like to see more features added to Databricks Live Tables, such as more robust logging capabilities and the ability to define target columns that should be inserted but not updated in subsequent runs. These enhancements would provide greater control and transparency in data processing workflows.
When did you join the Databricks Community, and what motivated you to do so?
I joined the Databricks Community earlier this year. I was inspired by Szymon Dybczak, who became a Databricks Community Champion the previous month. Observing his extensive in-depth knowledge made it clear that participating in the community is an excellent way to learn a lot in a short time. His involvement motivated me to engage with the community actively.
What aspects of the Databricks Community do you find most valuable or enjoyable?
I enjoy preparing end-to-end solutions, where I start with some test data and work through to the final output. Challenging myself by solving questions in areas I'm not familiar with helps me learn new things and stay updated with the latest technologies.
Contributing to the community allows me to connect with other professionals in the field, expanding my network and exchanging knowledge. I'm someone who sets personal goals; my current goal is to earn the badge for 100 Best Answers on the community forum. Participating not only helps others but also enhances my own understanding and expertise.
Outside of work, what is your favourite hobby or pastime?
I'm passionate about South America and Latin dance, specifically reggaeton. Living in Warsaw, I attend reggaeton dance classes regularly. In January of this year, I spent time as a digital nomad in Medellín, Colombia, where I met local musicians and even recorded a music video with them. Since then, I've been developing my alter ego, Filip Flow, and I'm preparing to record a new song next year. This creative outlet allows me to express myself artistically and brings balance to my professional life.
Where do you envision yourself professionally in the next three years?
I aim to become more involved in AI development because I believe AI is transforming the data engineering landscape. Having completed the Databricks Academy Generative AI Developer course, I'm now starting a third-party course on building AI Agents. I plan to integrate AI solutions into my work to drive innovation and efficiency.
Continuing my journey with Databricks, my ultimate goal is to become a Databricks MVP. I'm also looking forward to attending the Data + AI World Tour 2024 in Madrid this November, where I hope to meet the Databricks team in person and connect with other professionals in the field.
Social Media Handles
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/filip-nizio
Thank you, Filip, for sharing your inspiring journey and insights with us! From pioneering data solutions to sharing knowledge through the community, Filip exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and growth. We're excited to see his continued impact as he works toward his goal of becoming a Databricks MVP! 🚀
Join us in celebrating our Community Champions—connect with @filipniziol to dive deeper into his expertise and gain fresh motivation for your own data journey! 🌟
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