Karan Tongay
Welcome to my corner of the digital world! I'm Karan Tongay, and I'm excited to share my journey as a seasoned Data Engineer with you. My professional adventure has been a dynamic exploration of the vast landscape of data engineering, marked by passion, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
Academic Foundations
My journey began with a Master's in Computer Science at the University of Victoria (2018-2020). During this academic pursuit, I delved into healthcare data security and compliance, setting the stage for my subsequent endeavors.
Early Professional Engagements
My early experiences included roles as a Data Engineer at Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), both as a Co-op (May 2019 - Aug. 2019) and later as a full-time professional (Aug. 2020 - Aug. 2021). During this period, I contributed to transforming ICBC's vehicle-based insurance model into an individual driver-based system, playing a vital role in data pipeline development, data modeling, and analysis.
Navigating the Cloud
My expertise expanded into cloud solutions during my tenure as a Senior Data Engineer and Independent Consultant at Dinify (May 2020 - June 2023). Here, I spearheaded the development of analytical data infrastructure using Azure Databricks and PowerBi. My commitment to innovation and proficiency in managing diverse technology stacks reflected in the creation of a technology product for the restaurant and hospitality industry.
Making an Impact at Coast Capital Savings
My role as a Data Engineer / Analyst - Independent Contractor at Coast Capital Savings (Aug. 2023 - Current) has been pivotal. I engineered efficient data pipelines with AWS and Informatica stack, optimizing data flow and processing. Automation of data extracts and ensuring data integrity through data profiling were crucial aspects of my contributions.
Stepping into the Music Industry
A significant chapter of my journey unfolded at Beatport (June 2022 - Apr. 2023) as a Data Warehouse Engineer - Independent Contractor in Denver, Colorado. Here, I managed data infrastructure, developed high-performance ETL pipelines, and leveraged technologies like Google BigQuery, Looker, and Pentaho to optimize data processing and storage.
Driving Innovation at ICBC
My role as an Intermediate Data Engineer at ICBC (Aug. 2021 - June 2022) allowed me to actively contribute to implementing data masking, governance, and anonymization techniques. Leading a team of Data Engineers and collaborating with the Driver Licensing team showcased my commitment to achieving business objectives through data solutions.
Academic Pursuits and Research
My academic journey at the University of Victoria included significant research in healthcare data. From exploring HIPAA compliance to leveraging blockchain for establishing smart contracts, my research demonstrated a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what data engineering can achieve.
Skills, Certifications, and Recognition
My proficiency spans a diverse set of tools and technologies, cloud platforms, and reporting frameworks. Holding certifications in Healthcare Data Security, Privacy, and Compliance and being recognized with awards such as the Winner of the Beatport Hackathon 2023, Dell Brand Ambassador of the Year in 2016 and Winner of Microsoft International Hackathon - Tech Jam 2015 are testament to my commitment to excellence.
Mentorship and Advisory Roles
Outside of my professional engagements, I am actively involved in mentorship and advisory roles. As a mentor and consultant for Yagnot and an advisor for the Computer Science Department at Cambridge Scholars Publishing, I contribute to shaping the future of technology.
Let's Connect and Explore
I invite you to connect with me on LinkedIn and explore the various facets of data engineering, innovation, and continuous learning. Together, let's navigate the ever-evolving landscape of data, technology, and impactful solutions.