Become a Database Administrator
If you're good with tracking numbers and data, you could become a database administrator.
With the Internet and e-business generating huge amounts of data, there is a growing need to store, manage and extract data effectively. A database administrator works with database management software to determine ways to organize and store data. They test and implement modifications to the system when needed, and troubleshoot problems when they occur. An organization's database administrator ensures the performance of the system, understands the platform on which the database runs and adds new users to the system.
Database administrators work with database management software such as Oracle and SQL Server, and determine ways to best organize and store data.
An organization's database administrator ensures the performance of the system and understands the platform on which the database runs. Because they also may design and implement system security, database administrators often plan and coordinate security measures. With the volume of sensitive data growing rapidly, data integrity, backup systems and database security have become increasingly important aspects of the job of database administrators.
Database Administrator Education and Training
Most employers prefer to hire people with some formal college education. However, the type of degree is often secondary to relevant experience and training. Some employers require a bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems (MIS); others may require only a computer-related associate degree. Certification and practical experience demonstrating database administration skills is essential for all applicants with and without a relevant degree.
Due to the fast changing nature of the tech industry, continuing education is of prime importance. In order to stay competitive and achieve career goals, additional certification is often required.
Job Skills Needed and Certification
A database administrator must be able to think logically and have good communication skills. Because they often deal with a number of tasks simultaneously, they must be able to multitask and pay close attention to detail. Although computer specialists sometimes work independently, they frequently work in teams on large projects. As a result, they must be able to communicate effectively with computer personnel such as programmers and managers.
Typical credentials for network support professionals are Oracle OCP and OCA, and Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) .
Database Administrator Job Outlook
As companies continue to adopt and integrate increasingly sophisticated technologies, jobs for database administrators are expected to grow 20 percent from 2008 to 2018.
Database Administrator Salary
According to 2009 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual database administration salary is $74,290.
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