Database Administrators (DBA)s are responsible for maintaining databases with attention to creating and testing backups, verifying data integrity, defining access controls, ensuring availability of data, maximizing performance, and testing to make more efficient databases. The most important roles for a DBA are disaster recovery, performance analysis, and database design. DBAs frequently work in close proximity with Application Programmers, Software Engineers, System Administrators, and Data Architects. Industry-leading database management systems include Oracle, Sybase, and Microsoft SQL Server. Industry demand for those proficient in database management and administration continues to grow as businesses of all sizes seek database solutions. Database professionals earn around $40,000 to $80,000 depending on their skill, education level, the complexity of database management. Most professionals obtain an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in IT, then pursue additional certifications and advanced degree completion while working.
What should I know when considering a degree in Database Administration ?
Thanks to the efficiency of modern technology, vast quantities of data are collected and used every day, in every industry. It’s more crucial than ever to streamline data systems so that information can be collected effectively, used easily, and housed securely. An individual who earns a degree in database administration has many choices when it comes to finding an employer.
Database administration sits at the intersection of computer science, information science, and business. It demands a great deal of technical knowledge, a sense of how information is accessed and used, and the ability to translate business needs into a technologically feasible system. A well-designed database can make millions of dollars’ worth of difference to a company, so a database administrator who understands the big picture is valued highly.
In addition to big-picture knowledge, many other specific skills come into play in creating effective data systems. Earning a degree in database administration helps individuals develop expertise in the following areas:
Analysis
A good database administrator knows the right questions to ask and pays close attention to user needs. He or she can analyze and anticipate the kinds of information that will eventually need to be extracted from the database, and plan accordingly.
Communication
Database administrators need to be able to work with a variety of people, from sales staff to web developers. Effective communication also includes documenting database design for future developers and training staff members in database use.
Knowledge of database software
The software that a database administrator uses varies by project and industry; part of the job is knowing which software is most appropriate for the task at hand. Special certifications for different software packages are often available in addition to the database administration degree itself.
Knowledge of information architecture
A sense of how information is structured and used is crucial. Database design requires tremendous analytical skills and a high degree of patience. Since different pieces of information are related to each other in different ways, designing a database must take these relationships into account.
Understanding of security issues
Making information secure–whether against outside security breaches or other forms of data loss–is essential. Database administrators are responsible for backing up data effectively and guarding against data theft.
The ability to integrate different systems
Oftentimes, part of a database administrator’s job includes integrating a database with the web (as in an e-commerce site) or finding ways to effectively and completely transfer information from an old database to a new one.
Expertise in testing and quality assurance
Database administrators must test databases during development to improve functionality, and to add new features as necessary.
Depending on the job, a 2-year, 4-year, or master’s degree may be required for a database administrator job. The more complex a job is, the higher the degree required. Degrees may be specifically in database administration, or they may be in a closely related field such as computer science or information systems. Many employers seek applicants with an MBA and a concentration in information systems.
In many areas of the field, it is important to receive a database administrator certificate from a reputable certifier. Independent certifications include Oracle’s Certified Professional program, Microsoft’s MCDBA (Certified Database Administrator) credential, and MySQL’s CMDBA (Certified MySQL Database Administrator). These programs vary, but typically include a combination of coursework and rigorous exams.
The outlook for database administrators is excellent. Database administrators may be employed by government agencies, libraries, colleges and universities, hospitals, insurance companies, wholesalers, financial services companies, and by an array of other businesses. Some database administrators enjoy the flexibility of contract work, as their skills are in high demand. The average salary varies widely, but the median annual salary of a database administrator in 2006 was $64,670.
No matter what industry they work in, database administrators ensure that vital information is organized in a way that is secure, useful, and computationally cost-effective. It is one of the most necessary jobs in the Information Age.
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