A database administrator keeps a company’s data secure from unauthorized people. The data they secure includes the business, employee, and customer data. They organize and store data in specialized software and search for any potential security risks or problems they may be proactive to correct.
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How to Become a Database Administrator
A security database administrator would need a bachelor’s degree in information sciences or computer-related subjects. You may also need on-the-job experience to be considered a qualified applicant. When seeking a degree program, you may want to inquire if the school works with companies to offer an intern opportunity while earning your degree. This can help you with work experience upon graduation.
Job Description of a Database Administrator
A database administrator analyzes data by interacting with computer software and hardware to process information, write software, enter data, or set up necessary functions. They would break down information into separate parts and then identify the reasons, underlying principles or facts as part of the analyzation process. They would be expected to find appropriate solutions to problems after evaluating the results of their findings. They process information by verifying data or coding, tabulating, compiling, and/or categorizing data.
A database administrator (DBA) would maintain and document information entering necessary data in magnetic, written or electronic form. They would maintain current technology and always implement new knowledge to their work. Communication with co-workers, supervisors, and/or management would be part of the job by providing relevant and expert advice to these or other groups on systems, processing or technical subjects. Therefore, communication skills would be considered valuable in this job.
A (DBA) database administrator would need to speak clearly and have any necessary information or updates understood by those listening. A skill-set with deductive reasoning by finding valid answers to specific problems or knowledge of ordering information by arranging data into specific rules, such as, patterns of pictures, words, letters or numbers would be needed as well.
A database administrator would carry complex solving skills, such as, correctly evaluating, solving and implementing solutions to a problem. They would also protect information of the company from any unauthorized persons by taking measures to implement changes to any vulnerable areas of their systems by always testing programs and correcting any necessary issues or weaknesses.
Benefits of a Database Administrator
Congratulations on taking the first step toward your future by reading our article about what a Database Administrator does and how to become one. We are committed to helping you find the career that fits you best. Next, we want to share the benefits of the job:
- Database Administrators are in high demand, and experienced people have great opportunities to gain employment.
- Careers in Database Administration offer challenges that keep the job from getting dull.
- This field also helps keep their technological, problem-solving, and analytical skills sharpened.
- Database Administrators have a flexible work/life balance with more recent opportunities to work from home.
- Most Database Administrators find their work to be rewarding and have job satisfaction.
- Employers often have competitive salaries and benefits.
Database Administrator Career Video Transcript
Database administrators are experts in storing and organizing data so that users can access the information they need, while keeping out unwelcome visitors. These IT professionals play a vital role in many industries— finance, shipping, healthcare, and others— that obtain and store sensitive, private data. Database administrators oversee the development of new databases… by analyzing the need for the database, clarifying the goals it’s intended to fulfill, and identifying its users.
Once the database is established, they monitor its performance and make improvements. Since many users rely on databases to accomplish their daily work, database administrators regularly back-up systems to prevent data loss, and establish steps to ensure the integrity of data that enters the system. When issues occur, they also find and fix sometimes deeply complex problems. Most database administrators work in computer systems design, data hosting, and data processing companies. There are also positions at insurance companies, banks and retailers, education services, and healthcare organizations. Almost all work full time.
Database administrators usually have a bachelor’s degree in management information systems or a computer-related field. Firms that manage large databases may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in a database-management related field.
Article Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Database Administrators.
National Center for O*NET Development. 15-1141.00. O*NET OnLine.
The career video is in the public domain from the U. S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
