database administrator

What does a Database Administrator do?

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A database administrator keeps a company’s data secure from unauthorized people. Additionally, the data they secure includes the business, employee, and customer data. They also organize and store data in specialized software and search for any potential security risks or issues. Watch a video to learn what a database administrator does.

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

database administrator

A database administrator analyzes data by interacting with computer software and hardware. Additionally, they process information, write software, enter data, or set up necessary functions. They also break down information into separate parts and identify the reasons, underlying principles, or facts as part of the analyzation process. These professionals would then also be expected to find appropriate solutions to problems after evaluating 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

Next, let’s learn about the benefits of the job. First, database administrators are highly sought-after, particularly for those with experience. Additionally, this career path offers constant challenges that keep the job exciting and engaging. Database administrators also continually hone their technological, problem-solving, and analytical skills, ensuring they stay at the forefront of their field. Finally, this profession grants people with the flexibility to maintain a healthy work-life balance and opportunities for remote work. Employers in this field also typically offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages.

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.

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