Responsibilities of a Database Administrator
Database administrators are required to develop and design of database strategies apart from tracking and improving database performance if need be. If expansion needs to be done, they think of ways to enhance database capacity. Ensuring database security and co-ordination is also their responsibility.
Organize and reorganize a database by writing focused instructions that instructs the computer as to how to collect and sort data. They also write programs that instruct the computer to extract data and create reports. They are also supposed to monitor the database to ensure that it is safe. The database could be of names, addresses, salary, etc.
They are responsible for the efficient working of the system software and security of the data. Database administrators work in comfortable office environment and generally work for forty to fifty hours a week. Although one can now work from any part of the world with the assistance of the internet but we still need these office environments for security reasons.
As the database system is always connected to the internet the security of the data is an issue of concern for the database administrator (DBA). They also need to form procedures and policies for use and management of the data. A DBA should always remain updated with new designs as well as new technologies that are coming to the market.
With the ever changing technology, database administrators need to keep themselves updated with advanced technologies. This would not only enhance their knowledge but also benefit the organization for which they work.
Education and Skill Sets required for being a Database Administrator
Database administrators are required to have a certification or degree in database design and development. Such certifications include the Microsoft Certified Database Administrator, Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS), (MCTS) Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist or Oracle DBA Certified exams.
Employers generally look for a bachelor's degree in computer science and good knowledge of Microsoft access, and Structured Query Learning or SQL In today's world, database administrators are expected to know about Microsoft Access, Oracle, and UNIX. Knowledge of database management software is a must. With the basics in place one can always learn new technologies and database systems. One can give these examinations and enhance knowledge.
Excellent communication skills are required to interact with various members of the team, seniors and clients. Project documentation skills are also needed. A Database Administrator should be a rational thinker and must be able to find issues in the database in order to solve them. The database projects are usually big and have a number of people working on it, so interpersonal skills are important to work in a team. The desire to learn the latest advancements in technology is important in this field, as technology which is new today becomes obsolete tomorrow.
The Future of a Database Administrator
According to a US census conducted in 2006, there were around 136,000 people employed in the database administration field in the USA. The employment opportunities in this field are expected to grow up to 37% from 2006-2016. The major employment generating areas are IT firms. These firms provide data processing related services to their clients and this is where they need to employ a DBA.
Many of them also get absorbed in the insurance sector, hospitals, universities etc. Many data administrators work independently and become consultants once they have attained enough experience. The rise of networking and e- commerce in the last few years has opened immense employment options in data administration area. Managing a database which contains important information has become vital, as everything is now in the virtual world, the client, the vendor as well as the business.
According to the US census conducted in 2006, the average earning of a database administrator is $64,670 annually. The ones employed in computer system designs had relatively a better salary as compared to the ones managing organization's earnings and database. As you advance in your career you can also become Database Manager and can annually earn $84,000. This figure can surely go up to $116,000 depending upon the organization you are employed, your skills and experience. Job opportunities are immense for the right candidate with suitable qualifications and experience.
