SYNOPSIS
A Database Administrator,
also known as a database analyst or database developer, is an IT professional
who manages information that is typically critical to the success of an
organization. This data oversight includes knowing which data to store, how to
organize that data, how to secure and preserve that data, and how to provide
that data in such a way as to answer pressing business questions.
Duties of a database
administrator include the installation, performance and maintenance of a
database management system, proficiency with SQL (Structured Query Language),
planning the structure and design of a database through tools such as an entity
relationship diagram, the creation of databases and database objects such as
tables and views, database security, and the creation of interfaces and reports
to input and view the data respectively. Database administration is a highly
technical role. A good understanding of operating systems and networking is a
big asset, as well as the ability to program. However, strong interpersonal
skills are also important, especially when it comes time to understand and then
translate the business needs of an organization into a database system. In
addition, a strong business sense is critical; namely, the ability to map the
work flow and related information flow of an organization to a database. A
person who has a knack with this task has a long and promising career ahead.
A person may consider
entering this field after attaining a Computer Science or Computer Engineering
university degree or a one or two year computer diploma from a local technical
institute. However, some database administrators are quite proficient without
this recommended educational background or with, instead, a business-related
educational background. Either way, at least some dedicated training and
certification in a leading relational database is recommended. A high level of
attention to detail, and the ability to translate business concepts into the
data realm are key success factors for a database administrator.
A database administrator, as
he or she gains experience, generally has an increasing number of work
opportunities, both within the same organization and from other organizations. In
time, many database administrators move into more critical and higher paying
roles such as a data warehouse specialist and data-mining expert, while others
will choose a path leading towards IT management.
Salary information is so
dependent on an IT professional’s particular skill set, experience and geographic
location. However, talented application developers can attain salaries approaching
$70,000 USD or much higher.
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