How to become A Database Administrator

• Network and Database Administrator

What do Database Administrators do?

A Database Administrator would typically need to:

• Establish user needs, monitor user access and security, and map out the conceptual design for a planned database
• Consider back-end organization of data and front-end accessibility for end-users; monitor performance and manage parameters to provide fast responses to front-end users
• Refine the logical design so that it can be translated into a specific data model; refine the physical design to meet system storage requirements
• Install and test new versions of the database management system (DBMS); maintain quality service by establishing and enforcing organization standards, including adherence to the Data Protection Act
• Write database documentation, including data standards, procedures, and definitions for the data dictionary (metadata)
• Control access permissions and privileges; develop, manage and test back-up, security, and disaster recovery plans
• Carry out capacity planning; ensure that storage and archiving procedures are functioning correctly
• Communicate regularly with technical, applications, and operational staff such as IT project managers, database programmers, and multimedia programmers to ensure database integrity and security
• Customise existing applications to make them fit for purpose; commission and install new applications

The working environment is informal, and it is possible to work from home or other remote locations. There is an increasing trend towards working from home. Travel and absence from home overnight may occasionally be required. The dress code is business casual unless otherwise specified.

Working hours are usually 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, and may include regular hours. Database Administrators may need to work overnight and on weekends (during periods of low usage) to carry out maintenance and development work. You may also have to be on call at times, ready to respond if a critical problem occurs.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. DBAs can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Database Administrators are generally employed by:

• Internet Service Providers
• Data-Processing Firms
• Insurance Companies
• Banks
• Retail Companies
• Healthcare Firms

Professional associations and organizations are crucial for Database Administrators interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• The shift to an application-centric focus and the need to support multiple database platforms
• Expanding responsibilities for managing database performance in the cloud as well as on the premises; productivity affected by multitasking and interruptions at the workplace
• Reduced availability of paid training and paid tuning packs to troubleshoot professional performance problems
• Demanding work with significant pressure to complete deadlines

Sandwich degrees that include a work placement offer invaluable hands-on experience in the IT industry and can sometimes lead to employment after graduation. It is an excellent idea to gain some programming experience and familiarize yourself with as many database technologies and operating systems as possible.

Database Administrators usually have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer software/computer systems engineering, electronics, information technology, mathematics, or operational research.

Entry without a degree may be possible for candidates with good all-round IT skills. A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not essential but is likely to improve your prospects if your first degree is in a non-computing subject.

Certification demonstrates competence in a skill or set of skills, typically through work experience, training, the passage of an examination, or some combination of the three.

Certification from objective and reputed software vendors or vendor-neutral certification providers can help Database Administrators gain professional credibility, stand out in a competitive job market, and become independent consultants. Although most positions require knowledge of structured query language (SQL), Unix, and DBMS, it helps when DBAs have adequate certification in the specific products used by their employers as well.

Your career prospects will depend on the type of organization you work for. Larger organizations may offer structured career paths to the level of Lead or Senior Database Administrator, with increasing management and technical responsibility. You could eventually run a team or whole department if you gain the right experience and undertake any necessary and relevant qualifications. You could advance to being a Computer and Information Systems Manager.

You could move into other areas, such as systems development, project management, network management, or database architecture. You could also choose to work as a freelance consultant or contractor, capitalizing on your specialist technical knowledge.

Job prospects should be favorable. Database Administrators are in high demand, and firms sometimes have difficulty finding qualified workers. Applicants who have experience with the latest technology should have the best prospects.

Database Administrators have access to in-house training, largely consisting of technical training on the systems used by their employer. They may also take additional short, internal, or external courses in any relevant software developments to boost professional progress. Most employers expect experienced staff to have completed a database certification program such as Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) – Data Platform or Business Intelligence IBM Certified Database Administrator and Oracle Database Certification.

In-house soft skills training in communication, time management, customer service skills, and company products and procedures helps DBAs work in multidisciplinary teams with a practical understanding of user needs. Larger companies may offer mentoring schemes and individually-tailored training plans, but DBAs working at a smaller company may need to use technical manuals, CD-ROMs, and web-based programs for self-study.

Membership in professional societies helps DBAs maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and benchmarking state-of-the-art practices.

The Name Says It Al

l Many Database Administrators are general-purpose DBAs, while some DBAs specialize in certain tasks that vary with the organization and its needs.

System DBAs are responsible for the physical and technical aspects of a database, such as installing upgrades and patches to fix program bugs.

Application DBAs support a database designed for a specific application or a set of applications, such as customer service software. Using complex programming languages, they may write or debug programs and must be able to manage the aspects of the applications that work with the database.

The Lowdown on Employment

The role is highly specialized, and vacancy numbers have been steadily increasing in recent years. Direct entry to graduate roles is likely with large organizations. There are numerous opportunities to work abroad.

Most Database Administrators work full time for computer systems design and related services firms. Some choose firms that keep track of vast amounts of personal and financial data for their clients or retail companies that keep track of their buyers’ credit card and shipping information. Healthcare firms need DBAs to manage their patients' medical records. Experienced DBAs may find that contract roles are definite possibilities.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs. Full-Time Employment

Being a freelance DBA offers freedom regarding flexible schedules, working hours, and location. They have full ownership of the business and can afford selectivity in terms of the variety of projects and clients presented. While it has unlimited earning potential, freelancing comes with less stability and security, with inconsistent work and cash flow. There is more responsibility, effort, and risk involved. There are no paid holidays, and sick/maternity/paternity leaves are almost unaffordable. There is the added pressure of a self-employment tax and no eligibility for unemployment benefits.

However, a full-time DBA has access to company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Despite that, they are susceptible to potential boredom and inability to pursue passion projects due to their lack of time or effort. With a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety, there is also a need to budget extra money for commuting and attire costs.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

We create an estimated 2.5 quintillion (that’s a 1 with 18 zeros, just FYI) bytes of data every day.

Data has become the new asset that organizations must protect and cherish at all costs to retain their customers. More than anyone else, Database Administrators are relied on as the gatekeepers of this bounty, implementing security measures to ensure that sensitive data does not fall into the hands of unruly pirates while also managing the databases that help store and organize it.

There’s an earnest debate going on these days about whether container virtualization is the way to house a database. Collective and synchronized updates are critical and must be a central point of your database administration plan.