Database administrator
A database administrator (DBA) is responsible for the performance, integrity and security of a database. Additional role requirements are likely to include planning, development and troubleshooting.
The database approach incorporates the following principles:
DBA roles are increasingly identified by the databases, the processes they administer and the capabilities of the database management system (DBMS) in use.
The work of a DBA varies according to the nature of the employing organisation and the level of responsibility associated with the post. The work may be pure maintenance or it may also involve specialising in database development.
Typical responsibilities include some or all of the following:
Because of the increasing levels of hacking and the sensitive nature of data stored, security and disaster recovery have become increasingly important aspects of the work.
Salary data from IT Jobs Watch . Figures are intended as a guide only.
Although this area of work is open to all graduates, the following degree subjects may improve your chances:
Relevant HND subject areas include physical, mathematical and applied science. An HND in computer studies, software engineering or information technology in particular may increase your chances of entry.
Entry without a degree or HND is possible for those with good all-round IT skills.
A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is likely to improve your prospects if your first degree is in a non-computing subject. Diplomates can apply for some postgraduate courses but tend to need considerable practical experience in computing.
Most opportunities require experience in the computer industry. This can be obtained by undertaking part-time work, work placements during vacation time, or by taking a sandwich degree that includes a work placement.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
The role of a database administrator (DBA) is highly specialised and vacancy numbers have been steadily increasing in recent years and experienced DBAs are sought after. There has been an increase in graduate recruitment in the IT sector and, despite the recession, there is evidence of a skills shortage. Direct entry to graduate DBA roles is likely to be with very large organisations.
Many DBAs have had experience in programming. It is also a good idea to familiarise yourself with as many database technologies and operating systems as possible. Most DBA positions require knowledge of structured query language (SQL), Unix and database management systems (DBMS).
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Most training is provided on the job. It is technical in nature to ensure that you're up to speed with software developments and is supplemented by short, internal or external courses as appropriate. Career progression will be helped by taking additional courses, and experienced staff are expected to have completed a database certification programme such as Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA), IBM UK or Oracle Database Certification.
In-house courses may also cover 'soft skills' training in communication, time management and customer service skills. To understand user needs, database administrators (DBAs) must be able to work in multidisciplinary teams, often including senior managers, and additional training may be given in this area, along with sessions on company products and procedures.
Formal training is more likely in larger companies than in small ones, where on-the-job training is the norm and the provision of technical manuals, CD-ROMs and web-based programmes for self-study is typical. Larger companies may offer mentoring schemes and tailor training to facilitate individual development plans.
It is vital to keep your technical skills up to date. Professional qualifications, which are delivered by the BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT) , the Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS) and the SFIA Foundation (Skills Framework for the Information Age) provide a means for IT professionals to monitor and develop their skills.
e-skills UK - The Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology has created the National Skills Academy for IT in conjunction with employers. It aims to help subscribers who are interested in, (or already working in), IT to identify suitable courses, qualifications and apprenticeships. There are courses, mentors, eBooks and more available online.
Database administrators (DBAs) work in a wide variety of organisations and career prospects will vary accordingly. Larger organisations may offer structured career paths to the level of lead or senior DBA, with increasing management and technical responsibility. Many DBAs move on to other areas, such as:
The combination of technical and management skills may open up more strategic roles.
The increase in internet traffic has resulted in information playing an even more central role in business, with many organisations now relying heavily on online databases for both commercial and administrative purposes. Any expertise gained in this area may assist in future career progression and employability. The move towards paperless offices in the public sector and the introduction of increasingly sophisticated payment and logistics systems in industry all point to increasing opportunities for DBAs.
A large number of DBAs choose to work as freelance consultants or contractors, capitalising on their specialist technical knowledge. Projects might include the design and development of a smaller database or working as part of a large-scale project in conjunction with specialist IT firms and consultants. This does require substantial experience, but you may find the financial benefits and freedom to take time off between contracts attractive.
Opportunities can arise within any organisation that makes use of computerised databases. These include organisations in the public sector, such as local and central government, colleges and the National Health Service (NHS), as well as those in the private and not-for-profit sectors. Examples of private companies include banks, financial organisations, retail and insurance companies. IT companies also employ database administrators, both to run their own systems and to work on client projects.
Opportunities also exist in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Even relatively small companies hold a great deal of information on their members, clients and suppliers, and this data is crucial if they are to compete with others in the sector. Businesses are increasingly using the information held on their databases to target new customers and launch new products and services.
Virtually all companies recruiting for IT vacancies advertise them on the internet and many now actively prefer online applications.
Search the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) consultancy finder for details of the wide range of IT recruitment agencies and to search for agencies by type of vacancy and location.
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