Careers In Database Technology.
Is database good career?
Job Satisfaction…
A job with a low stress level, good work-life balance and solid prospects to improve, get promoted and earn a higher salary would make many employees happy.
There are many jobs related to database technology. This article will help you to get an idea about following career paths.
- Database Administrator
- Database Developer
- Database Engineer
- Database Programmer
- Database Analyst
1. Database Administrator
Database administrators use specialized software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They make sure that data are available to users and secure from unauthorized access. Database administrators, often called DBAs, make sure that data analysts and other users can easily use databases to find the information they need and that systems perform as they should. Some DBAs oversee the development of new databases. They have to determine the needs of the database and who will be using it. They often monitor database performance and conduct performance-tuning support.
Many databases contain personal or financial information, making security important. Database administrators often plan security measures, making sure that data are secure from unauthorized access.
Many database administrators are general-purpose DBAs and have all of these duties. However, some DBAs specialize in certain tasks that vary with an organization and its needs. Two common specialties are as follows:
System DBAs are responsible for the physical and technical aspects of a database, such as installing upgrades and patches to fix program bugs. They typically have a background in system architecture and ensure that the firm’s database management systems work properly.
Application DBAs support a database that has been 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 applications that work with the database. They also do all the tasks of a general DBA, but only for their particular application.
Duties
Database administrators typically do the following:
- Ensure that organizational data are secure
- Back up and restore data to prevent data loss
- Identify user needs to create and administer databases
- Ensure that databases operate efficiently and without error
- Make and test modifications to database structure when needed
- Maintain databases and update permissions
- Merge old databases into new ones
Requirements
Most database administrators have a bachelor’s degree in an information- or computer-related subject such as computer science. Firms with large databases may prefer applicants who have a master’s degree focusing on data or database management, typically either in computer science, information systems, or information technology.
Database administrators need an understanding of database languages, the most common of which is Structured Query Language, commonly called SQL. Most database systems use some variation of SQL, and a DBA will need to become familiar with whichever programming language the firm uses.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations for Database Administrators
Certification is generally offered directly from software vendors or vendor-neutral certification providers. Certification validates the knowledge and best practices required from DBAs. Companies may require their database administrators to be certified in the products they use.
Skills
Analytical skills. DBAs must monitor a database system’s performance to determine when action is needed. They must evaluate complex information that comes from a variety of sources.
Communication skills. Most database administrators work on teams and need to communicate effectively with developers, managers, and other workers.
Detail oriented. Working with databases requires an understanding of complex systems, in which a minor error can cause major problems. For example, mixing up customers’ credit card information can cause someone to be charged for a purchase he or she didn’t make.
Problem-solving skills. When database problems arise, administrators must troubleshoot and correct the problems.
Salary
Average salary of a database administrator is $79,000 per year. Salary range is $59,000-$107,000 per year.
2. Database Developer
Database developers ensure that database management systems (DBMS) can handle massive quantities of data. Also called database programmers, developers usually work as part of a software development team.
The role of database developer often falls into three distinct areas:
· Modifying and editing databases
· Designing and developing new databases
· Troubleshooting database issues
Duties
Here are some examples of typical tasks that database developers perform:
· Design new databases to meet the needs of the customers and users
· Develop database code to perform specific tasks, such as extracting data for reports, making updates or deleting data
· Modify and upgrade existing databases
· Use databases to design business intelligence reports
· Ensure new IT and business projects meet database standards and requirements
· Create IT documentation for new and existing databases
Requirements
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in database development, earning a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as applied mathematics or computer science is a good place to start.
While a degree is helpful, it’s not required — some database developers have also focused on building their skills through IT training courses and database certifications.
Next, you’ll need to build your development and programming skills.
SQL (Structured Query Language) is the primary language that database developers use. SQL allows developers to communicate with the database and perform a variety of tasks.
In addition to SQL, most developer positions also require language programming skills in C, C++, C# or Java.
Different companies use different database management systems, but the majority are built on SQL. As a general rule of thumb, if you know you want to work in a larger company or government organization, you should learn:
· Oracle Database
· Microsoft SQL Server
If you plan to work on smaller projects, you should learn:
· MySQL
· SQLite
· PostgreSQL
Salary
The average salary for a database developer is $73,500 per year. Salary range is $58,000-$102,000 per year.
3. Database Engineer
Database engineers, who may work as either applications or systems software developers, are generally employed by computer systems companies to design and monitor complex databases. They must make sure that a database is operational and provides valid and relevant data.
Database engineers manage a company’s flow of information. They design and maintain a database that provides informative and relevant data to other employees within the organization. Database engineers may be employed by financial services firms, healthcare providers and other companies that make use of large amounts of information.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the overall employment of software developers, including database engineers, is expected to increase by 21% between the years of 2018 and 2028.
Duties
Database engineers are in charge of keeping a company’s database available, secure and stable. They must constantly test the data that is coming from the database to ensure it is not corrupted. Most databases require constant updates to keep up ever-changing computer technologies. Database engineers integrate new products and software packages into the system, and seeing that the data produced is accurate. They may even train other employees in the organization on how to access a database and how to make the best use of its contents.
Requirements
Database engineers come into their positions in a variety of different paths, but all share an in-depth knowledge of computer programming and data manipulation techniques. There are many technical degrees that can help aspiring engineers develop a working knowledge of databases and computer technologies. Popular undergraduate majors include computer science, information science or mathematics. Since technology is constantly changing, some companies may give more credence to an applicant’s knowledge and professional experience than to their degree, but degrees are often required for entry-level positions.
Database engineers are a vital component for a variety of industries in that they create software and programs to run databases that contain and organize the wealth of information companies deal with on a regular basis.
Salary
The average salary for a data engineer is $103,000 per year. Salary range is $72,000-$158,000 per year.
4. Database Programmer
Database programmers are responsible for maintaining and updating computer programs and databases, and writing new code as requested or required. This role has an emphasis on MS Access, Visual Basic, SQL, and the manipulation of Microsoft Office products to extract information.
Duties
Database programmers write instructions that affect the way in which sets of records stored in a computer system are organized, managed, accessed and updated. These workers use specific database computer languages to write and test new database software; others update or repair existing programs; many are also required to write instructions or teach employees how to use the software. Some work on large projects involving many programmers; such workers are most likely to use tools that help speed up the programming process, allowing them to concentrate on those parts that are unique to a particular programming task.
Requirements
Educational:
Most employers in this field look for college graduates with relevant experience and knowledge of more than one database programming language. The majority of computer programmers now have at least a bachelor’s degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with majors such as information technology (IT), computer science or math. IT programs typically require courses in computer fundamentals; database technologies; project management and applicable legal issues.
Skills:
Database programmers need to be logical and capable of solving complex problems, with well-developed reading skills and a desire to constantly upgrade their knowledge. The Occupational Information Network (ONET) also notes that computer programmers often display a pronounced ability to order or pattern items according to a set of rules.
Salary
The average salary for a database programmer is $84,280per year. Salary range is $38,000-$126,000 per year.
5. Database Analyst
Database Analysts organize and make sense of collections of information in order to create functional database systems. They evaluate, design, review, and implement databases. They are also hired to maintain and update existing databases to better serve the needs of businesses.
Duties
- Confirms project requirements by studying user requirements; conferring with others on project team.
- Maintains data dictionary by revising and entering definitions.
- Maintains client confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
- Maintains technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing publications; establishing personal networks; participating in technical societies.
- Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer’s instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; evaluating new equipment and techniques.
- Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
- Determines changes in physical database by studying project requirements; identifying database characteristics, such as location, amount of space, and access method.
- Changes database system by coding database descriptions.
- Protects database by developing access system; specifying user level of access.
- Maintains user reference by writing and rewriting database descriptions.
Requirements
Employers typically look for applicants with a bachelor’s degree. Programs, such as the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in databases, cover topics like networking fundamentals, programming logic, database design and development, applied systems analysis, IT research and computer architecture. Some programs offer specific courses to prepare students for pursuing industry certification. Students can generally expect to complete a capstone project or gain field experience prior to graduation.
Within a bachelor’s degree program, you might also want to complete a minor in a related field to database analysis. If the bachelor’s degree program does not include a concentration in database design, analysis or administration, students might consider completing a minor in database technologies. These minors can help narrow a student’s field of study to their intended career path through classes in areas such as advanced database management systems, advanced design technology and multimedia authoring.
- Programming Languages (R/SAS): data analysts should be proficient in one language and have working knowledge of a few more. Data analysts use programming languages such as R and SAS for data gathering, data cleaning, statistical analysis, and data visualization.
- Creative and Analytical Thinking: Curiosity and creativity are key attributes of a good data analyst. It’s important to have a strong grounding in statistical methods, but even more critical to think through problems with a creative and analytical lens. This will help the analyst to generate interesting research questions that will enhance a company’s understanding of the matter at hand.
- Strong and Effective Communication: Data analysts must clearly convey their findings — whether it’s to an audience of readers or a small team of executives making business decisions. Strong communication is the key to success.
- Data Visualization: Effective data visualization takes trial and error. A successful data analyst understands what types of graphs to use, how to scale visualizations, and know which charts to use depending on their audience.
- Data Warehousing: Some data analysts work on the back-end. They connect databases from multiple sources to create a data warehouse and use querying languages to find and manage data.
- SQL Databases: SQL databases are relational databases with structured data. Data is stored in tables and a data analyst pulls information from different tables to perform analysis.
- Database Querying Languages: The most common querying language data analysts use is SQL and many variations of this language exist, including PostreSQL, T-SQL, PL/SQL (Procedural Language/SQL).
- Data Mining, Cleaning and Munging: When data isn’t neatly stored in a database, data analysts must use other tools to gather unstructured data. Once they have enough data, they clean and process through programming.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel: Data analysts should have a good handle on excel and understand advanced modelling and analytics techniques.
- Machine Learning: Data analysts with machine learning skills are incredibly valuable, although machine learning is not expected skill of typical data analyst jobs.
Salary
The average Data Analyst salary in the United States is $76,371 as of September 25, 2020, but the salary range typically falls between $66,834 and $85,767.
