b>Database Administrator Roles and Responsibilities:
A Database Admininstrator, Database Analyst or DatabaseDeveloper is the person responsible for managing the informationwithin an organization. As most companies continue to experienceinevitable growth of their databases, these positions areprobably the most solid within the IT industry. In most cases,it is not an area that is targeted for layoffs or downsizing. Onthe downside, however, most database departments are oftenunderstaffed, requiring adminstrators to perform a multitude oftasks.
Depending on the company and the department, this role caneither be highly specialized or incredibly diverse. The primaryrole of the Database Administrator is to adminster, develop,maintain and implement the policies and procedures necessary toensure the security and integrity of the corporate database. Subroles within the Database Administrator classification mayinclude security, architecture, warehousing and/or businessanalysis. Other primary roles will include:
* Implementation of data models
* Database design
* Database accessibility
* Performance issues
* Capacity issues
* Data replication
* Table Maintainence
Database Administrators are often on-call and required to workas needed. This position carries an enormous amount ofresponsibility.
Potential opportunities for advancement :
Typically, Database Administrators either move into managementor more specialized roles such as data warehousing, security oranalysis.
Educational Requirements:
Normally, Database Administrator positions require a collegedegree, 1-3 years of technical experience and 1-3 months offormal training. Potential candidates should have excellentmathematical skills, and will be required to work independently.Database Administrators will be required to work within theframework of the organization, making teamwork a must.Candidates should also have the ability to change directions,priorities and focus quickly without losing productivity. Mostpositions require expertise in one or several of the followingsystems :
* Windows NT
* Oracle 8 Enterprise Server
* TMS
* PL/SQL
* UNIX
* Informix
* DB2
It is an excellent idea to focus on one speciality area.Security, for example, is a very hot industry today. Aspecialization will not only increase your value but will alsoenhance your marketability.
A Bachelor's degree in computer science or M.I.S. is preferableto a general degree and will add weight to your resume, salarynegotiations and advancement potential. It is also extremelyimportant to stay current regarding the IT industry andpotential changes. A strong background in business is a definiteplus as well as any previous experience in data modeling,fulfillment, mail order or distribution.
Salary Potential : (As reported by the U.S. Dept. ofLabor)
Average salaries (nationwide): Entry (less than 1 year ofexperience): Administrator $49,000 Analyst $40,967
Junior (1-2 years of experience): Administrator $52,289 Analyst $49,710
Emerging (3-5 years of experience): Administrator $66,067 Analyst $56,472
Experienced (6-9 years of experience): Administrator $76,716 Analyst $66,652
Advanced (10+ years of experience): Administrator $91,098 Analyst $80,648
Industry Certifications :
It is highly recommended that any potential DatabaseAdministrators take the time to obtain certifications. Microsoftand Oracle seem to be the favored ones here. Oracle DBA's arecurrently earning some of the highest six-figure salaries on theWest Coast. An added plus is to diversify training andcertifications within design, programming and data warehousing.The most recommended certifications include:
Master CIW Enterprise Developer
MCDBA
Oracle8i DBA OCP
Oracle9i DBA OCA
Oracle9i DBA OCP
Oracle9i OCM
Security+
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