What do database managers do

By: Justin Stoltzfus Contributor, Reviewer. By: Satish Balakrishnan. Dictionary Dictionary Term of the Day. Natural Language Processing. Techopedia Terms. Connect with us. Sign up. Database administrators use software to make sense of information and to arrange and organize it into meaningful patterns. The information is then stored in the databases that these workers administer, test, and maintain. When problems with a database arise, administrators must be able to diagnose and correct them.

Many database administrators are general-purpose DBAs and have all these duties. However, 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 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 aspects of the applications that work with the database.

You can enter this career with a degree in any subject but the following may be particularly useful:. 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. A pre-entry postgraduate qualification isn't essential but is likely to improve your prospects if your first degree is in a non-computing subject.

Most database administrator jobs require some sort of experience in the IT industry. Look out for sandwich degrees that include a work placement. These offer invaluable hands-on experience and can sometimes lead to employment after graduation. It's a good idea to gain some experience in programming and to familiarise yourself with as many database technologies and operating systems as possible.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available. Opportunities can arise within any organisation that uses computerised databases, including organisations in the public, private and third sectors.

IT companies employ database administrators 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 use the information held on their databases to target new customers and launch new products and services. The role is highly specialised and vacancy numbers have been steadily increasing in recent years.

Direct entry to graduate roles is likely to be with very large organisations. Contracting is an option for experienced DBAs, and most job sites also deal with contract roles. Search niche sites like Contractor UK and Freelancers.

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Additional training needed postemployment to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation. Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.

The employment, or size, of this occupation in , which is the base year of the employment projections. The projected percent change in employment from to The average growth rate for all occupations is 8 percent. Menu Search button Search:. Summary Please enable javascript to play this video. What Database Administrators and Architects Do About this section Database administrators ensure databases run efficiently. Job Outlook About this section Database Administrators and Architects Percent change in employment, projected Computer occupations.

Database administrators and architects Projections Central Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information LMI or individual state Employment Projections offices. CareerOneStop CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. Similar Occupations About this section This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of database administrators and architects.

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Contacts for More Information The More Information tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. On-the-job Training Additional training needed postemployment to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation. Entry-level Education Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation. Work experience in a related occupation Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.

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