Career As Database Administrator

WHAT IS THIS JOB LIKE?

The Internet and electronic commerce (e-commerce) generate lots of data. Computer databases that store information are found in nearly every industry. Data must be stored, organized, and managed. Database administrators work with database software to find ways to do this. They identify user needs, set up computer databases, and test systems. They ensure that systems perform as they should and add people to the system as needed. Database administrators often plan security measures. Data integrity, backup, and security are critical parts of the job.

Database administrators work in offices or labs. They usually work about 40 hours a week, but evening or weekend work may be needed for meeting deadlines. Telecommuting—working from home—is common for computer professionals.

Like other workers who spend long periods in front of a computer, database administrators can suffer eyestrain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems.



HOW DO YOU GET READY?
Database administrators must be able to think logically. Being able to concentrate and pay close attention to detail is important. These computer specialists sometimes work on their own, but they often work in teams. They must be able to communicate with computer personnel, such as programmers and managers. They must also communicate with other staff who may have no computer training.

Rapidly changing technology requires highly skilled and educated employees. There is no single way to prepare for a job as a database administrator.

Employers often seek workers who have a degree in computer science, information science, or a related information technology field.

Many community colleges and technical schools offer specific training programs to help meet the needs of local businesses. A growing number of businesses also seek workers with a graduate degree.

Despite employers' preference for those with technical degrees, persons with degrees in a variety of majors find computer jobs. One factor affecting the needs of employers is changes in technology. Employers often scramble to find workers who know the latest new technologies. Many people take courses regularly to keep up with the changes in technology.

Jobseekers can improve their chances by working in internship or co-op programs at their schools. There are many internships where you can learn computer skills that employers are looking for.

Certification is a way to show a level of competence. Many employers regard these certifications as the industry standard. One way to acquire enough knowledge to get a database administrator job is to become certified in a specific type of database management. Voluntary certification also is available through various organizations associated with computer specialists.

Database administrators may advance into managerial positions. For example, a promotion to chief technology officer might be made on the basis of experience managing data and enforcing security.

HOW MUCH DOES THIS JOB PAY?
In May 2008, average yearly wages of database administrators were $72,900. Database administrators who worked at companies that designed computer systems earned an average of $81,050 in May 2008.

HOW MANY JOBS ARE THERE?
There were about 120,400 database administrators in 2008.

Database administrators work in every sector of the economy. The largest number work in the computer systems design and related services industry. Many work for Internet service providers, Web search portals, and data-processing, hosting, and related services firms.

WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE?
The number of database administrators is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2018. This is because the Internet and e-commerce will continue to expand, resulting in a continuing need to build and maintain databases. Also, the increasing importance being placed on "cyber security"—the protection of electronic information—will require workers skilled in information security.

Job growth will not be as rapid as during the previous decade. The information technology sector will begin to mature and routine work will increasingly be outsourced overseas.

Those having a college or graduate degree in computer science or a related field will have a good chance of getting a job. Those having a lot of related work experience will also have a good chance.

DATABASE? you know what it is?

Introduction
What is a Database?

A collection of related pieces of data:
��Representing/capturing the information about a real-world enterprise or part of an enterprise.
��Collected and maintained to serve specific data management needs of the enterprise.
��Activities of the enterprise are supported by the database andcontinually update the database.

An Example
University Database: Data about students, faculty, courses, research-laboratories, course registration/enrollment etc.Reflects the state of affairs of the academic aspects of the university.
Purpose: To keep an accurate track of the academic activities of the university.

One of the technology terms that most people have become accustomed to hearing either at work or while surfing the Internet is the database. The database used to be an extremely technical term, however with the rise of computer systems and information technology throughout our culture, the database has become a household term.
A database is a structured collection of records or data that is stored in a computer system. In order for a database to be truly functional, it must not only store large amounts of records well, but be accessed easily. In addition, new information and changes should also be fairly easy to input. In order to have a highly efficient database system, a program that manages the queries and information stored on the system must be incorporated. This is usually referred to as DBMS or a Database Management System. Besides these features, all databases that are created should be built with high data integrity and the ability to recover data if hardware fails.

Types of Databases

There are several common types of databases. Each type of database has its own data model (how the data is structured). They include Flat Model, Hierarchical Model, Relational Model, and Network Model.

The Flat Model Database

In a flat model database, there is a two dimensional (flat structure) array of data. For instance, there is one column of information and within this column it is assumed that each data item is related to the other. For instance, a flat model database includes only zip codes. Within the database, there is only one column and each new row within that one column will be a new zip code.

The Hierarchical Model Database

The hierarchical model database resembles a tree like structure, such as how Microsoft Windows organizes folders and files. In a hierarchical model database, each upward link is nested in order to keep data organized in a particular order on a same level list. For instance, a hierarchical database of sales may list each day’s sales as a separate file. Within this nested file are all of the sales (same types of data) for the day.

The Network Model

In a network model, the defining feature is that a record is stored with a link to other records – in effect networked. These networks (or sometimes referred to as pointers) can be any  type of information such as node numbers or even a disk address.

The Relational Model

The relational model is the most popular type of database and an extremely powerful tool, not only to store information, but to access it as well. Relational databases are organized as tables. The beauty of a table is that the information can be accessed or added without reorganizing the tables. A table can have many records and each record can have many fields.
Tables are sometimes called a relation. For instance, a company can have a database called customer orders. Within this database are several different tables or relations all relating to customer orders. Tables can include customer information (name, address, contact, info, customer number, etc.) and other tables (relations) such as orders that the customer previously bought (this can include item number, item description, payment amount, payment method, etc.). It should be noted that every record (group of fields) in a relational database has its own primary key. A primary key is a unique field that makes it easy to identify a record.
Relational databases use a program interface called SQL (Standard Query Language). SQL is currently used on practically all relational databases. Relational databases are extremely easy to customize to fit almost any kind of data storage. Relations can easily be created for items for sale, employees in a company, etc.

Accessing Information with a Database

While storing data is a great database feature, many database users consider quick and simple information retrieval the most important. It is extremely easy to pull up information regarding an employee in a relational database. Relational databases also add the power of running queries. Queries are requests to pull specific types of information and either show them in their natural state or create a report using the data. For instance, if someone had a database of employees that included tables such as salary and job description, he/she could easily run a query of which jobs pay over a certain amount. No matter what kind of information is stored on a database, queries can be created with SQL to help answer important questions.

Storing a Database

Databases can be very small (less than 1 MB) or extremely large and complicated (terabytes as in many government databases). However, all databases are usually stored and located on hard disks or other types of storage devices and are accessed via computer. Large databases may require separate servers and locations, however many small databases can fit easily as files located on the computer’s hard drive.

Securing a Database

Obviously, many databases store confidential and important information that not just anyone can easily access. Many databases require passwords and other security features in order to access the information. While some databases can be accessed via the Internet through a network, other databases are closed systems and can only be accessed on site.