Best Tips to Become a Database Administrator in 2023

Becoming a database administrator is a gratifying job. It is the ideal position for anyone who loves to work with data. You can manage a data system’s maintenance, access, storage, and security in this role. If you would like to learn more details about the career of a database administrator, here are a few points to know if you want to pursue this role. 

Are you looking to get ahead of the competition? At TECH I.S., we offer online programs and certifications that can help your career as a database administrator!

What Does a Database Administrator Do?

Database administrators will have a lot of responsibility in the IT department. They have to manage, store, and organize data, including financial information and customer records. These professionals will oversee the security and access of the data. These data administrators must also:

– Modify or merge existing databases to meet the needs of their company

– Customize or create a database that is capable of organizing and storing a business’s data

– Provide database users with the appropriate level of access

– Install a security program in the database

– Perform routine backup to avoid data loss and keep all information secure

Generally, many database administrators will work in an office environment. They will use desktop or laptop computers to manage the database base. Sometimes, the administrator may work in the server rooms to work on the database. 

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Database Administrator’s Average Salary

The position of database administrator is a full-time role within the company. The location of the job and the administrator’s experience will affect their annual salary. According to Indeed, the typical wage for a database administrator is $92,446 per year. However, there is a wide range of pay for this role. The average pay range is between $32,000 to $183,000 per year.

Requirements for a Database Administrator 

In many cases, employers will want to hire a database administrator with a bachelor’s degree. Future employers also want to see the individuals’ relevant skills for the role. 

Education

As stated previously, employers expect a database administrator to have a bachelor’s degree in technology- or computer-related. Some of the common majors for this professional position include:

Information Technology: With this degree, an individual will learn about network and system administration, computer security, system architecture, and website technology. 

Computer science: This major focus on computer architecture, data management, logic design, programming management, and network fundamentals. 

Training

Currently, there is no standardized testing or training for database administrators. However, many will have on-the-job training sessions. Most of these programs last for a week, allowing the new administrator to learn about a specific company’s procedures, policies, and workflows. Typically, database administrators will have some prior experience in the information technology field. They may have worked in systems administration or IT support. Those roles allow them to improve their knowledge of computer languages and database support. 

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Certifications

Database administrators should often have some type of certification from a specific software vendor, especially if they need to use those applications. A certificate shows future employees that the individual has a strong understanding of the software or application. Some of the most popular credentials for a database administer include:

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: SQL Database Administration

This certification focuses on database administration and Structured Query Languages (SQL). The database administrator will often pursue the more advanced Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert certification. 

IBM Certified Database Administrator

This certification from IBM requires the individual to pass two exams about SQL and the DB2 platform. Individuals who pass this program can also seek the IBM Advanced Database Administrator credential.

Oracle Database Administrator Certified Associate

The Oracle certification only requires one exam. Those who complete the course can work on obtaining the Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional or Oracle Database Administrator Certified Master credentials.

Skills

On-the-job skills are essential to this position. Database administrators must have the following:

Analytical Skills

These professionals are responsible for monitoring the database and taking any necessary action if there are problems. With their analytical skills, they can examine and take action using information from several sources. 

Attention To Detail

Any simple mistakes in a database can lead to significant problems, inducing downtime. Database administrators must pay attention to their work to avoid access, storage, or security issues. 

Communication Skills

Whether the database administrator works in a small or big company, their actions can affect many people. They need the right communication skills to communicate problems and resolutions to their colleagues and company leaders. 

Understand Computer Languages

Along with obtaining certification for the leading software vendors, the database administrator should know the basics of computer languages, such as HTML, Apache, Java, and SQL. These database administrators should also be familiar with UNIX and Linux platforms, along with Oracle and Microsoft Access. 

Problem-Solving Skills

In this role, the database administrator must address data access, security, and storage issues. As a result, they must have strong problem-solving skills to identify the problem sources, research solutions, and implement a plan to fix any issues. 

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Becoming a Database Administrator

There are several steps to follow to become a database administrator. 

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Anyone interested in becoming a database administrator must obtain a bachelor’s degree in technology or computer science. A solid educational foundation can prepare a person for work in the database administrator field. 

Gain Work Experience

After earning that bachelor’s degree, it is time to find an entry-level job in the IT field. Many database administrators will start as system administration assistants to IT support associates to help them get practical experience in the workplace. 

Learn Basic Computer Languages

Chances are you will need to learn SQL for the job. If you don’t master this language, you could struggle to find a database administration job. Taking an online course will help you learn the basics of this basic computer language. 

Master Platforms and Programs 

It is essential never to stop learning on the job. You will want to know and use critical platforms and programs like Linux, UNIX, and Oracle. Once again, there are online courses to assist you with this step. 

Get Software Vendor Certification

Check out which software vendors’ certifications are in demand and work towards earning them. Showing you have these credentials will put you ahead of the competition for database administrator jobs. 

Build a Resume

After you have all the basics in place, you need to create a resume to find the right job for you. In the resume, you will want to include your education level, certifications, relevant work experience, and technical skills. 

Start on the Path as Database Administrator

Becoming a database administrator takes a lot of training and skills. However, with the right help, you can start training to enhance your knowledge and skills that are needed for the role. If you want to work in a vital IT role for a company, consider becoming a database administrator. 

Want to add a few skills to your resume? At TECH I.S., we offer credentials that can help you stand out as a candidate for a database administrator position.