Database Administrator

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A database administrator could...

Overview Listen to this section

Databases are collections of similar records, like the products a company sells, information on all people with a driver's license for a state, or the medical records in a hospital. Database administrators have the important job of figuring out how to organize, access, store, search, cross-reference, and protect all those records. Their services are needed by law enforcement, government agencies, and every type of business imaginable. Management of large databases is also critical for scientific research, including understanding and developing cures for diseases.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Database Administrator?

1. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
2. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
3. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
4. Active Listening: ? Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
5. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

6. Active Learning: ? Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
7. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
8. Programming: ? Writing computer programs for various purposes.
9. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
10. Monitoring: ? Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Database Administrator might do:

• Modify existing databases and database management systems or direct programmers and analysts to make changes.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure.
• Plan and install upgrades of database management system software to enhance database performance.
• Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.
• Test changes to database applications or systems.
• Test programs or databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifications.
• Train users and answer questions.
• Provide technical support to junior staff or clients.
• Approve, schedule, plan, and supervise the installation and testing of new products and improvements to computer systems, such as the installation of new databases.
• Develop standards and guidelines for the use and acquisition of software and to protect vulnerable information.
• Write and code logical and physical database descriptions and specify identifiers of database to management system, or direct others in coding descriptions.
• Develop data models describing data elements and how they are used, following procedures and using pen, template, or computer software.
• Select and enter codes to monitor database performance and to create production databases.
• Identify, evaluate and recommend hardware or software technologies to achieve desired database performance.
• Review procedures in database management system manuals to make changes to database.