Database Administrator

Also known as:

Computer Database Administrator
Administrator, Database

Introduction

Database administrators manage and supervise computer databases. They make sure the database is accurate, secure and up-to-date. Database administrators work on ways to restructure databases to make them faster and easier to use. They set up back-up systems, so if there are problems with the database, data is not lost.

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Work Activities

Database administrators are responsible for organisations' computer databases. More and more organisations use databases to keep and update large amounts of information, for example, customers' details.

Retail companies use databases to find out more about their customers, so they can make informed decisions about new products and marketing strategies. Supermarkets collect information about their customers through loyalty cards. Charities use databases to keep records of their supporters, so they can make contact by mailshot during fundraising campaigns. The police and the health service have large and complex databases.

Database administrators make sure the database is consistent, secure and used effectively.

A strict data protection law governs the use and security of information held on databases. The database administrator must make sure that only authorised people can look at what can be very personal details, for example, medical information. Also, people have a right to access database information about themselves; administrators may have to negotiate this access.

Administrators work closely with people who use the database, finding out whether there are any problems and assessing the system's capacity to cope with demand. They support users by showing them how to search the database for specific information.

They may also modify the database to make it easier to use. They may expand it, by adding new spaces or 'fields' to hold additional data. They restructure the data to suit users' needs.

Problem solving plays a big part in this job. Administrators must set up reliable back-up systems in case data is lost or a breakdown occurs. They are also closely involved in deciding how to design and plan databases.

Some administrators may write user manuals and train new staff.

Database administrators may work closely with analysts and developers on database design.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You must have good technical knowledge of databases and know how to use structured query language.

You must also have strong verbal and written communication skills, to explain to users how the database works. You also need teamwork skills.

You will need good organisational skills and a logical approach to solving problems. You may be responsible for several databases, making sure that all of them are up-to-date and accurate.

Knowledge of data protection issues and access rights is very important. You must keep up-to-date with any changes in data protection laws, and make sure you apply the legislation throughout the organisation you work for.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Database administrators earn in the range of £18,000 - £23,500 a year, rising to £26,000 - £36,500. Higher earners make around £47,500 - £50,000 a year and higher salaries are possible.

Salaries may include performance related pay, profit sharing or company bonuses.

Database administrators work 35-hours from Monday to Friday, but may work some late evenings when there are deadlines to meet. They may have to work out of hours if systems fail.

Employment is in every sector of industry and commerce, especially with banks, building societies, insurance companies and others in the finance sector, and in the public sector, including local and central government departments.

This is a growing area of employment.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Many entrants have skills in, for example, systems design or programming.

A range of manufacturer accredited short training courses are available on an intensive basis, often flexible and part-time, including evenings and weekends, such as Oracle and Informix.

Distance learning in design and implementing databases using Microsoft SQL Server is available from Computeach Ltd.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course, eg, Access to IT/Computing, could be the way in. These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

• 8% of people in occupations such as database administrator work part-time.
• 15% have flexible hours.
• 2% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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New Developments

This occupation may involve homeworking.  Find out more about Working from home.