Database administrators plan and maintain databases and the information in them so that users can easily access the information they need in their jobs.
In modern databases, data is organised in such a way that:

• users can only access or update information relevant to their agreed functions
• data remains consistent across the whole system.

A database administrator is responsible for a number of tasks, including: finding out the requirements of users and the anticipated flows of data for a new or modified database planning a database from rough ideas (‘conceptual’ design) setting up and testing new systems maintaining the security and integrity of the information contained on the database

Most database administrators work 37 to 40 hours a week. They may be required to be on call if breakdowns occur outside normal working hours or work extra hours to meet deadlines. The work is carried out in a modern office environment.
Salaries range from around £15,000 to £53,000 a year.
A database administrator needs:

Database administrators work for organisations with large-scale information requirements. These could include, eg schools and universities, the National Health Service, central and local government departments, financial institutions, retail businesses, manufacturing firms, and IT and computer companies offering database solutions.
A degree or HNC/HND related to IT is useful, but not essential. Other qualifications may be acceptable, such as BTEC national diplomas and NVQs/SVQs. Adult entry is possible, particularly for people with relevant business experience and a solid grounding in IT.
Much of the training is on the job, supplemented by short internal or external courses.
It is possible for database administrators to move into other areas within IT such as database design, project management, network management or systems analysis.

What is the work like?
A database administrator plans and maintains a database (a system of storing related information on computer) and the information in it. In modern databases data is organised in such a way that:

For example, changes made to prices or product details in a company database will be seen instantly by everyone who has access to view them, but only certain managers may have permission to view sensitive information about customers or personnel.
It is the responsibility of a database administrator to devise a simple, user-friendly system of storing data that entitles all users to access it easily and work with it to create graphs, bar charts, pie charts, reports and tables.
A database administrator could be involved in some or all of the following tasks:

They work with other members of the IT department and senior managers.
Starting salaries are around £15,000 a year.

Hours and environment

Most database administrators work 37 to 40 hours a week, over normal office hours Monday to Friday. However, they may be required to be on call if breakdowns occur outside normal working hours or work extra hours to meet deadlines.
The work is carried out in a modern office environment. For those working in larger organisations they may be required to travel to different office locations to attend meetings or visit clients.
If visiting clients, they may be away from home for variable periods. The ability to drive may be essential for some jobs.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.

Rates for experienced database administrators are considerably higher in London and the South East than elsewhere.

Skills and personal qualities

Database administrators need:

Interests

It is important to:

Getting in

Opportunities may be found with a wide range of companies and organisations that have large-scale information requirements. This could include, eg schools and universities, the National Health Service (NHS), central and local government departments, financial institutions, retail businesses, manufacturing firms, and IT and computer companies offering database solutions.
Vacancies in this sector are not as numerous as in other areas of IT. To ensure a successful career in database management, individuals should try to gather extensive knowledge of the databases relevant to their field. One potential growth area is web-enabled databases and the associated technologies.
Vacancies can be found in sector publications such as Computer Weekly and Computing.
Most companies with IT vacancies make use of the internet to advertise them, either directly or through on-line recruitment websites. Recruitment agencies are another important source of vacancies.

Entry for young people
There is no single route to becoming a database administrator - the main requirements are having the right knowledge, skills and experience for the job.
There are numerous qualifications people can do to gain the right experience. They include a degree, HND/HNC in subjects such as information technology, computer science or software engineering, or BTEC national diplomas and NVQs/SVQs in computer-related subjects. Employers are increasingly accepting vendor qualifications produced by database software providers.
Many employers require a good honours degree. Entry to a degree is usually with at least five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) and two or three A levels/three or four H grades (including maths and a science subject). Alternative qualifications are accepted, such as a BTEC/SQA national award.
While the larger graduate recruiters are usually happy to take trainees from any discipline, smaller employers generally require knowledge in specific computer languages, software packages or operating systems.
Many database administrators have previous programming experience.
Postgraduate qualifications in IT are available for people who have studied degrees in non-related subjects.
Graduate apprenticeships in IT may be available for young people in England. These integrate study at degree or diploma level with structured work-based learning.
There is also a BTEC/SQA Higher National Award in Computer Science or Electronic Engineering.
Many young people enter IT work directly through apprenticeships, but not directly as a database administrator.
Apprenticeships which may be available in England are Young Apprenticeships, Pre-Apprenticeships, Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships. To find out which one is most appropriate log onto, www.apprenticeships.org.uk or contact your local Connexions Partnership.
There are different arrangements for Apprenticeships in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For further information contact Careers Scotland www.careers-scotland.org.uk, Careers Wales www.careerswales.com; and for Northern Ireland contact COIU www.delni.gov.uk.

Entry for adults
Mature applicants may be accepted by universities and colleges without the usual entry requirements, particularly if they can demonstrate the relevant experience and qualifications. An Access course in computing is another way to gain university entrance.
Distance-learning degree courses are available through the Open University. No formal entry qualifications are required. These can lead to a first degree in computing and mathematical science or in IT and computing.

Training

Most training is on the job, supplemented by short internal or external courses. Many software vendors offer certification in their product. In addition, database administrators may study for an NVQ/SVQ in Managing IT Systems Level 4. Intensive computer or web-based courses are increasingly common, but also tend to be specific to one product.
It is important that database administrators keep up to date with developments in IT and changes in database systems. Learning about several database languages may help to improve promotion prospects. The Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS) offers courses in database design.

Getting on

It is possible for experienced database administrators to move into other areas within IT such as database design, project management, network management or systems analysis. The increasing use of interactive, database-driven websites offers new opportunities for database specialists.
Freelance and contract work is possible after several years experience.

Further information

British Computer Society, 1 Sanford Street, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 1HJ. 01793 417417. Website: www.bcs.org
e-skills UK, 1 Castle Lane, London SW1E 6DR. 020 7963 8920. Website: www.e-skills.com
Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS), 5 Kingfisher House, New Mill Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 3QG. 0700 002 3456 (calls charged at a premium rate). Website: www.imis.org.uk
NCC Education, The Towers, Towers Business Park, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2EZ. 0161 438 6200. Website: www.nccedu.com

Further reading

Working in computers & IT - Connexions
Careers & Jobs in IT/A - Kogan Page
Careers in IT leaflets - British Computer Society
Computer Science Courses 2005 (UCAS/Trotman Complete Guides)
Information Technology - AGCAS
Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science (CRAC Degree Courses Guides)
www.databaseanswers.com

Magazines/journals:

Computer Weekly
Computing
(Some may be priced)

For further details please see:

http://www.connexions-direct.com

Crown copyright and source acknowledged.