Database management

When you visit your family and friends, they usually want you to take a quick look at their computers, and you don't mind at all because you can quickly identify and solve the issue. If you enjoy working with computers and have been looking for a technology career that capitalizes on your great problem-solving abilities and let's you dig into details, the high-growth field of database management may be a great fit for your skills.

Which types of jobs are available for those interested in database management

Database management professionals use their knowledge of database management systems to ensure changes to databases are coordinated and to correct errors. When a new product or technology is used with an existing computer system, those changes must be carefully scheduled, tested and implemented by someone who knows the database's structure so that errors don't occur. Any changes to a computer system's security also have to be coordinated with the person managing the database.

As a database manager, you would use a computer every day, which means you'll be working indoors and frequently sitting at a desk. Even though popular culture provides a picture of a computer geek stuck in a corner working alone, jobs in database management require you to communicate with others daily by email and telephone and frequently in person. Coordination with others on your team is a must. You'll probably use a wide variety of technology, such as Microsoft SQL Server, AllFusion ERwin Data Modeler, Sybase PowerBuilder and more, and it'll be part of your job to keep up-to-date on the latest technologies and developments in your field.

Database professionals sometimes wear many hats in smaller organizations or job duties may be split. You can expect to see these titles for database management careers:

• Database administrator (or DBA)
• Database administration manager
• Database analyst
• Database coordinator
• Database designer
• Database programmer

Database management can also be a desirable skill set for information systems managers, directors of management information systems, programmer analysts and systems managers.

Formal training required to work in a career related to database management

Many schools offer a range of DBA degree programs to suit a student's previous technology education and experience. You could earn a certificate in database management or a two-year associate degree, four-year bachelor's degree, or do a graduate certificate or degree program with a database administration focus. Though graduate programs may be highly focused, the curriculum for undergraduate database management degrees and certificates include these types of courses:

• Back-up and recovery
• Database design and terminology
• Database programming
• Database-specific courses in:
  • Access
  • Informix
  • MySQL
  • SQL

Sixty percent of people working in the field have a bachelor's degree, according to O*Net OnLine. Though a sizable portion of DBA professionals have an associate degree or some college courses, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that a bachelor's degree is typically required and some employers require a master's degree, such as an MBA in information systems.

Professional certifications are also key to landing the best database management jobs. Most database and product vendors offer certifications specific to their product so that you can easily show future employers you have the requisite skills and knowledge. Some DBA degrees include the courses required for vendor certifications.

The typical career path of someone interested in database management

DBA careers are great for people who enjoy searching for facts and solving problems. The job tends to attract people who are comfortable in a conventional position that requires following a set of procedures and reporting to someone with more authority.

You can advance from junior database management jobs into senior positions. Professionals with the most experience may progress to management positions, such as tech lead or C-level positions, such as chief technology officer. Some experienced database managers opt to work as consultants instead.

Job outlook and salary information for those interested in database management

In 2008, over 120,000 people in the U.S. were working as database administrators, according to the BLS. DBA jobs are expected to grow by 20 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is the equivalent of more than 44,000 jobs. The BLS advises that the best opportunities will be for applicants with a college degree and professional certifications.

The average annual salary for a database manager in 2009 was $71,500, according to the BLS. Like with all jobs, some industries pay better than others. If you want to find the highest paying DBA career, focus your energy on these five top-paying industries:

1. Rail transportation, $106,460
2. Monetary authorities/central bank, $98,630
3. Chemical and allied products merchant wholesalers, $89,560
4. Securities and commodity contracts intermediation and brokerage, $89,000
5. Natural gas distribution, $88,920