A database administrator, also known as a database developer, is responsible for the planning, design, testing, installation and maintenance of information management systems used by companies and institutions across the commercial, public and education sectors. Organisations they deal with include:

• retail chains
• insurance companies, banks and financial institutions
• telecommunications services
• transport and logistics companies
• hospitals, government departments and local authorities
• schools and universities
• computer companies.

Administrators work closely with other IT professionals, such as systems analysts, programmers and IT project managers to produce databases, which not only fulfil the client's current business requirements but also try to anticipate future upgrades. They deal with relational, hierarchical and object-oriented databases.

A database administrator works with the client to establish what the database is for, how to use it and who will need access to it. They then draw up a layout for the structure of the database. They need to consider the 'back end' design, for example how to organise the data, and the 'front end' functionality - how to retrieve and display the information.

Once a test version is developed, the administrator analyses the database, checking ease of use, accuracy of results and speed. Refinements are put in place at this stage. The database is then filled (populated) with new or existing data by transferring from other sources and database management system (DBMS) software is installed and configured for use.

Administrators draw up procedures and documentation for:

• updating information
• making additions, deletions and error-reporting
• data backup, archiving and disaster-recovery plans
• implementing security measures to verify data and control access to information.

An organisation’s information needs change, so knowledge of the latest technology to recommend improvements to the system is essential. Administrators may also manage technical and support staff, train end-users and produce performance reports for IT managers. Senior administrators are normally responsible for strategic planning, policy, budgets and building and maintaining client relationships.

Hours and Environment

Database administrators normally work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, they may be on-call if system breakdowns occur outside normal office hours.

Work is office-based, either on one site or at a number of sites. Depending on the size of the company or location of clients, some travel may be required.

Skills and Interests

As a database administrator, you should:

• have excellent analytical and organisational skills
• be able to work accurately and pay attention to detail
• have a comprehensive understanding of database architecture, software and DBMS
• be able to work under pressure and to deadlines
• be able to think quickly and be decisive
• have a good understanding of wider business demands
• have excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills
• respect confidentiality
• understanding the implications of information legislation, such as the Data Protection Act
• be prepared to keep up-to-date with developments in technology
• work well as part of a team.

Entry

There is no single route to becoming a database administrator. The main requirements are having the right knowledge, skills and experience for the job. Previous experience in computing is usually required, often gained in IT support, programming, systems analysis or web development.

Qualifications are also a useful way of demonstrating a certain level of competency. Foundation degrees, BTEC HNC/HNDs and degrees are widely available at colleges and universities throughout the country. Relevant courses include:

• computer science
• information science
• software engineering
• mathematics.

There are postgraduate conversion courses for those with awards in other subject areas.

For a degree, you usually need at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) and two or three A levels/three or four H grades (including maths and a science subject), or equivalent qualifications such as vocational A levels.

An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

Whether knowledge is gained through experience and/or study, an understanding of some of the common structured query language (SQL) software packages will be required along with database management systems (DBMS), including:

• RDBMS (relational database management systems)
• OODBMS (object oriented database management systems)
• XML- database management systems.

For information about careers in the IT sector, see e-skills UK, the British Computer Society and Institute for the Management of Information Systems in Further Information.

Training

If you hold a degree-level qualification, work-based graduate apprenticeships may be available.

The majority of training is on the job, supplemented by internal or external courses as appropriate, and progress will be helped by taking additional software manufacturers’ certification courses. Some career progression options are outlined below.

A Graduate Professional Development Award (GDPA) has been developed by e-skills in conjunction with higher education institutions and employers in the IT sector. It can be studied as part of an undergraduate, postgraduate or work-based training programme. The Award covers key skills required by the industry including communication and problem solving, team working and technical competencies. See e-skills UK for details.

The British Computer Society (BCS) offers a series of professional awards – Certificate, Diploma and Professional Graduate Diploma for those wishing to enhance their career prospects. These are equivalent to the first, second and third year of a university honours degree, respectively. Candidates can choose from a range of options including database systems. Contact BCS for further details and entry requirements.

The Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS) offers a series of programmes ranging from introductory level through to the equivalent of ordinary degree level for people wishing to enhance their career prospects within the information management sector. Options include database development. See IMIS website in Further Information for details.

Proprietary certification qualifications are available through software development companies. Some examples include:

• Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)
• Sybase Adaptive Enterprise Server (Developer and Administrator pathways)
• Oracle PL/SQL Developer, and 9i and 10g Administrator (Associate, Professional and Master levels)
• IBM DB2 and Informix certification programmes.

See contacts in Further Information for more details.

For details of options in terms of professional development, see the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) website. The framework has been developed by some of the professional bodies listed in Further Information in conjunction with industry. It allows IT professionals, training providers and employers to reference their skills or requirements and help identify career development pathways.

Opportunities

Opportunities can arise within any organisation that makes use of computerised databases. Web-based services are becoming Increasingly important, so expertise in the integration of web technologies and databases is particularly useful. Administrators are also employed by specialist IT firms, sub-contracted to provide database services to clients.

Database administrators can move into wider IT management roles or transfer their skills to other areas of computing, such as:

• systems analysis
• web development
• network management.

Self-employment, freelance work and consultancy work is a possibility for experienced professionals.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

New entrants start between £17,000 and £20,000 a year.
Experienced administrators can earn between £21,500 and £31,000.
Senior administrators can earn between £35,000 and £45,000.

Rates for short- and medium-term contract positions may be significantly higher than those listed above, particularly at senior levels.

Further information

5 Kingfisher House
New Mill Road
Orpington
Kent
BR5 3QG
Tel: 0700 002 3456 1 Sanford Street
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN1 1HJ 1 Castle Lane
London
SW1E 6DR