You can definitely move from a similar discipline such as GIS to Database Administration. You will certainly have a strong understanding of the value of data and its’ importance what is sql dba to the business. Interestingly enough I actually had some of my first experience as a Data Professional working with GIS technology, for a company called CACI.

Fortunately, you can learn these skills online from the comfort of your home. If you’ve decided to become a database developer, the next step is to get some experience. Get at least a couple of years’ experience as a database developer to truly understand what this role involves and how it’s done. This kind of experience will help you in the long term and in your role as a database administrator in the future. It’s taught in some courses, but the knowledge you need for administration is more than just writing SQL.

How To Become A Database Administrator

This knowledge is often gained through a relevant bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. To handle this work efficiently all the time the database administrators require extensive experience and knowledge of database software that can be obtained by getting a relevant formal qualification. To perform these functions they work in coordination with other related professionals in the field like Database Analyst, Database Modeller, Programmer Analyst, and Systems Manager to name a few.

• In the United States, the average salary that a person pursuing this job will receive in a year is about $92,500.
• Companies need someone to store and organize their data so they can retrieve and use it for their business decisions.
• Database certification is available through certification providers or software vendors and helps keep administrators updated on current best practices.
• The top goal is to maintain data integrity, i.e. ensuring the validity and availability of data.
• As you work through a degree program, take electives in Communications, Technical Writing, Business Communication, and even Public Speaking, if available.
• One of the chief skills that seems to be lacking in the Information Technology field is communication.

They focus on the physical requirements of the database like backing up the data, focusing on disaster recovery, maintaining the database, etc. Maintaining databases and allowing permissions to authorized users only. As data becomes more valuable in our world, it’s also at a higher risk to be stolen and exposed.

Database Administrator Certifications

If your college does not have an established program, you can always reach out to companies and ask about internships and mentorship opportunities. ServerWatch is an established resource for technology buyers looking to increase or improve their data center infrastructure. Computer software programs such as Oracle, Microsoft Access, and UNIX, can give you an edge in the database admin role. DBAs should have analytic skills, as their job entails monitoring, sorting, and securing databases. A DBA should be capable of analyzing datasets to know when there are issues that demand urgent attention in the database. The final step is to actually move into the role you’ve been aiming for – the role of a database administrator. Once again, these are just some of the skills needed for a database administrator.

A global nonprofit association for information technology professionals and businesspeople, DAMA promotes the development and use of data management technologies. Like many scientific and technical professionals, database administrators need to master several hard skills to obtain and perform their jobs. The hard skills listed below require time, concentration, and technological aptitude to acquire. Keep in mind that the specific hard skills for database administration typically vary by company, position, and project.

Database Administrators by Job Level

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , database administrator jobs are expected to increase by 10% over the next ten years—that’s much higher than the average occupational growth rate. Aspiring and current database administrators typically need to obtain database administration certification, or DBA certification, in the specific products they use.