The job of a Database Management Professional?
Virtually every type of organization today, from schools, to
hospitals, to financial services, needs a database system to
support business operations. There are often vast amounts of
various data that need to be tracked such as inventory, customer
information, and accounting data. This data needs to be accessed by
the right people and secured to protect against unintended use and
unauthorized access. This data must also be backed up regularly and
restored when needed. This is where a database manager comes in. A
database manager is a computer professional responsible for
designing, installing, maintaining and securing these complex
database systems.
To enter the field, one must usually possess a bachelor’s degree
in computer science, information systems, or other computer related
disciplines. Because of rapidly changing technology, the database
manager must also continue to learn and remain highly skilled in
the latest technology. The database manager should also possess
skills in customer service and training. They will often need to
instruct others on how to do something. Also helpful for the
database manager are critical thinking skills and knowledge of
business, and mathematics.
Certification in this field is voluntary, however the
competitiveness of this field warrants becoming certified. These
credentials will give the candidate an advantage over the
competition and can demonstrate an advanced level of proficiency
and expertise in the field. Both Oracle and Microsoft companies
offer a certification credential on their respective database
systems, Oracle database systems and Microsoft SQL server. In
addition, The Data Management Association International (DAMA)
offers a certification program allowing database managers to become
Certified Data Management Professionals (CDMPs). To obtain CDMP
certification, candidates must pass three exams. They also must
have a bachelors degree along with two or more years of experience
in the field. Yearly continuing education is also required to
maintain the certification.
Database management is a very lucrative and in demand field.
Salaries can range from $45,000 per year to more than $80,000 per
year with the median being approximately $60,000 per year. Similar
titles include Database Developer, Information Technology Manager,
and Database Administrator.