Database Administrator

How To Become A Database Administrator

In today’s world, most organizations have one or more database management systems (DBMS) to contain mission-critical information. Since these systems can be complex, businesses typically have database administrators to manage them. Learn more about this rewarding career path and discover how earning a degree in business administration or a related field from Fairfax University of America’s Virginia campus near Washington, D.C., can help you become a database administrator.

 

What Is a Database Administrator?

In broad terms, the database administrator supervises database environments to ensure all applications run successfully. The administrator has an expert level of knowledge of all topics associated with the DBMS, from configuration and coding to backup and optimization. One of their most significant responsibilities is storing and arranging data to make it easily accessible to users and protect it against breaches.

Like other technology professionals, database administrators work in various businesses and industries. Many database administration positions are at data-processing firms and internet service companies, but you also may find job opportunities at banks, hospitals, and commercial businesses.

As a managerial role, database administration involves multiple tasks connected to an organization’s applications and systems. Most database administrators will conduct the following duties in their daily routines:

  • Communicating with IT teams, end-users, programmers, and managers about applications and systems
  • Creating processes and policies regarding the management and security of a DBMS
  • Developing and executing a new DBMS
  • Designing IT infrastructure to give applications access to databases
  • Ensuring that databases function smoothly
  • Establishing security features to guard database systems against cyber threats
  • Figuring out what each user needs and overseeing permissions
  • Fixing issues as they occur by locating the root cause, optimizing programs, and performing general troubleshooting
  • Implementing backup and recovery procedures to prevent data loss after a disaster event
  • Maintaining database integrity to prohibit unauthorized access to information
  • Modifying systems when necessary
  • Uniting existing databases with new systems
  • Writing instruction content to train employees in using the DBMS

 

How Can Database Administrators Advance Their Careers?

Research from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that a database administrator career can be quite rewarding. In May 2020, the average annual salary for database administrators and architects was $98,860. What’s more, several opportunities exist for these professionals to further their careers. For instance, they can seek certifications from software vendors and similar organizations. Database administrators who advance their careers may attain work in numerous related jobs, such as:

Chief Information Officer

The chief information officer (CIO) serves as the top decision-maker for information security at an organization. They interact with other executive officers, oversee IT teams, and determine what types of hardware and software to buy for their businesses.

Data Architect

This specialist develops strategies for managing corporate information and may construct databases for their company. One of the primary objectives is to ensure users have access to reliable data to maintain a consistent level of productivity.

Both these positions require applicants to have either significant experience in the field or advanced qualifications in related areas of study, such as a computer science or business administration degree.

 

Why Study at Fairfax University of America?

Students at Fairfax University of America are particularly well suited for a database administrator role because many of our programs cover skills these professionals need to be successful in their jobs. For example, completing our bachelor’s or master’s in business administration degree will give you proficiencies in business analytics and optimization, two concepts that prove useful for database administrators.

Between our School of Business and School of Computer and Information Systems, multiple degrees can lead to a career in database administration. Consider the following programs to begin your educational journey:

 

Pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Virginia

Turn to Fairfax University of America to obtain a flexible and affordable business-focused education that enables you to become a database administrator. Our faculty members deliver individual attention to each student to ensure they grow personally and professionally during their studies. As a diverse institution in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, our university campus in Virginia is ideal for students from various backgrounds, including multilingual families and people from faith-based homes.

Our programs equip students with the tools they need to have productive careers and become transformative leaders in the multi-dimensional, global society of today’s world. You can request information online to learn more about our degree programs or fill out an application to begin your path to a database administration career.