If you find the fields of computer science and/or technology to be interesting and are pursuing a career within either sector, you might have asked yourself “What is a database specialist?” Below you can obtain an answer to this question as well as several others that pertain to the field of database management and analysis.
Database Specialist – A Brief Overview
Although the phrase “database specialist” is used broadly, the term usually references individuals who are responsible for maintaining databases. To do so, these individuals design, develop, install, and modify existing and/or new software applications.
Roles and Responsibilities
Since each database specialist will work for a unique employer who has specific organizational objectives, the roles and responsibilities for individuals who work within this sector will differ. However, these are some of the typical tasks that a database specialist can be expected to complete:
- Planning database upgrades through the maintenance, evaluation, and improvement of transaction processing models
- Assessing database performance through the development of protocol to identify problem areas and/or develop protocol in order to analyze results
- Supporting database performance through monitoring procedures
- Evaluating and subsequently resolving programming and processing issues
- Supporting the design of applications by contributing expertise to technical support teams
- Answering questions posed by users
- Creating tools for database management
- Securing the database through the preparation and implementation of access procedures and policies
- Implementing procedures designed to address and resolve disaster recovery issues
- Updating job knowledge through reading of professional publications, participation in educational opportunities, and maintenance of personal networks
Educational Requirements
There are no specific educational requirements that an individual must meet in order to become a database specialist. However, most employers will prefer candidates who have obtained a degree in relevant fields such as information technology, management systems, or computer science. There are several types of degrees that one can earn, including an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s. The more education an individual earns, the more marketable their job application becomes. In considering what type of educational program to complete in order to develop or advance your career, consider the fact that many MBA programs have now begun offering concentrations in the field of information systems as a result of the fact that the computer industry has become increasingly competitive.
Skills/Qualifications
There are a variety of skills and qualifications that individuals who want to pursue a career as a database specialist should have. Some of them include:
- Database Management
- Decision Making
- Requirements Analysis
- Data Maintenance
- Database Security
- Operating Systems
- Process Improvement
- Database Performance Tuning
- Developing Standards
- Attention to Detail
- Problem Solving
Salary
According to Indeed.com, individuals who work as database specialists can expect to earn about $35,000 annually. However, salaries can differ based on factors like educational level, experience, and location. For example, a database specialist who works in the state of California can expect to earn about $37,000 annually. On the other hand, a database specialist who works in New York can bring in $42,000 each year.
Related Resource: IT Specialist
Conclusion
If you have given any thought to working within the fields of information technology or computer science, you should know that a career as a database specialist may be appropriate and advantageous for you. With this information, you can determine whether your personal and professional objectives can be accomplished by pursuing a career at a database specialist.
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