Database Specialist: Job Description, Education & Job Outlook

Database specialist or computer support specialist is one of the fastest growing occupations through to 2016. Companies have a growing demand for these professionals. Among other careers that the field of information technology offers, database development and maintenance is a profitable career option. Also sometimes referred to as database analysts, these specialists are formally educated and trained to develop and maintain a wide range of corporate databases. These professionals apply expert database management systems (DBMS) knowledge to perform their task. If you wish to make a career in this occupation, equip yourself with all the essential career information including job description, educational qualification required, job skills needed, job outlook and annual salary of these professionals.

 

Job Description
As the job title suggests, database specialists are responsible for the development and maintenance of computer databases. They are specially trained to develop structures to ensure appropriate and effective maintenance of database management systems. They work in close contact with network specialists on accessibility issues of the database. These professional hold the responsibility of ensuring an efficient access to the database and connectivity support.

 

Not only do these professionals develop and taste databases, but they also monitor the functionality of the whole system. They check for errors that databases may encounter and provide effective solutions to fix those problems. To eliminate errors, they also modify and restructure the database systems.

 

While performing their job duties, they consider a number of elements. These may include data partitioning, data loading, data modeling, scalability, data security and indexing among others. An important part of their job duty is to have an effective back-up system in place. They design and implement recovery processes for database systems in companies.

 

While creating company databases, they consider the requirements of users. Keeping in mind the various usability issues, they ensure that the whole system is completely in tune with user requirements. They define management standards for an efficient use of the system. In addition, they educate users and train them about the appropriate use of the database system.

 

Educational Qualification & Training
To kick-start a career in this occupation, candidates should at least have a 2-year degree in computer science or information technology with a focus on database administration. A 4 year bachelor's degree in computer science or a relevant field would be required for senior level positions and career advancement. To work as database specialists, employees need multiple years of work experience and on-the-job training.

 

Job Skills
In addition to having a degree in computer science or information technology, candidates should also possess some essential job skills to make the most of their careers. These include strong analytical skills, logical skills, complex problem solving, decision making ability, active listening skills, excellent communication, interpersonal skills etc. Extensive experience of working with databases like Microsoft's SQL Server, Oracle and Filemaker Pro will be required to establish a successful career in this occupation.

 

Job Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is excellent job growth for computer scientists, database administrators and database specialists. Jobs in this field will grow at the rate of 37% from 2006 through to the year 2016. Candidates who have an advanced computer science degree and extensive computer system work experience will have best employment opportunities. The demand for these professionals is growing rapidly in a variety of businesses and organizations.

 

Annual Salary
Salaries of database specialists will vary depending on their work experience, geographic location and the size of the employer. The average annual salary of these professionals is $60,625. As these professionals acquire more experience and skill sets, they can earn an annual salary as high as $107,000.