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Data Administration and Database Modeling

Organizations rely on information technology (IT) professionals who understand how to oversee and protect the flow of data. Does a career in the IT sector sound interesting to you? To learn more about the growing field of data administration and modeling, keep reading.

Is Data Administration and Database Modeling for Me?

Database administrators work with companies and individual users to find the best ways to manage data. Database architects collaborate with other software designers to develop data modeling methods that meet business and industry requirements. Because these jobs often involve work with teams of IT professionals, strong communication skills are usually required. A good understanding of computer systems and mathematics is also important.

According to reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities for database administrators were projected to increase by 20% between 2008 and 2018 (www.bls.gov). As the amount of data stored by companies continues to increase, along with the threat of data security breaches, demand for data administrators should remain high. The annual median income of database administrators in 2010 was $73,490, per BLS reports. With enough experience, administrators may advance into database management positions.

How Can I Work in Data Administration and Database Modeling?

You might be able to find a few jobs with an associate's degree in database administration, but most employers prefer applicants who have a bachelor's degree. As an aspiring database administrator, you could enroll in an information technology bachelor's program. Common courses in this type of program might include data structures, hardware configurations and database design.

If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can pursue a master's degree in information systems with a concentration in database administration. As a graduate student, you'll learn how to secure organizational databases, build data warehouses and manage computing projects. Master's programs usually take two years to complete and culminate in a final research assignment.

Earning voluntary certification can lead to additional job opportunities. Various product vendors and professional organizations offer certifications for database workers, such as the Certified Database Administrator credential available through IBM. You should have experience with a particular vendor's database software before pursuing a professional designation. The certification process usually entails completion of an exam.

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