Top 5 high paying jobs related to Database Management

Today we’ll be looking at several interesting types of database jobs that pays equally well. Every day, we create an estimated 2.5 quintillion bytes of data, and this amount is accelerating at an exponential rate. To optimally use this collected data, it needs to be managed. Without the database and ability to query the database, it would be nearly impossible to analyze any of that data in a meaningful way. Thus, the job market for Database administrators, Database designers, Data engineers, Database programmers, and Database developer have also increased accordingly. So here are a small insight on the the main duties, essential and preferred skills required and educational qualifications regarding these 5 jobs.

1) Database Administrators

Database administrators use specialist software to organize and maintain a secure database.The database administrator (DBA) is the person who manages, backs up and ensures the availability of the data produced and consumed by today’s organizations via their IT systems.

Responsibilities

• Installing and upgrading the database server and/or application tools.
• Planning for and allocating the database system’s physical requirements, such as memory, disk space, network requirements, etc.
• Modifying the database structure using information provided by application developers.
• Creating users profiles, and ensuring system security by careful allocation of user permissions.
• Ensuring compliance with database vendor license agreement, including number of installations, and taking care of licensing renewals.
• Creating a backup and recovery strategy for the database, and regularly testing the backups to ensure usability.
• Monitoring technical support for both database systems and related applications.
• Creating reports by querying from database (as per need). These reports can be in the form of pre-formatted reports using the application front end, or custom-made ad hoc reports by the database administrator.
• Monitoring and optimizing the database’s performance using either manual or automated tools. This may be a DBA’s most important tasks.
• Migrating database instances to new hardware and new versions of software from on premise to cloud based databases and vice versa.

Skill requirements

• Excellent troubleshooting skills: When presented with a problem, especially one you have not encountered before, the ability to think through the possible causes and then eliminate or follow them logically to the end is absolutely crucial. A good DBA is one who can see an error, and then quickly determine potential causes and construct possible solutions.
• Logical thinking, common sense and above-average memory: The natural ability to think methodically using an elimination-based approach, coupled with a good memory, is also important. This includes the ability to recall technical facts about various systems and platforms relevant to your setup, such as how to increase a table’s size in your SQL Server database, how to add a new disk on your Linux server, and how to delete a user in your PostgreSQL database. Likewise, keeping in mind several specific facts about your particular environment (Do you operate in a LAN or WAN? What are the administrator passwords to the databases? How many users do you have? When is your next database audit? Where are your backups stored?) is crucial.
• Curiosity and a strong desire to learn: Curiosity and drive will help ensure that you do not stagnate in your database administrator career. The IT field is ever-changing — only the ability and hunger to keep learning new things will keep you from being left behind.

Educational Requirements

You can enter this career with a degree in any subject but the following may be particularly useful:

• computer science
• computer software/computer systems engineering
• electronics
• information technology
• mathematics
• operational research.

Entry without a degree or HND is possible for those with good all-round IT skills.

Relevant HND subject areas include physical, mathematical and applied science. An HND in computer studies, software engineering or information technology in particular may increase your chances of entry.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification isn’t essential but is likely to improve your prospects if your first degree is in a non-computing subject.

2) Database designers

The database designer is responsible for defining the detailed database design, including tables, indexes, views, constraints, triggers, stored procedures, and other database-specific constructs needed to store, retrieve, and delete persistent objects.

Responsibilities

• Design database structure (logical data model) to meet user requirements.
• Assess feasibility and costs of the database, e.g. by performing an ICT project study.
• Program databases in computer languages such as Structured Query Language (SQL).
• Provide data for the database.
• Test databases.
• Develop user interfaces, e.g. by programming Internet applications.
• Maintain and adapt existing databases according to new user requirements and following developments in programming techniques.
• Make reports from database data

Skill requirements

• Apply database design schemes and models, define data dependencies, use query languages and database management systems (DBMS) to develop and manage databases.
• Utilise computer languages, that are syntactically distinguishable from the text, to add annotations to a document, specify layout and process types of documents such as HTML.
• Draft a database scheme by following the Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) rules in order to create a logically arranged group of objects such as tables, columns and processes.
• Develop the database design models and diagrams which establish the structure of a database by using modelling software tools to be implemented in further processes.
• Evaluate the implicit mastery of skilled experts in an ICT system to make it explicit for further analysis and usage.
• Collect data and statistics to test and evaluate in order to generate assertions and pattern predictions, with the aim of discovering useful information in a decision-making process.
• Extract, store and verify information using database management systems based on the relational database model, which arranges data into tables of rows and columns, such as Oracle Database, Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL (Oracle Corporation).
• Implement principles of ICT systems theory in order to explain and document system characteristics that can be applied universally to other systems
• Transpose a series of requirements into a clear and organised software design.
• Apply migration and conversion methods for existing data, in order to transfer or convert data between formats, storage or computer systems.
• Develop documentation containing information about the database that is relevant to end users.

Educational Requirements

The database designer must have a solid working knowledge of the following:

• Data Modeling, Database design
• Object-Oriented Analysis and Design techniques
• System Architecture, including Database and System performance tuning, as well as hardware and network workload balancing
• Database Administration
• an understanding of the implementation language and environment

3) Data engineer

Data engineers are vital members of any enterprise data analytics team, responsible for managing, optimizing, overseeing and monitoring data retrieval, storage and distribution throughout the organization.

Data engineers are responsible for finding trends in data sets and developing algorithms to help make raw data more useful to the enterprise.

Responsibilities

Data engineers are tasked with managing and organizing data, while also keeping an eye out for trends or inconsistencies that will impact business goals. It’s a highly technical position, requiring experience and skills in areas like programming, mathematics and computer science. But data engineers also need soft skills to communicate data trends to others in the organization and to help the business make use of the data it collects. Some of the most common responsibilities for a data engineer include:

• Develop, construct, test and maintain architectures
• Align architecture with business requirements
• Data acquisition
• Develop data set processes
• Use programming language and tools
• Identify ways to improve data reliability, efficiency and quality
• Conduct research for industry and business questions
• Use large data sets to address business issues
• Deploy sophisticated analytics programs, machine learning and statistical methods
• Prepare data for predictive and prescriptive modeling
• Find hidden patterns using data
• Use data to discover tasks that can be automated
• Deliver updates to stakeholders based on analytics

Skill requirements

The data engineer must have a solid working knowledge of the following:

• Scala
• Apache Spark
• Data warehouse
• Java
• Data modeling
• Apache Hadoop
• Linux
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• ETL (extra, transform, load)
• Big data analytics
• Software development

Educational Requirements

Data engineers typically have a background in computer science, engineering, applied mathematics or have a degree in other related IT fields. Since the role requires heavy technical knowledge, aspiring data engineers might find a bootcamp or certification alone won’t cut it against the competition. Most data engineering jobs require at least a relevant bachelor’s degree in a related discipline.

You’ll need experience with multiple programming languages, including Python and Java, and knowledge of SQL database design.

4) Database Programmers

Database programmers write instructions that affect the way in which sets of records stored in a computer system are organized, managed, accessed and updated. These workers use specific database computer languages to write and test new database software; others update or repair existing programs; many are also required to write instructions or teach employees how to use the software.

Responsibilities

• Code and test programming for database software.
• Develop and deploy computer applications.
• Execute code builds to test and production environments.
• Fix bugs in existing code.
• Collaborate with product, design, and marketing teams.
• Maintain documentation per company standards.
• Provide testing, documentation, training, and support for third-party software products.
• Resolve user-submitted problems and questions.

Skill requirements

Database programmers need to be logical and capable of solving complex problems, with well-developed reading skills and a desire to constantly upgrade their knowledge. The Occupational Information Network (ONET) also notes that computer programmers often display a pronounced ability to order or pattern items according to a set of rules.

Educational Requirements

Most employers in this field look for college graduates with relevant experience and knowledge of more than one database programming language. The majority of computer programmers now have at least a bachelor’s degree. IT programs typically require courses in computer fundamentals; database technologies; project management and applicable legal issues.

5) Database developer

Database developers ensure that database management systems (DBMS) can handle massive quantities of data. Developers usually work as part of a software development team.

SQL Developers are responsible for developing SQL databases and writing applications to interface with SQL databases. Development often consists of designing tables, storing procedures, views and functions.

Responsibilities

• Design stable, reliable and effective databases
• Optimize and maintain legacy systems
• Modify databases according to requests and perform tests
• Solve database usage issues and malfunctions
• Liaise with developers to improve applications and establish best practices
• Gather user requirements and identify new features
• Develop technical and training manuals
• Provide data management support to users
• Ensure all database programs meet company and performance requirements
• Research and suggest new database products, services and protocols

Skill requirements

• In-depth understanding of data management (e.g. permissions, recovery, security and monitoring)
• Knowledge of software development and user interface web applications
• Hands on experience with SQL
• Familiarity working with .Net Framework, JavaScript, HTML and Oracle
• Excellent analytical and organization skills
• An ability to understand front-end users requirements and a problem-solving attitude

Educational Requirements

• A Bachelor’s Degree in a Related Field Or Gain Foundation Training
• Real-World Database Development Experience
• Extensive knowledge on language programming skills in C, C++, C# or Java.
• Additionally, Microsoft and Oracle database certifications.

It might be difficult to choose the correct career path for yourself. Everyone wants the “best” job out there. But the definition of best job differs from person to person. It is wiser to do some research on your own before deciding.

Which career path do you think is the best?

Let me know in the comments.