|
|
|
A
Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA), also
known as a database analyst or database developer, is an IT
professional who manages information that is typically
critical to the success of an organization. This data
oversight includes knowing which data to store, how to
organize that data, how to secure and preserve that data,
and how to provide that data in such a way as to answer
pressing business questions.
Duties
of a MCDBA include the installation, performance and
maintenance of a database management system, proficiency
with SQL (Structured Query Language), planning the structure
and design of a database through tools such as an entity
relationship diagram, the creation of databases and database
objects such as tables and views, database security, and the
creation of interfaces and reports to input and view the
data respectively. Database administration is a highly
technical role. A good understanding of operating systems
and networking is a big asset, as well as the ability to
program. However, strong interpersonal skills are also
important, especially when it comes time to understand and
then translate the business needs of an organization into a
database system. In addition, a strong business sense is
critical; namely, the ability to map the workflow and
related information flow of an organization to a database. A
person who has a knack with this task has a long and
promising career ahead.
A
person may consider entering this field after attaining a
Computer Science or Computer Engineering university degree
or a one or two year computer diploma from a local technical
institute. However, some database administrators are quite
proficient without this recommended educational background
or with, instead, a business-related educational background.
Either way, at least some dedicated training and
certification in a leading relational database is
recommended. A high level of attention to detail, and the
ability to translate business concepts into the data realm
are key success factors for a database administrator.
A
MCDBA, as he or she gains experience, generally has an
increasing number of work opportunities, both within the
same organization and from other organizations. In time,
many database administrators move into more critical and
higher paying roles such as a data warehouse specialist and
data-mining expert, while others will choose a path leading
towards IT management.
 |
