DATABASE ADMINISTRATION
A database administrator develops guidelines and standards regarding information storage systems and security. This includes establishing and modifying databases or supervising programmers and analysts in these duties. Database administrators are responsible for developing new systems and improvements as needed to assist the company in remaining competitive in its specialties and with consideration to advancements in technology. Advancements include development, installation, testing, and implementation of new technological systems. Final implementation and use includes user training and creation of user manuals. The database administrator is also responsible for the design and maintenance of management reports and accounting spreadsheets. .
Background
A database administrator should have experience in database systems and business management. Depending on the systems extant at the company database proficiency may be required in more than one system such as Microsoft Access and UNIX. When a business is using multiple platforms, the successful database administrator should be knowledgeable in importing and exporting data across system platforms. The database administrator must be familiar with business forms, reports, spreadsheets and presentation materials. In addition to general management procedures, many businesses also require some industry specific knowledge and expertise.
Education and Training
Database administrators are required to have a combination of education and experience in order to fill the demands of a profession that requires technological expertise and a high level of interpersonal communication skills. Some business focus upon a high degree of technical skill including a strong background in computer hardware and software. Other companies prefer candidate have an educational focus on business management along with the requisite computer skills. Depending upon the company’s needs, experience in business management or database expertise may serve as a substitute for education. Many software developers offer certification programs. Some companies require these certificates in addition to, or a part of a data administration candidate’s undergraduate of postgraduate studies.
Employment and Compensation
Most database administration positions require experience in database systems, business management or both. To gain the requisite experience a recent candidate may first seek employment as a software developer who receives a median salary of C$59661, as an office manager at a median salary of C$46,591 or an office administrator at a median salary of C$39,214. The average salary for a database administrator (DBA) is C$64,708. Database administrators with UNIX and Oracle skills can command higher than average compensation..
Progression
Entry-level database administrators with less than five years’ experience can look forward to a starting salary of between $50k and $60k. Individuals with established careers of twenty years or more command salaries of $90k or more.
The career path for a database administrator provides for multiple highly remunerative options. There is the opportunity to focus upon a specialty in program management, operations direction, information technology services and technical project management. These different occupational specialties offer opportunities for higher salaries, telecommunication possibilities and other occupational advantages.
COMPUTER FORENSICS
Background
Preliminary experience
Education and Training
Employment and Compensation
Entry-level prospects.
Progression
Entry-level vs. experience and post graduate degrees
Bibliography
Alberta IT Jobs. (2012, December 10). Retrieved April 9, 2013, from Employment in Alberta: http://www.employmentinalberta.ca/it-jobs-alberta.html
CareerPlanner Staff. (2014). Job Duties and Tasks for Database Administrator. Retrieved from CareerPlanner.Com: http://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Database-Administrators.cfm
DeVry Institute of Technology. (2013, April). EBSCO Host. Retrieved from EBSCO Host Databases: http://web.ebscohost.com.proxy.devry.edu/
Government of Alberta. (2012). Short Term Employment Forecast. Retrieved April 7, 2013, from Alberta Enterprise and Advanced Education: http://eae.alberta.ca/media/348067/stef%20final%20with%20cover.pdf
PayScale. (2014). Salary Data & Career Research Center (Canada). Retrieved from PayScale: http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Country=Canada/Salary
