What Is a Database Specialist and How to Become One
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What Does a Database Specialist Do?
A database specialist is responsible for the storage, retrieval, and security of digital data. As a database specialist, your duties include designing database elements, retrieving data for reports, maintaining secure data backup systems, running tests on database systems, and debugging database issues. You collaborate with company managers and other information technology (IT) professionals to ensure that the databases you continue to meet the data storage and data usage needs of the business. Skills with Structured Query Language (SQL) are a must.
How to Become a Database Specialist
To start your career as a database specialist, you need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, management information systems, or a related field. Experience with common industry database systems, such as Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Sybase, and Filemaker Pro is required. You also need skills in database recovery, database administration, and network fundamentals to be an effective database specialist. Obtaining professional certifications such as CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, CIW Database Design Specialist, and Microsoft Certified IT Professional may open up more opportunities in the job market.
Database Specialist Job Description Sample
With this Database Specialist job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Database Specialist role.
Job Summary
We are seeking a Database Specialist to join our team. In this position, you will help us design new database systems to handle our sensitive and important data. You must ensure that the data is easily accessible to our employees but secure enough to maintain compliance with privacy regulations. You should be familiar with both closed and open source development platforms and the SQL programming language. Our ideal applicant has a bachelor’s degree in computer science and several years of database management or development experience.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assess our current database for weaknesses
- Upgrade our current system or propose a new design
- Perform data entry to transfer information
- Ensure the security of our data
- Provide technical support to our employees
Requirements and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in computer science
- Several years of database management experience
- Data entry and SQL programming skills
- Familiarity with a variety of development platforms
