Database administrator

Entry Requirements:

You could get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

University

You could study for a higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate qualification before joining a company training scheme.

Useful subjects include:

• computer science
• business information systems
• software engineering
• information technology management
• mathematics

You may have an advantage when you look for work if you do a degree that includes a work placement.

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job by applying to do an apprenticeship, such as:

• Data Engineer Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
• Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

If you already have a degree or relevant experience, you may be able to do a Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.

These can take between 2 and 4 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You may be able to apply directly for a place on a graduate training scheme. You can usually apply if you have a degree in any subject.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• excellent verbal communication skills
• persistence and determination
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• complex problem-solving skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to read English
• maths knowledge
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of English language
• administration skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Database administrators create, organise and look after computer systems that store data for a company.

You'll work with an organisation to:

• establish the purpose of the database
• decide who can access the database
• identify other systems the database will link to
• plan how to organise, find and display data
• build a test version and check the results for bugs
• fill the database with new information or transfer existing data into it
• plan how to update information, create back-up copies and report errors
• put in security measures

Location : You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Salary:

Starter : £24,000
Experienced : £45,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is on call

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a:

• systems analyst
• IT project manager
• web developer
• network manager

You could also work as a consultant or become self-employed.