5 Essentials You Need To Know For Becoming An Oracle DBA Expert

Oracle, an object-relational database management system, is one of the most elaborate and complicated databases in the world. It requires years of training and college preparation to master this intricate set of computer programs. Hence, Oracle is only suitable for experienced Information Systems Professionals and computer scientists. A lot of people, unaware of the complexities of Oracle, are easily lured by advertisements of ‘boot camp training courses’ that offer DBA training to those who do not have the required academic background or qualification. Unfortunately, these training courses will lead you nowhere, unless you have a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree in Computer Science or Information Systems besides an understanding of the roles and functions of a database administrator.

Even though being a database administrator can be lucrative, it is a career choice requiring years of preparation. The first and foremost thing to remember when planning to become a DBA is that the job requires a lot of dedication and a 24/7 commitment. While the salary may be drool-worthy, the job of a DBA can be quite stressful and thankless. If you are prepared to give your 100% to your career, have the ability to quickly adapt yourself to the changing times and evolving technology, and have no qualms about working nights and weekends, there can be no better job than being a DBA.

Since you have made up your mind about becoming a database administrator, scroll down to be privy with some of the basics.

# What is the Role and Function of a Database Administrator?

Data storage is central to businesses in all sectors and, therefore, the demand of database administrators is constantly on the rise. In addition to the demand of database administrators in information security, insurance and allied sectors, DBAs are also required in e-commerce websites.

As a database administrator, you will be responsible for all the functions involved in the development of database, storage, retrieval and storage. You will be working with database management systems software and determine ways to organize and store data. In addition, you will create, install, examine, troubleshoot and protect the massive data systems that store data inside the corporate organization as well. You might even have to work in tandem with data communication analysts and network systems to ensure the smooth functioning of LANs, WANs, the Internet and corporate intranets.

# What are the Skills Required for Becoming a DBA?

By 2018, the growth of a database administrator’s job is estimated at 20%. For a successful Oracle Remote DBA career, the following are mandatory:

l  Excellent communication skills - Since communicating with an end-user community is part of the DBA job, it is compulsory to have outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written. As a DBA, you must be able to put across your message clearly.

l  A Business Degree - In order to become a successful database administrator, you will need to have a degree in business administration. You will only be able to perform your duties, if you have a clear understanding of how the business processes work.

l  Impeccable DBA Skills - A minimum experience of 5 years as a full-time DBA professional is what large corporations look for. If you have the knowledge about related technologies, such as Java (J2EE, JDeveloper and Apache), you will certainly have an edge over the others.

# What Education Qualifications are Required to Become a DBA?

You do require a college degree, but with today’s demand, a degree may not be adequate to fetch you your dream job. Large organizations are looking for candidates who have technical as well as managerial skills. An undergraduate degree in Computer Science and MBA in Information Systems is desired. In addition, you can even think of enrolling yourself in professional certification courses, either post-degree or on-the-job. The certifications are going to help you in getting a higher pay. The two most popular certifications among DBA professionals are MS (Microsoft) SQL Server and Oracle database administrator. While a master’s degree is not a prerequisite, 40% of tech giants are found keen on hiring candidates with advanced degrees. 

When planning to have a career as a DBA, make sure that you are able to distinguish yourself from others in whichever course you hope to pursue. A degree from a top-tier university is usually preferred by the corporate giants, but if you can prove that you have the knowledge and the understanding of Oracle databases, you will certainly increase your chances of being selected. Remember that there is a difference between working in database administration and being the DBA. Your focus should be on becoming ‘the’ DBA.

# From Where Should You Begin?

The preparation for becoming a database administrator should begin right from college. You can take courses, Operations Research and start learning SQL programming language. You have to acquire a bachelor's degree as well as ace several professional certification courses, as mentioned above. For this career, your work experience also plays a critical role because there is the opportunity to learn a lot of new things and adapt to cutting-edge technologies while you are working. Grad school and certification courses will teach you the basics. Only by working, will you gain the practical knowledge as to how you can apply the things you have been taught.

# What is the Salary of a Database Administrator?

The salary depends on the responsibilities, quality and experience of the DBA and there is a huge variation. Generally, the annual salary of a DBA is anywhere between $65,000 to $69,000. DBA’s with more qualification and more years of experiences earn about $1,15,000 per year. Compared to telecommunication specialists, data communication and network systems analysts; a DBA earns more.

The life and career of a DBA can be extremely fulfilling and luxurious. But, it is not without hard work and sincerity. No corporation will entrust you with their life-and-death data unless you are really capable and a die-hard professional.