How to Become a Database Manager in Louisiana

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What is Database Management?

Louisiana might be best-known for its seafood industry but this isn’t even the top-earning industry in the state. Manufacturing brings $52.2 billion into the state’s economy every year. New Orleans plays a large part in bringing funds into the state’s coffers, partially through tourism. Real estate, rental, and leasing brings in the second-highest amount of money each year at 26 billion.

Database administration and all professionals in this field are responsible for helping companies and organizations in every industry in Louisiana manage their data efficiently and keep it safe from cyber-criminals.

Database administrators (DBA) are responsible for keeping up to date with ever-emerging technologies. Industries such as real estate, retail and wholesale trades, finance, insurance, mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction, and more are especially dependent upon skilled DBAs. Medical information technology, because of the private information it stores and maintains, especially has to be protected and DBAs are responsible for much of this.

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Database Management Education in Louisiana

Graduates are responsible for managing the data in nearly every industry doing business in the state. At least one university offers a computer information systems degree program. This degree puts graduates right in the area where business connects with technology. By the time students graduate, they are able to test the security of networks and systems and might be comfortable carrying out forensic investigations within computer systems.

In different environments, the DBA may have different job responsibilities. In the retail sector, they might design databases to catch the shipping information of its buyers. Their responsibilities are strongly dependent on what industry they are a part of.

The DBA oversees computer-related applications and makes sure that workers are able to access data without interruptions. If they work in a smaller organization, they may be the only one filling this role in the company, whereas, if they work for a larger company, they may be one of a few database administrators or part of a larger team with them granting permissions and making sure data is accessible while another employee makes sure that the data is secure using other techniques.

This professional has to be closely familiar with the entire database environment. They may work on developing and creating a blueprint to follow as they deploy a variety of databases in their organization. Or they may only maintain an existing database. Because of their specialized knowledge, they are critical to the efficiency of each application that uses and relies on the organization’s databases.

Database administrators, through their expertise, prevent system and application outages, and ensure that downtime and slowdowns aren’t going to happen. Organizations that do not have a DBA on their payroll are more likely to experience system issues, which may affect customer’s experiences and have a negative impact on the company’s reputation, not to mention the possible impact on revenue.

Associate Degree in Database Management (AS)

Community college students might not be able to easily find a database-focused program. However, there are other options, such as an Associate of Applied Science in Application Software Development or similar degrees. Degrees focused on software can also help those who wish to move into database work because of the similarities of the coursework. Students in these programs will have the opportunity to learn how to develop and modify software applications and gain a working knowledge of databases along the way.

These degree programs focus heavily on programming languages such as SQL, Java, PHP, C++, HTML, C#, Python, and Visual Basic. Students will also learn how to edit, test, and debug programs. Then, they may even move into learning how to create their own programs.

Upon graduation, students will be ready to work in entry-level positions in technical fields that involve software applications and programming; positions may include database programmer, software support technician, web developer, and software tester.

Bachelor’s Degree in Database Management (BS)

Undergraduate students who choose to earn a database administration degree in Louisiana can find a degree program in computer science in which they learn both theory and practice in the field. They will receive exposure to current topics such as software development, competitive programming, and database management. Distance learning is also often an option for students with other commitments.

Students will learn how to analyze difficult problems and they will use the principles of computing and related disciplines to design databases and other software. They will also carry out and evaluate computing-based solutions.

By gaining practical experience in internships, students can gain the knowledge and skills needed for positions related to computers. After graduation, students may find employment in the oil and gas industry or anywhere else that entry-level database administration workers are needed.

Master’s Degree in Database Management (MS or MC)

Students looking for a master of science in database administration or informatics should be able to find something that can help them get ahead in their career from a local Louisiana college or university. These degree programs are still merging both business and technology, but they do so while providing more in-depth knowledge in business and your current field so that professionals in the field will be able to gain promotions and higher-level positions. The subject taught include analytics, reporting, cyber security, networking, and database management.

Graduate may gain promotions or find new, supervisory positions in healthcare, entertainment, space exploration, large-scale retail, non-profit, for-profit, or governmental organizations.

Graduate students may choose to attend in-person or online courses from all over the state and can earn a Master of Business Administration, with concentration options that cover the breadth of available positions and industries in the state, whether they are interested in data analytics rather than database administration for the future of their career or vice versa. These degree programs are a good choice for professionals who want to develop their abilities and continue to succeed.

Career opportunities include positions in marketing research, brand and product management, business management, healthcare analytics, public finance, pricing analytics, risk management, strategic planning, online market analytics, and more.

PhD/Doctorate Degree in Database Management (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy student candidates may be interested in a computer science option, though there aren’t many database administration options available. At this level, graduates can earn the opportunity to move into careers in research, either in industrial laboratories or universities, or academia if they aren’t already a part of those fields. And if they are, they will be able to move into top positions, gain credibility, and earn more as a result of earning this degree.

Computer scientists who are able to work in theoretical and applied specialties in computer science are in high demand. PhD programs at this level might focus on areas such as systems and architecture, digital media, databases and data analytics, computational science, and software.

These programs take five to seven years to complete and will lead students from planning their study through enrollment in research hours and possibly even publish research papers. By the time they defend their dissertation, they will be prepared for academic or research careers.

Become a Database Manager in Louisiana

First, you should know that database administrators don’t require any special licensure to work in Louisiana. Like most computer science careers, the education and certifications that you will need depend on the industry you work in and your specific employer.

Even so, earning certifications in their specific career fields may make database administrators more valuable to their employers. And in college, low level certificate programs can help students gain needed knowledge.

Database administration certifications include:

  • Oracle9i Database Administrator—Oracle Certified Associate
    This certification program blends experience, training, and testing to ensure that the DBA has the foundation and expertise they need to work with Oracle9i database techniques. Some of these techniques include administration performance tuning, backup, and recovery.
  • Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)
    Once a database administrator completes this certification program and exam, they should be able to design, implement, and manage databases with success. This certification demonstrates to both employers and customers that the DBA is able to completely control databases as needed by their employer.
  • Oracle Database 10g Administrator Certified Professional
    This certification program combines testing, experience, and training to ensure that a database administrator has a strong foundation and the expertise needed to work with the most advanced database management system.
  • TS: SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance (MCTS)
    Prior to taking this certification and exam, candidates should have up to two years of experience in using SQL Server 2008 or up to three years of working with a previous version of SQL Server.
  • Pro: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator (MCITP)
    Enterprise administrators are responsible for the entire Windows Server 2008 R2 environment and architecture, and the administrator who translates the business’ goals into technology decisions then designs mid-range to long-term strategies: they are the professionals who are intended for this certification.

Careers for Database Management Graduates

  • Payroll Administrator
    The payroll administrator oversees the entire payroll process. They calculate wages and ensure that each employee’s salary has been paid on schedule and in the right amount. This manager also verifies that time sheets are accurate.
  • Information Technology Manager
    This professional oversees the IT department and implement and maintain the organization’s computing needs. The IT manager makes sure all computer systems, applications, software, and hardware operate effectively and securely.
  • Database Administrator (DBA)

    Database administrators build database systems which are easily accessible and of high quality for end users. The DBA may also implement backup and recovery processes, minimize database downtime, and manage parameters so they can provide fast query responses.

    The DBA provides reactive and proactive data management support and training to the system’s users. They determine, document, and enforce the organization’s database policies and standards.

  • Data Analyst
    Data analysts collect, store, and analyze data for an organization. This may be sales numbers, market research, or logistics. They use their technical expertise to ensure the quality and accuracy of the data. They then process the data so it can be presented in formats that help businesses, people, and organizations make good decisions.
  • Database Engineer
    This professional designs and maintains databases. They increase the storage capacity for data and troubleshoot functionality issues. They also review database performance and user reports.
  • Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer
    The QA engineer holds responsibility for creating tests that make it possible to find issues with software or other products before the products launch date. They analyze bugs or errors they find in the test phase and document them for review. If the internal organizational structure allows it, QA engineers may advance to a managerial or executive role.
  • Information Security Analyst

    Information security analysts are responsible for planning and putting into operation security measures which protect the organization’s computer systems and networks.

    These security analysts routinely monitor the organization’s networks for security breaches; they investigate violations when they take place, install and use software to protect sensitive information, prepare reports documenting security breaches and damage caused by the breach, and conduct penetration testing to look for vulnerabilities in their system so they can be patched before they are exploited.

  • Computer Network Architects

    Computer network architects are responsible for designing and building data communication networks. These include local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN) as well as Intranets. In their work, they present their plans to management and note why it is the best option for the organization.

    Computer network architects also upgrade hardware (routers, adaptors) and software as needed to support the computer networks, keep information security in mind as they design networks, and research new networking technologies to decide which would best support their organization.

  • Database Security Manager

    This professional is responsible for keeping an organization’s data safe; their role puts them in the cyber security field. The systems this professional oversees are intended to protect sensitive data, such as personal information or intellectual property, which is critical to the business.

    They may create information security policies, spot and investigate security threats to IT systems, and more. One of the critical responsibilities of this professional is to share knowledge about best practices for data security. Educating employees in the organization could save the company time, money, and embarassment.

Sources:

  • https://gradschool.louisiana.edu/graduate-programs/masters-degrees/informatics-ms
  • https://online.lsu.edu/online-degree-programs/graduate/mba-data-analytics/
  • https://www.zippia.com/database-administrator-jobs/certifications/
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm#tab-2

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