What is Database Administration?
The US Bureau of Economic Analysis has listed professional and business services as a top industry in Nebraska, ranking number four. As a matter of fact, the professional and business services industry, specifically database administration, is one of the fastest growing industries in the state.
Due to the rapid growth of the professional and business industry in Nebraska, there has never been a bigger demand for database administration professionals. The state employs roughly 660 database administrators alone, and that’s ignoring every other title that might have database administration responsibilities.
The big demand for database administration professionals has prompted colleges in this state to offer locally useful degrees in computer science and database admin. Database administration degrees in Nebraska have an emphasis on systems analysis and design, database structure, and systems stimulation.
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Online Database Administration Education in Nebraska
When students graduate from an online database administration program, they’ll be able to meet the demand for database administration professionals in schools, government, and business.
A database administration professional is someone who protects, stores, and organizes data. The key responsibilities of these professionals include building data management systems, securing databases, assessing data storage, backing up data management systems, and performing frequent tests. These professionals often collaborate closely with database programmers, software developers, and information systems managers.
Regarding where they work, database administration professionals can be found at insurance companies, financial institutions, medical facilities, and tech firms. The most successful database administration professionals are extremely organized and detailed-oriented.
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Online Associates (AS)
An associate database administration program is a great option for future management students who want to explore the database administration field. These types of degree programs typically take about two years to complete. During these programs, students will learn everything they need to know about information technology, network and information security, and database programming.
An associate database administration degree will prepare students for entry-level positions such as information security specialists and computer support specialists.
Online Bachelors (BS)
The main objective of a bachelor’s database administration degree is to provide students with a solid foundation in database management systems. The core courses in this program include business analytics, systems development, principles of finance, predictive analysis, managing information systems, business law, and more. While students are completing these undergraduate courses, they will gain exceptional critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills.
A bachelor’s database administration degree is usually the entry-level degree for those who want to end up in management positions. Students who graduate from these programs will probably be able to secure a management position as an IT manager within five years of graduation, if not sooner. Depending on the company, graduates may be hired directly in a database administrator role. Many graduates have obtained positions as computer programmers, systems analysts, and more.
Online Masters (MS)
A master’s database administration degree is ideal for future management students who want to obtain an upper-level management position in the database administration field. Most management students complete a master’s database administration degree within two years. Students will be required to complete courses such as Data Management, Data Warehousing, Advanced Analytics, Data Communications, and Enterprise Architecture and Systems Integration.
In terms of career, a master’s database administration degree program will give students access to careers in financial management, medical office management, lean supply chain management, and healthcare management. These are industries that rely on databases and it’s important that managers in these industries have database management experience. Graduates of these programs can pursue positions such as chief privacy officer, director of information technology, or database administrator.
Online Doctorate (PhD)
The mission of PhD-level programs is to provide students with a solid grounding in research and/or teaching. As a result, these programs offer the most reward to those who wish to secure teaching or research positions.
Students in these programs should have the opportunity to publish scholarly literature, teach students, and research common questions or new theories. When it comes to research, they’ll be able to work with distinguished faculty who perform research in interdisciplinary informatics, computer science, management information systems, and more.
In order to successfully complete one of these programs, students must usually take required coursework, defend a dissertation, teach undergraduate courses, conduct research, and sit for a comprehensive examination.
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Become a Database Administrator in Nebraska
When pursuing a career as a database administration professional, it’s important to know exactly what steps to take. Be sure to follow these step to become a database administration professional in Nebraska.
- Earn a High School Diploma or GED
The first step is to obtain a high school diploma. A high school diploma is usually one of the prerequisites to obtaining any undergraduate degree. - Earn a Database Administration Degree in Nebraska
A database administration degree will prepare students for a career in the field in a variety of roles. Starting with an associate or bachelor’s degree can help you get your foot in the door no matter what industry you are interested in. If they store data, your degree can help you start a career. The specific database administration degree that you need to earn will depend on your career goals. - Receive a Database Administration Certification
Some schools offer database administration certificates for students who want to determine whether or not the database administration field is right for them or boost their existing resume. These programs can cover important topics such as systems development, data engineering, and more. - Obtain Relevant Work Experience
The best way for future database administration professionals to get their dream job, especially if they are hoping to get into management, is to obtain practical experience in the database administration field. This can happen during or after your educational pursuits, with an internship or your first job.
You may find an internship or job in data science, management software, engineering, cyber security, systems/network/support, IT in business, or a specific industry such as health information technology. When you obtain practical experience in one of these fields, it can help you define your career goals.
- Complete Trainings & Enroll in Online Courses
The most successful database administration professionals complete trainings and online courses to earn certifications and maintain their skills. As a result, they are able to perform their job more effectively. Here are a few of these that are offered in Nebraska.
- New Horizons Omaha offers SQL Server Training & Certification. Courses include Database Design, Querying Fundamentals, and others. Participants will learn how to perform advanced analytics, manage data, and more. Since the SQL Server is a prevalent database management system, certificate holders will be presented with many incredible career opportunities.
- The University of Nebraska-Omaha offers a training known as PHP and MySQL-Introduction. Participants in this online course will be introduced to the MySQL database server and PHP programming language. Lessons include Basic PHP Programming and Creating a MySQL Database. Future database administrators who are thinking about taking this course may want to have HTML coding experience, but it’s not required.
- Northeast Community College offers a course called “Intermediate PHP and MySQL”. In this course, students will learn PHP techniques and key info about the MySQL database server.
- Become a Member of a Professional Organization
The last step in becoming a database administration professional is to join a professional organization. A professional organization can help database administration professionals reach their career goals.
- The Association Of Information Technology Professionals
AITP is a great organization for professionals in this field to join. The overarching goal of this organization is to encourage members to reach their highest professional potential. They offer many networking opportunities through special events and monthly meetings to accomplish this goal. - DAMA International
Data Management Association International is committed to supporting database administration professionals and many other technology professionals. The organization offers many resources to its members, from frequent events to online publications.
- The Association Of Information Technology Professionals
Potential Careers for Database Administration Graduates
- Administrative/Office Manager:
The main responsibility of administrative and office managers is to ensure that an office runs smoothly. During a typical day, these professionals can be seen organizing papers, monitoring administrative systems, using computers to enter information, conducting interviews, and scheduling meetings. The best managers have excellent verbal and written communication skills. - Information Systems Manager:
The goal of information technology managers is to the monitor a company’s technology processes. Generally speaking, these database administration professionals are supposed to manage database systems, secure data, and oversee the annual budget. Information technology managers should know everything about network administration and computer networks. - Database Administrator:
One of the main responsibilities of database administrators is to make sure that database management systems are secure. Most database administrators are expected to identify user needs, protect data, perform routine tests, design databases, and correct tech problems. These professionals usually work closely with upper-level management and must have excellent leadership skills. - Payroll Administrator:
The primary objective of a payroll administrator is to oversee the payroll operations of an organization. This includes calculating employee wages, overseeing timekeeping systems, and providing earnings statements. These professionals are also expected to answer employees’ questions about their earnings and any mistakes or changes in pay. - Information Security Analysts:
The best information security analysts are able to protect companies from data breaches. The job description of these professionals might include the following tasks: overseeing security networks, reinforcing security protocols, conducting tests, creating training programs, and collaborating with other tech professionals. - Marketing Manager:
The job of marketing managers is to persuade people to support a company. The responsibilities of these professionals typically include creating marketing materials, overseeing social media campaigns, managing marketing employees, and reviewing customer feedback. Depending on the specific company, marketing managers may also be expected to handle customer service issues. - Web Developer:
Web developers are supposed to build high-quality websites for a company or private clients. These professionals have excellent programming skills. The most successful web developers are able to think outside of the box because the best websites are creative. - Chief Information Security Officer:
Chief information security officers are responsible for monitoring a company’s information security. The main duties of these senior-level executives are to secure database management systems, oversee a management team, facilitate trainings, and much more. These professionals often work with multiple departments of an organization. - Director of Operations in Technology:
The primary duty of a director of operations is to ensure that a company operates without any problems. They may manage employees, review business procedures, develop policies, oversee procurement processes, and create financial objectives. In order to succeed as directors of operations, they must have exceptional leadership abilities.
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