Our everyday lives are now extensively noted on Databases. Data on a great deal of everyones' routine activities is actually saved on 1 kind of database or another, despite the fact that we're not aware of very much of it. Our entire economy is dependent upon databases of information. Property-records, banking particulars & share-values are all filed on vast databases. Much of these records are also available in hard copy, but electronic digital indexation allows for much better access. Your purchase history will be registered on a Database each time you make a payment electronically (that is by card). Has it occurred to you that the reason you receive special money off offers from your super-market is because they have recorded your buying habits on their database & recognise what is going to tempt you? Just about all car dealers (& the police) use the DVLA's auto registration mark database to retrieve all the details of any auto or truck etc. recorded in the UK. The Capital's congestion-charging system, & the Government's road-tax avoidance scheme also key off this information, by working with the street cameras that we all find everywhere.

We've established that Databases undoubtedly are a key factor of our society, so what sort of careers are present in this industry? Generally, from an It viewpoint, there are 2 principal elements of database professions: Developing the software & building the database is the 1st aspect, & administering the information & producing reporting-systems to help utilise the data is the second area. The Administrator (management) position is much more sought after - in industry a Database Administrator is more frequently called a DBA. More commonly its the mid-large companies that have a need to use DBAs, as they require them to over-see their operations on a daily basis. 'DBA's' take care of the security of a business' databases, ensure everything's copied correctly, & utilise the information to produce pertinent reports for senior management. They must have gained a commercial understanding of SQL - the most highly used Database language. Interrogating databases to acquire information is standardised with SQL ('Structured Query Language').

It's a good idea if you're just starting out to begin your career path with a course in software support. Software support will equip you with some entry level skills, to assist you to get your first foot-on-the-ladder, not to mention offer you an insight into a further invaluable side of the business. An outstanding training course for a new starter is the MCDST (Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician). If you then accompany this accreditation with the MCTS & the MCITP, you'll have a full career track that should generally take roughly 500 hrs to do. As with any kind of career-track though, we advise you to tread carefully before deciding on your options. Talk to a reliable advisor with practical experience of the industry first, so you can ensure your selected career will be enjoyable, & your learning-style suits the method of study. If you do not concentrate closely on where you would like to get to, you may find that you're way off course & many hundreds of pounds worse-off!

If its the developer area of databases that appeals to you, the MCITP DB-Developer from Microsoft is for you. Whilst not completely extending in to Database programming, this teaches more on the preliminary rationale & set up of Databases. You need to have a look at the Programming part of this website if your interest lies in this particular aspect of databases. In reality, you will find a greater focus as far as work opportunities are involved in the Administrator side of the picture. But if you do want to become a developer, then our tip would be to build the DB-Developer qualification in to a more comprehensive set of programming training. As each year moves on, it's best to also give some thought to taking the MCTS qualification in SQL Server '08.

A typical characteristic of a database-administrator or developer is someone that is rather precise, is well-disciplined & methodical, & can work effectively both by themselves or together with a smallish team. Effective communication skills certainly are an advantage, as there'll be consistent inter-action with higher managers. Security is a growing issue as ever more highly sensitive data is recorded & kept - making database jobs extremely responsible. A very high degree of personal ethics and commercial trustworthiness will be required - and in some areas you may require some form of security clearance. Those who have formerly worked in business-processing or accounting positions frequently succeed in database management. A number of 'DBA's' obtain successful promotions to higher office as they inherently build up their business management skills.

The main Database programs used around the world are MS SQL Server & Oracle. The older system 'Oracle' can still be found in various larger enterprises. Having said that, the majority of business databases & virtually all databases on the internet have adopted the 'SQL' Server system. Obviously, as SQL-Server is fully owned by MS, the company has built it into each of its programs and platforms. For those planning to become professionally qualified therefore, its the obvious path to adopt. The earlier Database program Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) has now been succeeded with the Microsoft Certified IT Professional ('MCITP') and the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist ('MCTS'). Whilst 'SQL' Server 08 is now beginning to develop some foot-hold, the current commonplace commercial version of Microsoft SQL-Server is 2005, & it is this release which is included in the 'MCITP' DBA certification. In order to obtain the complete 'MCITP' certification, several MCTS modules need to be completed first.

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