In the early 21st century, Databases perform an important purpose in all our lives. Many people almost never think about it, yet the reality is significant amounts of what we do is noted and saved on different Databases. Databases store and provide information on our country's complete economic system. Banks, share values & property records are all massive 'databases' of records, & although much of the important information is also stored in the form of physical documentation, it is also stored (or listed) digitally for easy access. Your purchase history is saved onto a database each and every time you make a payment electronically (that is with a card). Your regular buying habits are recorded so stores can provide you with 'loyalty' vouchers for products you're likely to be interested in - for example, if you have been purchasing cat-food, you could be given a special rate for pet insurance. Just about all car workshops (& the police-force) make use of the 'DVLA's' car registration mark Database to show the precise particulars of any car or truck etc. registered in the UK. By working together with the country's road-side Camera network, the details are applied to identify non-payment of Road Tax, & for the Capital's Congestion-charge system.

We have demonstrated that Databases certainly are a key factor of our society, so what career-paths exist in this sector? There are two main careers if we look into Databases from the IT mind-set. The 1st entails the design and building of the actual software that 'databases' are powered by, and the 2nd calls for the management work required to apply the information saved on them. The term DBA, or 'Database Administrator', is a well known 'acronym' applied throughout the IT industry. Generally it is the medium to large enterprises which look to hire DBA's, because they require them to oversee the database's operations on a daily basis. DBAs maintain the security of a business' 'databases', ensure that everything's copied correctly, & utilise the information to create pertinent reports for senior management. They have to have a proficient understanding of 'SQL' - the most common Database 'language'. Interrogating databases to extract information is standardised with 'SQL' (Structured Query Language).

If it's the Developer area of Databases that is of interest to you, then the 'MCITP' DB Developer from Microsoft will suit your needs. This will cover a lot of preliminary rationalisation, design and set-up of databases, but it doesn't essentially stretch to full database programming. If you're focused on database programming then you really should check out the appropriate programming web-pages on this web-site. Generally, you will find there's a lot greater emphasis from both students and employers for the Administration of Databases. For anyone exploring the DB Developer track, it makes more sense to include that certification into a Programming career track. As time passes by, you should equally think of taking the MCTS qualification in 'SQL' Server '08.

Both 'DBAs' and DB-Developers are usually extremely systematic and ordered men and women, that have a superb interest in details, & like operating within smaller teams, or by themselves. First-rate communication skills certainly are a benefit, as there will be recurring interaction with more senior managers. Working with business databases is a responsible position - & safety and security is continually transforming into a larger issue in this area. A very high level of personal ethic and professional dependability will undoubtedly be asked for - and in some organisations you will require some type of security-clearance. Accountant-types and business 'process' professionals succeed in this sector, & a lot go on to higher manager's assignments, as a strong understanding of the information that drives a profitable business can bring about improved chances of promotion.

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