Database Administrator

 Database Administrator
database administrator (DBA), database engineer, database manager
The role of the database administrator is to install, configure, optimize and supervise one or more internal information bases of a company. His goal ? Make this mass of information available to users quickly and at any time. To do this, he uses specialized software. It organizes storage, backups and security, and assists users in their searches. A strategic position that requires multiple skills.


Professional life
At the heart of systems
Impossible to do without its services, even within small structures! Today, the administrator finds his place in large companies and administrations, fond of databases, but also within IT engineering service companies (IT engineering service companies) or SMEs in the service sector. Its mission scope will differ depending on the size of the company.
Priority to internal recruitment
Positions are mostly filled internally, as the work of administrators requires perfect knowledge of the company's organization. This is why development engineers are, as a general rule, best suited to the role.
Experience opens doors
The role of the administrator is gradually evolving towards the development of computer networks. If he wishes, he can turn to the professions of systems architect, technical consultant or even project manager. A retraining as an information systems manager is not excluded.
Beginner's salary
From 2500 to 3000 euros gross per month, depending on the complexity of the base.
Working conditions
Different supports
The administrator assumes increasing responsibilities. This is due to the rise of mobile and shared databases, but also to data warehouses, real reservoirs of strategic information for the company. Today, he works on increasingly diverse and decisive media in the management of companies. In certain structures, a network architect designs the basics then passes the baton to the administrator. Often the two functions are confused.
Between applications and practices
On the one hand, he collaborates with project managers and engineers from the information systems department. On the other hand, he meets the users of the database(s) he manages, in order to define their concrete needs. He establishes these links from his office or during frequent trips, inside and outside the company.
Extended hours
The system he administers operates 24 hours a day, so he is sometimes on call. Certain manipulations are only possible when users do not consult the databases, often resulting in a presence outside office hours.
SKILLS
A good technical background
The database administrator is, of course, familiar with specialized tools. He knows the main software, programming languages, as well as security issues. His experience with complex information systems facilitates his work.
Listening to the business
The administrator knows exactly what each database is used for. He is familiar with their development and operating environment. Aware of the company's activities, he is able to anticipate needs and intervene quickly in the event of a problem. Finally, he shows himself to be available and attentive to users and his management.
Responsive and methodical
With a sense of organization and planning, he demonstrates rigor, synthesis and method. Knowing how to take a step back, have a great open mind and adapt quickly: all of these qualities are also required.
Nature of the work
Put the base in place
The database administrator never intervenes directly on the information, but on the software. Upstream, it forecasts the volumes of data then chooses the tools used to build and operate the database. To do this, he tests then implements DBMS (database management system) software packages, models, codifies, develops data dictionaries and advises developers.
Make the base easier to use
To allow users to access information, at any time and simultaneously, it defines the standards and parameters for using the systems, manages access rights by assigning passwords. It installs automatic backup and restore procedures. If necessary, it helps users in their searches.
Watch and anticipate
Finally, it does tuning, that is to say optimization. As the data is constantly evolving, it carries out regular updates. To avoid any failure and anticipate developments t