Some possible jobs within this career area are:
Information technology careers can require a variety of certifications. You might choose a technical college, or opt for a four-year degree. Your career choice can dictate the certification you need, so be sure to consult your school to learn more.
Common degree programs offered in information technology include:
- Certificates
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master’s Degree
- PhD
The explosion of the Internet in today’s workplace makes information technology specialists in high demand. From working as a customer support specialist on the phone to setting up workstations for an entire company, information technology professionals bridge the gap from engineering to operations – and sometimes work in those fields, too.
Depending on the career you want, your information technology career could be a year or two away. Most professional certificate programs can take at least a year (sometimes two). Whether or not you decide to go to college, you should inquire about internship programs that can help to jump-start your career.
How to Become a Database Administrator
To become a database administrator, or DBA, you must learn how to organize, store, use, analyze, and present data to set up a new computer system. A database administrator career may also include modifying and troubleshooting a system after installation as well as ensuring the performance of the system in general.
You will require a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field to become a database administrator, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) many employers now prefer an applicant with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA).
For your bachelor’s degree you will attend classes such as electronic business, systems management and design, database management, computer science and programming, and mathematics classes such as statistics.
When you continue your education to achieve an MBA you will typically take classes such as finance, accounting, management, marketing, and further study of systems management and design, networking, and systems security.
A database administrator career means keeping up with trends in technology, and you can expect to continue your education after employment. Most employers will offer programs to keep their employees informed of the latest advancements in technology.
DBA Salaries
The BLU projects a 30 percent growth in demand for database administrators in the next decade, and salaries reflect this demand. The median annual database administrator salary in 2008 was $69,740; the lowest ten percent for the most part reflected entry level jobs and was below $39,900.The highest database administrator salaries were over $111,950 in 2008.(Salary data retrieved 5/13/11)
To get the education you need to become a database administrator, find a degree program now!