One of the most sought-after job markets this decade are occupations dealing with computers or technology. Since the emergence of the internet in the 90s, computer, and technology jobs have skyrocketed and it seems as if this trend will only continue to grow.
One occupation that has stemmed out of the technology surge are those in the database field. At first, the main need was for database administrators, which are the IT professionals who are responsible for maintaining and supporting a company’s existing setup.
However, since the technology field continues to advance and is better prepared for these routine hiccups, the job of a database developer has come in demand. Compared to the responsibilities of a database administrator, a database developer focuses more on improving the database by incorporating new technology that can improve its overall functionality, which would improve a company’s database efficiency.
Although still seen as a new, emerging occupation, the demand for database developers are only going to grow and should be a path to consider if your future is still undecided.
Academic Requirements
Despite thinking that the only way to secure a well-paying job is by obtaining a degree from a university, there are several different routes to take when gaining the experience needed to get into the database developer field.
First and foremost, going to college, whether it be online or in person would be the easier way to show you have the skills necessary to perform the duties of a database developer. Most companies look for students who obtained a Computer Science degree, and depending on the company, may look for just a bachelor’s or potentially a masters degree in the field.
Another route one can take would be to undertake a certification course that teaches all the necessary skills required for the job. The process would be quicker, however securing a well-paying job may take more time.
The last way one can find themselves in the field is simply by interest. Although more common back when databases were first starting out, all that was needed then was having a knack for technology and the will to learn. These days one can start a smaller company with these bare skills and slowly work their way up.
Job Responsibilities
Regardless of your academic background, a database developer will have to be well-versed in several different database language programs such as Oracle and MS Access, and other cloud-based computing databases such as Amazon RDS, Google BigQuery, IaaS, and many more.
When it comes to writing and creating tables, learning the Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) is a must. However, these are only some of the several tools a data developer is going to use. The general responsibilities of a data developer have could be some and even more than the following:
· Developing databases from scratch
· Collecting and analyzing data
· Designing algorithms and drawing flowcharts and combining the two together
· Rework new modules in order to fix bugs
· Design RDBMA and test code for errors
· Aid database administrators to fix any problems
· Sync front end and newly developed modules together
Benefits
Aside from going into a field that interests you, the innovative world of computers and technology always provides an ever-fluctuating environment that will always have new concepts and information to learn. There will be new hurdles to face and the discovery of new applications to work around them will be both challenging and rewarding.
In addition to keeping workers on their feet, according to CNN, the median pay of a database developer is $88,200, with a top salary of $126,000.
Also, they state that within 10 years the demand for database developers will grow an astounding 23%. Be sure to get into this field that is only in the embryonic stages of development and will only continue to grow in the years to come.
