Role of Database Administrator Needs to Evolve to Handle Big Data

Big Data Is Creating Big Jobs: 4.4 Million By 2015

Big Data is becoming a more-talked-about topic as companies begin to figure out how to handle the onslaught of data. And since it’s been on the radar, many are predicting a boom in Big Data-related jobs as a result (be sure to check out the related slideshow with this post).

One such related career, the database administrator, is certainly changing, as our own Susan Hall pointed out recently. Now, how it’s changing is debatable. Some say it’s losing importance, while others say it’s gaining importance. I tend to believe the latter. After all, someone needs to stay on top of the data and be the point person. (And don’t be surprised to find departments outside of IT banging on your door since Big Data is being used to boost marketing and CRM.)

If you’re currently a DBA and are afraid to embrace change, well, then it might be time to look for a new career path. However, if you’re a DBA who is open to the changing landscape, you might actually be able to use Big Data to your advantage, as Hall points out in her post. But it’s going to take learning new skills and programs, such as Hadoop, to ensure your career longevity.

As you take a closer look at your current skill set, be sure to check out the IT Downloads library here on IT Business Edge. We’ve got several resources to make sure your ever-changing career as a database administrator is on track, including the tools below.

Job Description: Production DBA: The Production DBA is primarily responsible for performing production support activities for data warehouse and transactional servers. Download this job description for more details on the qualifications and experience required for this position.

Job Description: Lead Oracle DBA: The Lead Oracle Database Administrator implements, maintains and designs Oracle databases in support of the development and installation of new systems and enhancements to existing systems.