DBAs use their expertise to get the best use out of database software. They plan the database, manage system storage and control who can access the database. They make sure it's performing the way it should, plan backups and ways to recover information and plan the system's security.

You can find DBAs in computer consulting companies or in any public or private sector companies where electronic information needs to be stored and maintained. They might run the database for a university, an accounting firm or an insurance company.

The experts see this career opportunity growing quickly.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) predicts DBA will be one of the fastest growing occupations in America through 2012. The OOH predicts the fastest growth will happen in computer and data processing services, causing huge job opportunities.

"It's growing dramatically," agrees Richard Snodgrass. He is a professor of computer science at the University of Arizona. "I see it becoming more important as we become a more information-integrated society."

The growth of information technology (IT) has created the high demand for DBAs. Businesses are using computer databases to store information. But the Internet, in particular, has created a booming business for DBAs.

"As we move more and more into an Internet network environment, the e-business solutions that are being put into place everywhere are dependent upon databases," says Tom Daniel. He is the director of an Oracle training center.

"Basically, the growth of e-business will demand that there continue to be growth in the number of DBAs."

The education depends on what your long-term goals are. Options can include a two-year community college diploma in computer science. Or you can do a four-year university degree in computer science, computer information systems, business administration, math or commerce.

"If you just want to be a DBA, I wouldn't go for a four-year degree," says Anthony Bonner. He is an associate professor of computer science.

"If you're more concerned about your long-term future, I'd go for a four-year degree. Or if you want access to the higher paying jobs."

Bonner explains that although you may learn a good deal about database systems in a four-year degree, you may not learn the specific skills of a DBA. That can be learned in a shorter course or on the job. But a degree, he says, gives you a greater knowledge base and better options for the future.

"It's a bit like the difference between going to nursing school and going to medical school."

Combining a computer science or information systems degree with business is ideal, says George Kasper. He is a professor and chair of the department of information systems at Virginia Commonwealth University.

"This is the foundation from which to build a career. Our program gives students the educational foundation and some real-world experience to begin a career in IT, but much more experience is needed to be a DBA."

A university degree isn't the only option. But it may increase your value. This is especially true if you get a master's degree.

"Generally, if you have a master's degree, you can start a little bit higher in the company rather than an entry-level job," advises Snodgrass.

Some employers look for that four-year degree. Others are more concerned with hands-on experience that you may have picked up from former jobs.

If you are already working in the IT field, and you want to learn specific databases thoroughly, you can get certification through the software creators. This gives a person professional standing that many companies look for. It can also lead to a jump on higher-paying jobs.

Oracle has the most widely used database system in the world, says Daniel.

You can become an Oracle certified professional, specializing in using their database. The certification involves courses (available across North America) and technology-based training.

"One of the benefits our approach provides is that the learning is self-paced," says Daniel. Many people take this training part time while they are working.

There is a huge demand for Oracle DBAs, says Laura Stevenson. She is a technical recruiter for Information Technology Excellence in Computer Consulting (ITECC). She helps employers find people with high-tech skills.

"Oracle is a popular system to be used by a lot of companies. There aren't enough people trained," says Stevenson. "There are more jobs than there are candidates."

Microsoft has a similar training system. It's called the Microsoft certified database administrator training program.

DBAs can expect to be paid well. In the U.S., the 2004 mean annual salary was $$64,380. That's according to the Occupational Employment Statistics.

The more experience you have as a DBA, the higher you can climb into the better paying senior or management positions.

Being educated in areas other than computers is important for a DBA, says Snodgrass. English, math and business courses are valuable, in his opinion.

DBAs can find themselves working in a wide array of businesses. They may want to learn more about the sectors they can specialize in, be it banking, education or anything else.

Net Sites

Virginia Commonwealth University
Visit the school of business to learn more about the information systems program
http://www.vcu.edu/busweb/

Database Admin Toolbox
A list of links
http://www.itmweb.com/tboxda.htm

Microsoft Certified Database Administrator Website
Find out what it takes to be certified
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcdba/def ault.asp