Skills

A comprehensive guide to database skills PosTcel (plus examples)

Database administrators oversee the design, construction, categorisation and management of large software databases. They might possess various technical and soft skills relevant to database management, such as proficiency in coding and communication. If you want to become a database administrator, you might benefit from having these skills. In this article, we define database skills, list eight examples of skills relevant to a database administration career, detail how to improve these skills and provide tips on including them on your CV.

What are database skills?

Database skills are soft and technical skills that computing professionals use to construct or administer complex digital databases. As a data administrator, you can use these skills to design the database structure, plan custom access permissions or write security code. You can also use data administration skills to manage existing databases, troubleshoot functional errors or plan repairs. As you participate in all stages of the data administration process, accruing a wider range of skills makes it easier to manage databases across their life cycles.

Examples of data management skills

Here are eight valuable skills for the construction and management of databases:

Programming language fluency

One skill required for database management is fluency in a programming language. Database administrators use coding languages to create, write or add new values to databases while also setting up queries to source or manipulate these values. You may especially benefit from learning Structured Query Language, which database administrators may use to maintain relational databases. Designed specifically to support database interactions, you may integrate this language with other languages, including Python, Java and C#. Using SQL, you can also amend data rows, modify and merge tables, and perform data calculations.

Test database plans

Another useful skill is testing database plans, which involves assessing how database malfunctions can affect software's general functionality. As databases underpin software's functions, it is necessary to carry out careful testing to ensure that database upgrades improve user experiences or technical functions. To minimise the risk of accidental error, learn how to use SQL to write database plans that check if small sections of code function as expected. These plans evaluate sections independently to prevent modifications from disrupting the database schema.

Optimising database performance

You may also benefit from knowing how to rewrite existing SQL code to optimise database performance. The best rewriting method can vary depending on the aspect of performance you aim to improve. For example, if you wish to amend a poorly coded user-defined function, manually inline the function's logic into your query. Similarly, learn to use complex derived table queries to generate data tables as this method's use of set rows to display data can increase performance. By developing performance optimisation skills, you can help users to retrieve data required to perform client-side functions more quickly.

Securing databases against unwarranted access

As databases may store personal or financial data, you may find it useful to know how to secure them against unwarranted access. You might set customised table permissions for different data sets, ensuring that only authorised colleagues may select, view or adapt them. To set table permissions using SQL, connect to the database using the SQL Anywhere 12 plug-in and click 'Tables'. You may right-click on the relevant table and select 'Properties' to open the 'Permissions' tab.

On this tab, select 'Grant', double-click the relevant user or group, and select the fields to create permissions. After setting field permissions, click 'Change' to create specific column permissions. You can click 'OK. To replace outdated permissions, select the user or group and click on 'Revoke'. To formalise these permissions, click 'Apply'.

Debugging stored procedures

You may also benefit from knowing how to debug stored procedures via the SQL Server Management Studio, allowing you to rectify functional issues. The debugging process identifies the section of code responsible for functional errors and makes it easier to resolve such problems. You may use the next steps when debugging stored procedures. Start by navigating to the 'Debug' tab and click 'Start Debugging'. This runs the 'Debugger' tool, which brings up a view of the stored procedure alongside a yellow cursor. Return to the 'Debug' tab and click on 'Step Into'.

The 'Step Into' method repairs stored procedures by breaking into the stored procedure script via the storage script. Set numerical upper and lower ranges to define the affected area of code. If you only wish to analyse a small section of this range, utilise the print statement and select 'Run To Cursor'. You could use the local window to track script variables before using the watch window to add or delete existing variables. You could also use the call stack to track previously executed calls.

Data modelling

Another skill you may require as a database administrator is data modelling, which involves planning the database's framework to ensure good functionality. These models define separate data items' relationship to one another and ensure that databases have the space required to store data. If you understand how to create data models, you may design more effective security measures and plan strategies to scale up storage in future. You might also compare data models to coded databases to gauge if the final product functions as expected.

Communication

Besides technical skills, database administrators also benefit from possessing soft skills that make it easier to manage large data systems. One valuable soft skill is communication. You might use this skill to explain ideas for database functions to software project managers, using financial and productivity metrics to justify them. Use written communication skills to draft programming technical documents, such as database construction guides. To make these documents easier to read, use simple terms and short paragraphs. You could also use bullet point lists to effectively explain coding steps.

Attention to detail

To thrive as a database administrator, you could also benefit from being attentive to detail. This may help you identify and resolve data modelling errors before starting the database construction stage, preventing bad code from affecting performance later. Good attention to detail also makes it easier to identify trends in unstructured data and plan ways to transport data values onto new or existing databases.

How can you improve data administration skills?

This section discusses several ways that you could develop better data administration skills:

Complete online training courses

To establish basic data administration skills, enrol on an online coding training course. Use the UK Register of Learning Providers to learn if providers have legal permission to give training before signing up. For example, you might enrol on the Introduction To Database Training course, provided by the Knowledge Academy. The course includes modules covering database characteristics, database management systems and data modelling.

Earn a bachelor's degree

To further develop data skills, secure a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject, such as computer engineering or computer science. During your studies, you could learn how to perform data administration tasks, such as designing systems architecture or integrating databases with user interfaces. To secure a place at a university, earn A-Level qualifications in mathematics or information technology.

Earn a professional certification

Another option is to earn a professional certification in database administration. As these qualifications often cover more niche subjects, you might develop the rounded data management skills required to access senior jobs. An example is the Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Certification. During this course, you explore how to manage simple SQL databases by studying this coding language, building data models and designing database tables. To accrue more advanced skills, earn the Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate certification. Here you can find out how to use the Microsoft SQL Server to manage databases for cloud-native solutions.

Highlighting data administration skills on your CV

When applying for jobs in data administration, clearly highlight relevant skills on your CV. You can stand out from other candidates by showing recruiters why their organisation might benefit from hiring you. This list offers tips on highlighting data administration skills on your CV:

Include statistics. You can include statistics to show hiring managers how you've previously used data skills to improve deliverables. For example, if you previously created a database for a firm's automated payroll system, mention that this system raised payroll managers' productivity by 14%.

Merge skills and experience. You can also include skills in the CV's experience section. For example, if you previously worked as a junior developer, list the coding languages used to create software functions.

Write bullet point lists. You might use bullet point lists to concisely highlight your main strengths as a database administrator.

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