My Career as a Database Administrator - Coursework Example

MY CAREER AS A DATA BASE ADMINISTRATOR Name: Instructor: Course: Date: MY CAREER AS A DATA BASE ADMINISTRATOR Database Administrator can be defined as that person given the responsibility of designing, implementing, repairing and maintaining the database of a given organization. The key role of a database administrator is develop and also design strategies of database, monitor and improve the capacity as well as performance of database and finally plan the requirements needed for future expansion. They are also expected to coordinate, plan as well as implementing security protection of the database. Among other tasks of database administrator include controlling who should be given permission to access the database and who should not, developing strategies for the backup of database and its recovery, replication and transfer of data and making sure data is available to users. So, this report is about my career as a database administrator and it gives detailed information on the various aspects of a database administrator and convincing reasons as to why such a career is the best for me. I did an extensive research and analyzed the results which are presented in this report. (Mullins, 2002) METHODOLOGY QUESTIONNAIRES I came to know that I needed enough knowledge and preparation of the information that would be helpful to me as I plan and decide to choose database administrator career. So I researched extensively on various samples of career planning questionnaire and realized that above 80% of the results when I filled six questionnaires were leading me to database administrator career .I was therefore confident that this is the career of my dream. (Petersen, 2000) EMPLOYMENT SKILLS For me to be employed, I came to understand that I need to evaluate myself deeply my weak and strong points and this I carried out successively thereby choosing the career of database administrator. Even though I recognized weaknesses as well as strengths in myself towards this career during my research, the weaknesses were more on other careers than this and areas which need improvement are minimal. After evaluating myself critically, I found out that I love working with computers, designing computer programs using various computer languages such as Java, Visual Basic, C++ and FORTRAN. I would run a specific project using all the languages and it was working. I used to make database for the data used by the programs. For example, I wrote a program using C++ language that turned off every particular computer in the computer lab that I chose. The knowledge of the field in which someone is seeking a job is vital and this gave me an advantage in my research for the career. (Petersen, 2000) My excellent communication skills gave me an added advantage to my evaluation about employability skills since from experience and much more from learning I have been good at listening, speaking and writing effectively. From my research I found this attribute to be very instrumental as a vital requirement to job seekers. In the field of data administration, communication skills are very important because possession of the skills makes one to interact well with others in the work place. Strong analytical skills are needed for one to be considered for employment and here I found out that I was not strong enough and needed more training. However, computer literacy as a requirement employers seek was a strong point on my side as I am conversant with the basic computer applications such as the word processor, email, spreadsheets etc and I have an experience in software and hardware maintenance. Adaptability or flexibility as an attribute employers seek most in jobseekers was a positive attribute that I possessed. I was able to manage and run several tasks and assignment which I had assigned myself as I self examined my abilities. I was as well able to adapt very well to changing conditions of work. Being the leader of my discussion group, I found out that my interpersonal abilities were above average. I do relate well with the members of my group, encourage them to participate in the discussion and sometimes I do resolve conflicts among them and encourage them to work together as a team. My leadership skills are above average as I researched using questionnaire with three of my discussion group members picked at random. My research about my multicultural sensitivity was above average. This conclusion came about after the analysis of questionnaires I had issued to four members of wildlife club where I am the vice chairman. This club consists of students from different backgrounds and culture. With my tutor in the computer laboratory, I was given an assignment of planning the allocated time in order to design and implement a programming project of managing a video library in the students’ center. I was allocated eight hours and by the sixth hour, I was through and it was working. Therefore my planning skills are excellent. In order to test my creativity or reasoning level, my tutor took me though an exercise in the computer laboratory where he gave me an assignment left me in the laboratory alone and switched off the electricity without my knowledge. Because I was allocated one hour for the assignment, I looked for the generator (Schwalbe, 2010) PROSPECTS PLANNER In order to identify my interests, motivation and skills so s to match the relevant types of jobs for me, I used the prospects planner to guide me. I found out that I am average in listening as well as offering advice such as how to manage database in a busy organization to people in the profession of database administration simply because I do not have enough experience. Altruism character came out to be positive since from deep inside me, I will not work because of any personal gain or profits but because I love the being creative as this career calls for. From deep inside me, I feel that I am ambitious and will climb the ladder of professionalism which goes hand in hand with advanced education as well as salary. Also, because I have completed a short course in first aid I am able to and like assisting those who need my help it terms of health. I like working in a stable and well organized organization where I will enjoy some benefits like medical attention, study leave, pension after retirement, house allowance, transport allowance etc and more so in a company or organization owned by the government. This will give me enough security. I like motivating other people and always make it a habit that whatever new thing I have learned, somebody else should learn it because who knows, it might help him a great deal someday. From this planner, my communication skills were excellent as I like communicating especially with my colleagues in the discussion groups as well as in various clubs where I am a leader, to come up with a solution to any problem that arises. I am a risk taker because whenever I get opportunities I take them without the thought of the possible outcome but I am always very optimistic in such circumstances. (Nemco, 2007). Now, after a deeper and detailed analysis of the results from the prospects planner, I took time to analyze the meaning of every detail in conjunction with my career because I wanted to choose what interested me. I visited the college career department for more advice together with the analyzed results of the prospects planner. As we were analyzing the results with the chairman of the department, we came to several conclusions about my chosen career. Some these include the fact that database administrator career deal with computers of whichever type. Again, in this career, my chances of getting a good, well paying job are high as most of the tasks in most companies are being translated into computer language. We looked at the locations of the jobs and found that most of them are located at the town centers, the chances are many though most of the well paying need people of a high qualification in terms of education and experience. We researched a variety of job opportunities and they were numerous. (Nemco, 2007). INTERVIEW WITH A PRACTIONER I visited the database administrator of TIBCO Software Ltd Company I took him through an interview where I wanted to know what employers look for in a job seeker as well as the challenges of a database administrator practationer. This is a report of the analysis of the interview with him. He explained to me the importance of good personality traits, good personal characteristics and values to a potential employer. These traits if included in my curriculum vitae, cover letter as I apply for a job or give answers to questions asked in interviews in an honest manner towards these traits will help me a great deal especially in the profession of database administration. Honesty or integrity as a trait is very important to any employer especially in this profession simply because trust has to be put in you concerning the database of the whole company. If it is destroyed the company will suffer loss, so if you are honest, then this is an advantage. An employer will look at how flexible you are to new concepts and ideas, carrying out several tasks at the same time and whether you can work with others as a team or not, whether you are optimistic or pessimistic about life, resilient and patient. If the employer sees this adaptability trait in you then that is an opportunity to get the job. The employer will also look at the level of dedication or in other words, tenancy. He will like to know if you love what you are doing or not and this will be shown by your dedication to the job till you get all the solutions needed. How responsible, reliable or dependable are you? This is a question that an employer will ask himself again and again. Are you able to report at work early enough, daily and taking responsibility for every action you take? If the answer is yes, then you atre qualified. Loyalty means that an individual feels attached to someone or something. An employer will love an employee who is devoted strongly to the matters of the company in his department and producing a good working record even when the organization he is working for is not loyal to him. Again, motivation or positive attitude is another trait employers will look for. With this trait, promotions are easy to get as long as you demonstrate this trait in actions as well as words. Then of course you must have done a course in database administration for you to be employed as one. A sense of professionalism should be seen in you where you act in a fair and responsible manner in both your work and personal activities which can be termed as maturity. Finally, being Self-Confidence. You are expected to believe in yourself in terms of your skills, abilities and education because if you don’t, then an employer will not be able to. Have confidence in your abilities. So, the database administrator of TIBCO Software Ltd Company concluded that for him to get that well paying and competitive job he learnt the above traits prior to the interview and practiced them daily where possible. This challenged me and made me like this career more. (Interview with David) MY PERSONALITY TYPE Honestly speaking, after a thorough analysis of my personality type in conjunction with this career, this is what I found out; I am open and adjust easily to any instituted authority. From experience, when I was young, my father used to change decisions anyhow and without consulting anyone and I learned to adapt to any change in decision from the authority. I am usually very grateful to what is given to me by anybody of any race and so intermingling with people is very easy. I am ambitious and a positive thinker every aspect of my life. I usually make firm decisions concerning my life and I am determined in life, someone who loves to work hard. I am brave and courageous and also have faith in myself. I believe that I am mature and able to handle things maturely, friendly and generous. I am open minded and tolerant to all situations knowing that my God is in charge. (Fredrickson, 1982)  MY CAREER ANCHOR From this table gotten from Career Anchors by Edgar Schein from the internet, I analyzed myself and the details of my results are below. Career anchor category Traits Technical competence Individual likes being good at something and therefore will work to become an expert They like to be challenged and then use their skills to meet the challenge, doing the job properly and better than almost anyone else Managerial competence These people want to be managers They like to solve problems and also dealing with other individuals. They thrive on responsibility To be successful, they also need emotional competence Autonomy/independence Individuals have a the need to perform their duties under their own rules They avoid standards and prefer to work alone Security/stability Individuals seek continuity and stability Individuals avoid risk Entrepreneurial creativity Individuals like to be creative and invent things These individuals differ from those individuals who seek autonomy whereby they share the work. Ownership is important to them Wealth is a sign of success Service/dedication to a cause These individuals are driven by how they can help other individuals Can work in human resource Pure challenge Individuals are driven by challenges These individuals are likely to change jobs Lifestyle These individuals are focused on life style They integrate lifestyle and work Spend more time in pleasures   From the above table, I was able to fill up the table below.   Schein career anchor How important is this aspect of your career to you How does this match with your current post? (score out of 5, where 0 is not important and 5 is vital) (score out of 5, where 0 is not important and 5 is vital) Technical/functional competence  5  5 Managerial competence  5  5 Autonomy/independence  2  1 Security/stability  4  3 Entrepreneurial creativity  2  1 Service/dedication to a cause  3  1 Pure challenge  4  2 Lifestyle  0  0 Tables from (www.reading.ac.uk) After analyzing the results I found out that database administrator is what is good for me.  CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Related job opportunities from the internet are Junior web developer Employer: Web candy Degree: Computer Science Location: Reading area Duration: 6-12 month placement - possibly permanent Salary: £77,000 - £120,000 PA (www.reading.ac.uk) Front-end Web Developer Employer: Pro-G Media Degree: Relevant degree discipline Location: Croydon, Surrey Duration: Permanent Salary: £120-130k based on experience (www.reading.ac.uk) So, my plan of action concerning this career in 3 to 5 years to come, is that after I graduate, I will seek employment for one year then I will further my education to Masters level before opening an I.T consultant firm. There in conclusion, I have chosen database administrator as my dream career following a thorough evaluation of my interest, abilities and skills. Mr. David came in handy in my research as he advised me and encouraged me in this career. My conclusion therefore is to take data base administrator as my career. WORK CITED: Ann M., (2003) Careers in Information Technology. Rosen publishing group. David, M, (2010), Interview [Interview with David, 10th Dec 2010] Fredrickson, R. (1992) career information. Prentice hall Morgan, R. and Kuther, T. (2010) Careers in Psychology: Opportunities in a Changing World. Rosen publishing group Mullins, C., (2002) Database administration: the complete guide to practices and procedures. Pearson education. Nemco, M., (2007). Cool Careers for Dummies. Wiley publishing. Petersen J. (2000) Absolute beginner's guide to databases. Kogan page Rajan, C., (2007) Oracle 10g database administrator II: backup/recovery and network administration. Calhoun Rapidbi (2008) Career anchors [www] Available from: http://rapidbi.com/created/careeranchors.html [Accessed 10th Dec 2010] Schwalbe, K., (2010) Information Technology Project Management. Jack Calhoun University of reading (2010) careers advisory service [www] Available from: http://www.reading.ac.uk/careers/jobs/ [Accessed 10th Dec 2010]   Read More