According to estimates by the World Economic Forum, by 2025, 463 exabytes of data will be created daily. As a result of such projected growth, the demand for professionals who can manage big data continues to climb.
Database administrators play a central role by organizing large, complex data sets to ensure analysts can access relevant information and model it effectively in machine learning (ML) applications. ML, a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), models historical data to help computers learn without direct human instructions.
ML technology will likely automate routine functions of database administration, such as installing, configuring and maintaining databases. According to DATAVERSITY, an online educational resource center for business and data professionals, it will also create new career paths for database administrators.
“The adoption of AI and ML technologies frees up time for DBAs (database administrators) to focus their time and effort on strategic tasks that still require a human touch,” it explains. A Master in Science (M.S.) in Computer Information Science program, like the one offered online by La Salle University, can help database administrators pursue various professional opportunities.
What Are Emerging Career Paths for Database Administrators?
Dataversity identifies two strategic roles for database administrators: DevOps and data analytics. In a DevOps (development operations) culture, companies move people, tools and processes, such as IT operations, quality assurance and governance, out of silos and into integrated teams. The integration helps businesses accelerate internal response to outcomes with greater confidence and improve the customer experience.
Like virtually everything else in business, DevOps uses data to create competitive advantages, making database administrators a natural fit on an integrated team. “While the benefits of DevOps are undeniable, its successful implementation requires more than just adopting a set of tools and practices. A true DevOps transformation involves a cultural shift, with a focus on collaboration, trust, and continuous learning,” according to Samraiz Bhatti, a DevOps consultant.
Another strategic career path for database administrators is emerging as businesses implement data teams that collect unstructured data and clean and organize it for ML modeling that drives advanced predictive analytics. According to Oracle, data science teams typically include analysts, ML engineers, developers and database architects — a critical function in managing the rapidly growing volume and increasing velocity of unstructured data.
“This role is particularly important for large data science teams who have a variety of data, workflow, and tooling requirements,” the global database provider says.
What Expertise Is Required for Strategic Database Career Tracks?
In addition to technical skills, such as mastery of database languages and technology, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists skills in communication, analysis and creative problem-solving as essential for success.
“Employers may prefer to hire applicants who have a master’s degree focusing on data or database management, typically either in computer science, information systems, or information technology,” according to the BLS, which predicts 9% job growth through 2031 and average salaries in the field at $101,000.
About La Salle’s Online M.S. in Computer Information Science – Data Science Program
To prepare for database careers and advancement, data professionals are earning M.S. in Computer Information Science degrees, such as the one offered online by La Salle, which has a concentration in data science. The program provides advanced knowledge on data science and applications of data in such courses as:
- Data Processing and Database Management
- Data Mining
- Data Analysis with R
- Optimization Methods for Data Analytics
La Salle’s online program is an excellent next step for database administrators seeking new careers in data science or transitioning to roles in software development, business analysis and information analysis. Completing the coursework prepares graduates for success in their chosen profession by deepening their understanding of analyzing, mining and incorporating complex data to make strategic decisions and build the managerial expertise to lead data-driven solutions across all sectors.
Learn more about La Salle’s online M.S. in Computer Information Science – Data Science program.