Database Administrators may plan, manage and maintain data on computers, such as lists of customers and business contacts for companies and public sector institutions. Their work is useful for people by managing information for communication and strategic purposes. Database administrators can work, for instance, for hospitals, by keeping patient records, or banks, maintaining customer account networks. They are also responsible for the security of databases stored in computers.

A Database Administrator usually performs many of the following tasks:
• Deciding cases when a database needs update.
• Writing reports and manuals for training staff and users about databases.
• Setting up user account credentials for online systems.
• Creating backup systems to avoid data loss.
• Maintaining databases from technical issues.

• Being flexible and inventive.
• Being a competent project manager.
• Having a good understanding of database systems.
• Having business and budget awareness.
• Being able to work under pressure.
• Having understanding about information legislation such as the Data Protection Act.
• Having methodical an analytical approach.
• Being able to keep up to date with technology developments.
• Having good teamwork abilities.
• Having knowledge about IT.

For people who want to work in Database Administrator jobs, there are various suitable higher education qualifications. Among those are degrees and Foundation degrees related to software development, electronics, computer science, engineering, math and HNC’s/HND’s. Those who chose the last option need one A level/two H grades or equivalent qualifications as a minimum.

People with good grades in GCSE’s/S in math, English, and IT have greater possibilities to obtain a database assistant job placement. For administrator jobs, it is required to know how to use SQL with database management systems including RDBMS, XML and OODBMS.