Becoming a database manager requires knowing how to deal with both technology and people. The responsibilities of a database manager typically include establishing and enforcing the data standards for the business and troubleshooting any problems with the data or the system. 

The database manager often works with other management staff to improve data sharing and implement new database software. Additional responsibilities may involve upgrading hardware and software and developing the policies, procedures, and controls needed for securing the database. The database manager understands how the database works and can make improvements and repairs.

Normally, a database will contain all the data used in one application, or it will support a group of applications related to one another. For example, a business could have a payroll database, an inventory database, and an HR database.

Databases are now an integral part of modern business systems, and they play a vital role in a wide range of applications, including financial systems, customer relationship management, inventory management, and more. The database is a functional combination of hardware, software, and data. 

Data is information stored electronically in the database. The hardware includes all devices used for entering and saving data in the database. The software organizes the data and makes it available to users. 

Data Quality – the level of the data’s accuracy – is directly related to how well the data is managed. High-quality data is required for research, analytics, and data-driven decisions, and is a necessity for data analytics to provide useful information. Decisions made using faulty data have the potential to be disastrous. 

Database Languages

Database managers must understand database languages – also called query languages – which are used to define and access a database. These languages allow the user to perform tasks, such as searching for data, defining and updating data, and controlling access to data.

A database management system provides the needed database languages that allow users to express database updates and queries, which are requests for data. SQL (Structured Query Language) is the common programming language for many databases. It, and many others, use sublanguages that serve different functions to execute tasks – data control languages, data definition languages, transaction control languages, and data manipulation languages. NoSQL (Not Only Structured Query Language) databases, on the other hand, can be based on a variety of different query languages, or may not even use a query language.

Database languages are programming languages designed for searching and altering the contents of a database.

The Responsibilities of a Database Manager

Being aware of the problems common to database management, and how to deal with them, is an necessity for a good database manager. 

One of the most frequent issues a database manager faces is upscaling the system as the amount data being processed and stored increases. The performance of a database, to a large extent, depends on how well the database is maintained. Scalability describes the ability of a database to handle decreases or increases of the workload without impacting productivity. It is the database manager’s responsibility to keep the database (and the flow of data) running at optimum. 

A second common problem is security. Security is the responsibility of all staff working for the organization. However, the database manager is often responsible for the overall security program. With proper precautions taken, data is safe from unauthorized access and data breaches. It is important to maintain security to protect the personal information of customers and staff, and the organization’s business records. 

While many potential problems await a new database manager, another responsibility deals with data integration. As a manager, you must ensure all regularly used data sources integrate seamlessly with the business’s database. Automation is an important part of the data integration process.

Listed below are some other examples of a database manager’s typical job responsibilities:

• Hiring and training new staff for the database team
• Collaborating with other department managers and management to recognize database needs for employee files, HR documentation, customer transactions, and financial data 
• Staying up to date on the evolution of database management systems and security
• Supervising (or at least scheduling) the maintenance activities with the database team
• Organizing data within a database so it is easily retrievable
• Performing backup activities routinely to ensure the safety of the organization’s important data
• Arranging access for certain staff to the database so they can complete their job responsibilities
• Implementing the security needed to prevent hackers or other unauthorized people from accessing the organization’s data

Key Steps to Becoming a Database Manager

Most modern businesses have come to understand that data has value. Small businesses often rely on reports produced by the software platforms used in daily operations. As a business grows and matures, however, it becomes necessary to centralize the data’s storage, standardize the data’s format, and keep the data safe. This process is known as Data Management and is typically performed by the database manager and their staff.

This position requires a person with both strong technical experience and good people skills. The minimum qualifications for a database manager normally include a bachelor’s degree (preferably in some form of data technology), and previous work experience is a significant plus. 

A good database manager should be experienced in data maintenance, database management, and database design. Developing these skills takes time and cannot be learned overnight.

• A bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field is a good first step. Appropriate degrees for database managers include computer science, information technology, information systems management, or database programming. These university or college programs provide a basic understanding of database management practices, information technology, computer hardware and software, and coding. 

• A few years of work in a non-management position, such as an SQL database developer, a junior database developer, or a database assistant, provides experience and looks attractive on the resume.

• Earning specific database certifications can also help in adding to skills listed on your resume. Certifications show potential employers that you want to continue to learn and educate yourself. 

• Apply for jobs that are of interest to you. Enthusiasm really does have an impact, both during interviews and when doing the actual work. There are a variety of database management positions available, such as working for nonprofits, hospitality and tourism, education, business and finance, etc.

Database Manager vs. Database Administrator

When researching a database manager’s position on the internet, several similar-sounding positions may appear: data manager, database engineer, database administrator, etc. The database administrator might be similar to the description of the database manager. Technically, a database manager manages and updates a database, while a database administrator can also create and delete databases. The database administrator is normally a little higher in the workplace hierarchy, and in some organizations, might be the database manager’s boss. 

Employers, however, can sometimes be a little fuzzy on job descriptions, and it is worth checking out the data administrator positions as well. The differences between the two positions are not that significant and potential employers may merge them.

The Resume and Interview

Database management requires a broad toolbox of skills. Be sure to highlight the ways you collaborated with teams to accomplish goals. List any experience with analyzing data and emphasize times you used the data to support the business’s objectives, as well as any specific programming languages you know. Additionally, describe any certifications you have verifying your database management abilities. Also, list any books read specifically for the job on your resume.

To highlight your database management skills during the interview, be prepared to tell specific stories of how you collaborated with others in managing and analyzing data and the impact your efforts had on business goals.

Skills a Database Manager Needs

There are a variety of skills that a database manager can find helpful. Some are people skills; some are technical skills. Examples of useful skills include:

• Communication skills and leadership skills: In general, a manager with poor communication skills also has poor leadership skills. Good communication skills require more than the ability to speak clearly. The ability to listen can help in providing a clear understanding of staff issues and minor technical problems. 

• Knowledge of Structured Query Languages: SQL is considered the standard language for business databases. It is such a common database language, it would be unusual for an employer to hire someone without a solid comprehension of it. It is important for a database manager to understand the use of SQL in their day-to-day work activities.

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