Database Administrator (DBA)

Tasks of the database administrator

• Guarantees the availability and quality of data by maintaining and improving performance.
• He/she administers user access authorisations and manages data security.
• He/she sets up standards and recommends best practices for the databases in collaboration with the development teams.
• It makes database implementation choices in compliance with the specifications and in collaboration with the project stakeholders.
• It ensures that data is recovered and that databases are restored to operational condition after a serious incident.
• It recommends backup systems and ensures that backups are carried out properly and reliably.
• It monitors database performance and optimises queries to improve processing speed.
• It manages version migrations and applies the necessary updates.
• It provides technical support to developers, operating technicians and users.
• It models databases and designs tables and keys.

DBA skills

Technical skills

The database administrator is proficient in database management systems such as Oracle, MySQL, SyBase, and SQL Server. They are comfortable with SQL queries and have knowledge of Shell scripting under UNIX, Windows or MVS. He/she has a good understanding of the architecture of information systems, networks and applications. You will also be able to analyse the risks associated with cybersecurity.

They understand technical documentation in English. Finally, the database administrator is familiar with various backup, audit, tuning and high availability tools ( Talend, Pentaho, Oracle Data Integrator, SQL Server Integration Services, and Oracle RAC, to name but a few).

Soft skills

Adaptable and intellectually curious, the database administrator is constantly interested in new technologies and developments in the sector. Reactive and capable of managing crisis situations, they keep their cool in the face of critical incidents. Their rigour and organisational skills enable them to prioritise their tasks.

DBAs enjoy working in a team: they collaborate with development teams, end-users and management, and are capable of working under pressure with tight deadlines. Finally, their availability and team spirit enable them to respond quickly to the company's needs, even outside normal working hours.

Education and training for database administrators

To become a database administrator (DBA), training at Bac+3 to Bac+5 level is recommended. It is possible to take several training courses:

• A Professional Degree in the management and processing of massive data or in database administration (bac +3).
• A Master's degree in MIAGE (Méthodes Informatiques Appliquées à la Gestion des Entreprises) or STIC (Services et Technologies de l'Information et de la Communication) (bac +5).
• An engineering school specialising in IT, telecoms or general engineering (bac +5).
• A Master's degree specialising in IT, telecoms or IT systems and network security (bac +6).

Candidates can complete their training with a professional qualification certificate (CQP) as a database administrator, especially in companies that are members of SYNTEC. Some companies may also require certification from software publishers (such as Oracle ).

Recruiters are often looking for candidates with initial development experience and an advanced level of knowledge of mathematical models and information systems.

Possible career paths

After gaining experience as a DBA, you may become a database architect, a job that focuses more on the design and integration of databases in corporate ERP systems. They may also become data analysts, systems engineers or DevOps engineers.

With several years' experience, database administrators can progress to positions with managerial responsibilities, such as project manager or IT manager, supervising a team of IT specialists. Other DBAs go on to become IT Directors.