How to Become a Microsoft SQL DB Administrator

Good jobs await qualified database administrators. More than 44,000 openings are expected, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) "2008-2018 Employment Projections" report. The BLS reports the median 2009 annual wage is more than $70,000. A career as a Microsoft SQL Database Administrator puts you in a job market with more jobs available than people to fill them. However, you'll need special training and at least a year's experience to get on the Microsoft SQL Server database administrator career track.

Instructions

Education and Training

1. Visit your local or state employment services agency. The agency offers job counseling and significant resources for training to help your career advancement. If you are unemployed, there may be financial assistance available to pay for training courses.

2. Train to start as a database technician. Technician preparation courses are offered by computer training centers and many colleges, and they open the door to the one-year entry-level experience prerequisite to Microsoft SQL database administrator certification. Normally, technician jobs do not require a degree, making it possible to earn experience while training for advanced certification.

3. Select accredited coursework with the Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) certificate issued upon passing the course. These classes are offered online and in the classroom by Microsoft, many computer training services, and private and public colleges. Many employers require a college degree for database administrators. Take college credit classes counting towards an Associates degree, Bachelors degree or a specialty added to your existing degree.

Certification and Employment

1. Meet the one-year experience requirement working as a database technician or trainee under the tutelage of a database administrator. If such jobs are not available, consider an internship or apprenticeship. Almost any college can arrange an internship. The U.S. Department of Labor partners with all states creating apprenticeship opportunities. Consult with your local state employment services agency.

2. Pass the four required certification exams. Microsoft requires its MCDBA candidates pass exams covering SQL Server Administration, SQL Server Design, the current platform of Windows Server and one elective exam. Electives test Web-Based Client Development, Windows-based application languages or Windows-Based Client Development.

3. Hone the knowledge, skills, and abilities employers seek when hiring Microsoft SQL Database Administrators. Solving complex problems, critical thinking, customer service, teamwork and leadership are skills the Department of Labor reports most employers seek from database administrators.

4. Continue education to keep abreast of changes in Microsoft SQL Server. Based on past trends, Microsoft updates SQL Server releases every 18 months and a publishes new version every three years. Continuing education and training adds to your marketable skills as a database administrator.

Tips & Warnings

• Compare training programs for quality, cost, and job placement.

• Ensure that the selected program is Microsoft-accredited.

• Working as an intern or apprentice lets you demonstrate your skills to a potential employer. This can pay off with an offer of full-time employment.

References

• O*Net Online: Summary Report for Database Administrators
• Microsoft: SQL Server Training Portal
• Microsoft: Microsoft Certified Database Administrator

Resources

• Education Portal: How to Become a Database Technician
• U.S. Department of Labor: Apprenticeship