Database Analyst

What You Do

As a database analyst you will manage and organize electronic data according to corporate data administration policies and standards in order to ensure that the information needs of the users are met.

Job stream: Data Administration

Sample titles:

• Data Analyst
• Data Manager
• Database Analyst

Who You Do It For

Information stored in databases has become extremely important and database analyst positions can be found in any organization that uses databases as part of their operation. Generally, likely employers include:

• retail companies,
• catalog companies,
• insurance companies,
• communication companies (i.e. telephone, broadcasting),
• financial institutions,
• hospitals,
• utilities,
• government departments and agencies,
• educational institutions,
• computer companies, and
• companies in the service industry.

How You Do It

Like other analyst positions in the software industry, you are responsible for ensuring that the electronic data an organization maintains serves its needs. You manage and organize the information to ensure:

• shareability,
• coherence,
• availability,
• quality, and
• integrity.

You must also ensure in your capacity of database analyst that the changes you recommend and implement are in line with the corporate policies, procedures, and operational guidelines of your employer.

To begin your job as a database analyst you must first understand how the various systems are integrated, and how they need to be managed. Working with others in a team setting, you will determine how to apply data standards to the various systems. In other words, you are trying to figure out how the various systems can share information and be more effective in the long run.

As a database analyst your job will involve gaining insight into the organization’s business and information needs through the:

• interviewing of workers,
• examining of records, and
• use of the computer.

Once you have collected this information, you analyze it against a set of controls, document the accuracy of reports, and evaluate the efficiency and security of the systems’ information. Sometimes you will conduct audits on the systems to ensure data security and integrity. Where modifications are needed, you will put in place techniques to retrieve and analyze data and generate reports.

Depending on your level, you may also be involved in:

• preparing the specifications and language for contracts,
• defining corporate database policies and procedures,
• conducting business analysis,
• delivering training on data administration concepts and techniques, and
• resolving issues related to data standards.

Challenges

As a database analyst you will need to have a good understanding of computers, computer systems, computer principles and protocol. You will also need to have a good working knowledge of several different programming languages. As the technology continues to evolve, you will be expected to keep on top of new developments and trends in the industry and how they apply to your databases.

Skills

• gather and interpret relevant data and information,
• use inductive reasoning,
• interact with computer technology to solve a variety of complex problems,
• interview and relate to people,
• follow set routines,
• communicate clear and consistent information,
• think analytically and problems solve,
• make effective decisions under pressure,
• explain complex information simply and accurately, and
• pay attention to detail and work effectively under pressure.

Working Conditions

Database analysts usually work a 40-hour week. Overtime is often part of the job as deadlines and user requirements must be met. Like other workers who spend their time in front of a computer terminal, database analysts are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort and hand and wrist problems.

What the Future Holds

T he demand for database analysts will continue to grow, as computers make it feasible for organizations to manage and use expanding amounts and types of information in their business.

Skill Levels

Entry Level Database Analyst

Working under the supervision of a more senior informatics staff member, you could be required to do any of the following:

• work with project groups to select and apply data standards,
• work with others to maintain or upgrade data structures,
• assist users with implementation of appropriate standards and document,
• conduct audits,
• monitor compliance to standards and assist development,
• understand data and analysis,
• use specialized tools and techniques to maintain the data model,
• provide advice and support for data analysis and application,
• analyze data and structure into objects,
• research and incorporate publicly available and relevant data, and
• train and educate users.

Full Working Database Analyst

You will be performing the job of database analyst without supervision and you may be responsible for the supervision of other staff on a project. In addition you may be responsible for small projects or portions of medium-large projects, and you may also be required to:

• work with users to provide cost-effective solutions,
• provide data administration advice,
• plan and implement significant projects,
• implement data administration solutions, methods and standards,
• define data access rules and meta-data,
• resolve issues related to data standards,
• provide advice and support for data analysis and data application,
• contribute to and communicate strategies and policies,
• conduct business analysis,
• prepare and deliver training on data administration concepts and techniques,
• prepare specifications and language for contracts,
• manage external data and data interchange,
• provide input to and participate in disaster recovery,
• research and incorporate relevant data with non-traditional databases,
• work with other areas to create understanding of data,
• supervise staff, and
• ensure data security.

Intermediate Database Analyst

As the intermediate database analyst, you will be expected to supervise staff. You may also be required to:

• manage organization-wide data policies, security, and standards,
• provide leadership in selection, use of data administration standards, tools etc.,
• provide expertise to multiple projects,
• provide guidance on new and emerging data administration concepts,
• reconcile competing data interests,
• implement corporate data standards and monitor their use,
• develop, negotiate and manage contracts, and
• acquire, manage and appraise staff.

Senior Database Analyst

As the senior database analyst you will most likely be involved in planning, conducting and supervising complex informatics assignments. You will also be involved in designing and applying new methods and procedures and supervising staff. You could also be required to:

• employ expert modeling techniques and data driven development methods,
• define and implement incorporated data standards,
• direct the assessment and evaluation of specialized administration tools, etc.,
• determine the interrelationships between solutions and requirements,
• formulate and recommend to management new and/or modified data policies,
• prepare language for and negotiate contracts,
• communicate; market data administration concepts to management, staff and clients,
• prepare and deliver training of data administration strategies, concepts, etc., and
• train, discipline and evaluate staff.

Salary Range

$37,000 - $99,500

Education and Training

Junior Database Analyst

You need a university degree or college diploma with 0-2 years experience in the IT industry and specific job experience in this stream. Preference is given to graduates in Computer Science with course work in database management, information systems and business.

Full Working Database Analyst

This level requires 3-5 years experience in the IT industry and specific job experience in addition to a university degree or college diploma.

Intermediate Database Analyst

This level requires 3-5 years experience in the IT industry and specific job experience in addition to a university degree or college diploma.

Senior Database Analyst

This level requires 6-8 years experience in the IT industry and specific job experience as well as a university degree or college diploma.