We've shown that 'databases' undoubtedly are a major element of our time, so what sort of career-paths are there in this particular industry? If we consider the work of I.T. professionals, there are two fundamental database fields - Developing and building the databases - & the actual software that controls and allows access to them; and managing them - as well as producing reporting-systems which use that information. The Administrator role is far more popular - in business a 'Database Administrator' is more often known as a DBA. Medium to large corporations must have 'DBA's' in order to supervise the day by day functions of the databases they're running. DBA's take care of the Security of the business' Databases, ensure that everything is backed up adequately, and use the information to create meaningful reports for senior management. They have to have a proficient understanding of 'SQL' - the most highly used database language. Interrogating 'databases' to acquire facts is standardised with 'SQL' ('Structured Query Language').

Throughout the world, the most commonly used database-systems are Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server. Quite a few substantial installations still utilise the older Oracle system, although 'SQL' Server is now the favourite system in most commercial environments, and where web based Databases are concerned it rules supreme. Microsoft has built SQL-Server technology in to all of the MS programming languages & platforms - which makes it an obvious option over Oracle so far as Database training is concerned. Qualifications have now been up-dated, & the 'MCDBA' ('Microsoft Certified Database Administrator') has now been replaced by the MCITP ('Microsoft Certified IT Professional') & the MCTS ('Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist'). Whilst SQL Server 08 is now beginning to secure some foothold, the existing widespread commercial version of MS SQL-Server is 2005, and it is this release which is included in the 'MCITP' DBA certification. Similar to some other Microsoft accreditations, a number of 'MCTS' modules precede the final MCITP qualification.

It can be a nerve-racking task, but landing your first IT job can be relieved by some training providers because they offer a Job Placement Assistance service. It can happen though that this feature is bigged up too much, as it is genuinely quite straightforward for well qualified and focused men and women to get a job in the IT industry - because companies everywhere are seeking qualified personnel.

Help with your CV and interview techniques is sometimes offered (alternatively, check out one of our sites for help). Make sure you polish up your CV right away - not after you've qualified! You may not have got to the stage where you've passed your first exam when you land your first junior support position; yet this is not possible if your CV isn't in front of employers. If you don't want to travel too far to work, then you may well find that a specialist locally based employment agency might serve you better than a centralised service, for they're going to know what's available near you.

Fundamentally, as long as you put the same commitment into securing a position as into training, you're not going to hit many challenges. Some trainees curiously spend hundreds of hours on their course materials and just give up once certified and appear to be under the impression that jobs will come to them.

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