Many data science careers are concerned with methods used by data scientists and analysts to interact with information and data. Yet, it is also essential to consider the processes that precede the actual data analysis. Before analysis and visualization can occur, data must be obtained, manipulated, and made available to data scientists. Consequently, data collection, storage, and organization are the basis of careers in database management that answer the research needs of data scientists and analysts.
Database design and management is a field that prioritizes the methods and systems required to store and access information and data. This field also encompasses cybersecurity, creating data governance and stewardship protocols, and developing and maintaining database management systems. Careers in database design and management enable data scientists to fill the demand for specialists that ensure the safety and integrity of big data.
What is Database Design and Management?
Database Design and Management is the organization, storage, and management of information and data within a defined structure. Database design involves the development and creation of database organization systems. Maintaining these systems and data is the function of database management. Both database design and management require training in database management systems.
Database management systems are used to collect, store, and organize information and data. These systems include SQL and NoSQL databases and there are many to choose from, each with its specific programming language and its pros and cons. Understanding the differences between SQL and NoSQL helps determine which database management system is most appropriate. Database management systems also differ depending on the amount of data. Big data requires large-scale database management systems that rely on multiple databases and cloud-based servers. Data science professionals trained in database management systems and programming languages like SQL can pursue a range of careers in database design and management.
The Demand for Data Scientists in Database Design and Management
The demand for data scientists in database design and management is dependent on individual skills and industry needs. The continual growth of user engagement and data collection and the ensuing concerns for data security and quality make cybersecurity and data governance skills most in-demand. Data scientists trained in database design and management can fill these roles in various industries and institutions.
For example, many companies rely on cloud-based storage for their database management systems. This requires data science professionals and database administrators familiar with transitioning data to the cloud. SQL databases also require appropriately trained data science professionals.
Database management and design responsibilities are environment-dependent. Data scientists working at a small company or school might be tasked with developing a database management system from the ground up. Whereas data scientists with experience at large companies may have a deeper understanding of data governance protocols and accessing data from a virtual system. Currently, there is building interest in this field that focuses on the unique challenges of managing big data, open-access tools, and data science teams. For example, managing big data requires database managers to work with multiple storage databases in data lakes or warehouses.
In addition, the push for open access to data and the collaborative work of data science teams creates a greater need for data to be available to multiple stakeholders while ensuring that it doesn't fall into the wrong hands. This requires professionals with backgrounds in database design management who understand the rigors of data science research and the changing needs of the data science industry.
Careers in Database Design and Management
SQL Developer
Due to their extensive training in programming languages, data scientists making career transitions can find opportunities for growth as Developers. SQL Developers in database design and management apply their knowledge to database design by building better database management systems for companies or clients. Many SQL developers specialize in enterprise tools relevant to their experience and training. These tools include specific databases, servers, and providers. Many top database management systems offer certifications and licensing for SQL developers. For example, Oracle offers an Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Certification for SQL developers.
Database Administrator
Database administrators use database management skills and tools to store and organize information and data. Database administrators create the database maintenance protocols and the system security, ensuring through regular audits that information and data are correctly stored and backed up. Database administrators also regularly test the integrity and security of data accessed, so must have skills in cybersecurity and database design and management. This role also requires skills in data science and knowledge of the SQL programming language, information technology, and organizational culture.
Database Designer
Database designers create the database management systems used by organizations or companies. Database design includes evaluating a client’s information needs and programming the back end of the database to meet those needs. While some database designers create databases before the data collection process, others base their design on the currently available data stored in a system. Database design requires knowledge of programming and data science tools as well as creativity and project management skills. Database designers must be skilled in data science, databases, and web development and design.
Data Governance Manager
Data governance and stewardship is a burgeoning field of database design and management in the big database management domain. Data governance managers create the policies and protocols for accessing and managing data and assigning the roles and responsibilities of data stewards and critical stakeholders. Data governance managers fill managerial or leadership roles depending on the institution. In a managerial role, the data governance manager supervises a team of data science professionals or information specialists. A leadership-focused data governance manager takes a hands-off approach, setting the institution’s governance standards but not always managing team engagement during daily operations. Data governance managers should supplement their data science and database design knowledge with training in data governance tools and platforms.
Want to know more about Database Design and Management?
Data science skills in database design and management are applicable across fields and industries. Noble Desktop's data science classes include training in tools and skills essential to database design and management. The SQL Bootcamp introduces beginner data scientists to the fundamentals of database management systems. In addition, Cloud Computing with AWS is a bootcamp that takes a deep dive into using Amazon Web Services to develop secure databases within a cloud-based environment. As more companies shift toward big database management, data scientists with training in database design, management, and cloud computing are well-positioned to find multiple career opportunities!