Database Administration*

If you have gone out to http://www.nwcet.org/programs/cybercareers/ and taken their IT Careers Interest Inventory, you may have discovered what some of your different IT interest areas are. This survey does not rank you in what level of IT talent you possess, but where your interests are.

Maybe, you received a score between 22-32 on this survey. What does this mean? It means you may possess some of the following characteristics:

• Sees big picture
• Learns by challenging situations or systems
• Tests constantly
• Analyzes pieces of the whole
• Thinks about how parts fit together to make the whole work better
• Likes complexity
• Likes puzzles

One of the best IT career fits for an individual with the above characteristics would be to explore a career in database design and administration. An individual in this field would help design computer systems that keep track of lots of different types of information for people. You would be expected to make changes, implement and troubleshoot these types of systems. You may even have to plan and implement security measures to protect.

Possible Work Activities. . .

• Interacting With Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

How to decide if IT is for you?

Deciding what you want to do as a career in life is a major decision. You may have looked over the Network Systems and Database Communications Analyst information below and you think it is for you - but you're not sure.

In order to help you decide what career may be right for you - you need to know yourself. What are your likes and dislikes? What skills do you excel? What are your favorite activities? These are a couple of questions to ask yourself to help determine who you are.

There are interest surveys one can take to help narrow down what IT career fields you may be good at.

For example, at CyberCareers, they have an IT Careers Interest Inventory to help determine which area of IT you would be most comfortable with. By taking this interest survey you are helping identify if you this might be an area of interest for you.

http://www.nwcet.org/programs/cybercareers/students/test/iquiz/intquizstep1.aspx

Take time to get to know yourself and figure what you are all about. Ask other people what they notice about you. Sometimes they can identify traits we ourselves are unable. Enjoy getting to know yourself and focus on your strengths and likes.