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How To Become A Database Analyst?

Databases have their own charms and various jobs have emerged in connection with them. However, one of the most interesting jobs related to databases, which is less mentioned in Persian, is the job of database analyst. 

Accordingly, in this article, we intend to go to the challenges and exciting world of a database analyst and talk about the initial steps to enter this field to the peak of professional success, and then point out the skills needed for each level and how to achieve them…

Finally, we examine the material and intangible efficiency of working with databases.

What does a database analyst do?

Thanks to today’s dynamic and data-driven business environment, database analysts have many job opportunities. Because database analysts work with large business and technology organizations, this job is suitable for people interested in both business and technology.

Database analysts should have sufficient knowledge of financial and accounting topics and technical skills (such as how to optimize a database).

What does a database analyst do? A database analyst may work as a database modeler, a database developer, a database administrator, and so on.

 However, all of them require some basic skills, including the following:

  • Logical database modeling
  • Physical database modeling
  •  Preparation of technical reports
  • Database performance optimization
  • Set up SQL queries
  • Write or revise database code

Database analysts often develop database models that cover all aspects of an organization’s business data. Accordingly, their design must have a high standard.

 Good modeling techniques make things smoother and allow important features to be developed faster.

When developing physical or logical models, analysts take a look

They are comprehensive to the whole organization so that the model to be designed can receive information from different parts of an organization.

In addition, analysts spend a lot of time writing and reviewing code, including setting up existing queries, writing new queries, or troubleshooting queries that do not work.

One day you may be developing a database code for a routine calculation, and the next day you may be meeting with business owners or analysts to determine the needs of the project.

As with any job, as you gain more experience, you will be given more responsibility and more complex tasks. There is no shortcut to learning and mastering databases; So you have to start small and move on.

Career Analyst Database

Beginner level: Novice database analyst 

The basic work of a database analyst is often appropriate for newcomers to the field, such as recent university graduates, trainees, or people who are somewhat familiar with database knowledge and moving into a new profession.

They know the basics of database development and modeling, or they have learned this knowledge formally from the university or through online courses. An internship is a good idea to start working in database-related jobs.

Most likely, you can take internships related to databases in large financial or software companies. Any organization that deals with small amounts of data and needs to be structured and organized for analysis and reporting is a good place for beginner trainees or database analysts.

 A beginner database analyst can do the following:

  • Design simple database models.
  •  Index database models based on respondents’ access paths.
  •  Write simple SQL scripts and prepare reports.
  •  Debug existing SQL scripts.
  • And have brief information on basic DB optimization.
Knowing the basics of SQL can help you in job interviews, but in some cases knowing these principles may not be enough.

Therefore, it is better to be prepared for more advanced topics (such as DDL and DML).

This will help you to be one step ahead of people who have less knowledge and have a better chance of going through the next steps of hiring. In job interviews, your main goal should be to show your potential and that you want to grow professionally with a well-organized organization.

At this point, no one is looking for your deep knowledge of the database, but the desire to learn is important. A structured career path tells you what skills you should have, what books you should read, and what courses you should take to move up the ladder. The salary of a novice database analyst is not very different from other positions in software engineering.

Intermediate: Data Analyzer

An average database analyst has many years of experience in this field. They are confident in their knowledge and are looking for new challenges to expand their career horizons.

You will reach the intermediate level when you have mastered your SQL skills, understood the more complex parts of SQL, and are looking to learn new things like faster data recovery methods.

Most database analysts at this level are happy and satisfied. Be careful not to stop at your profession at this stage and do not standstill.

You need to try to expand your knowledge and think about your future career achievements.

The more you know, the better you can show your worth to others.

For example, if you develop your project skills, you can lead a team of data analysts, which means increasing your salary and opening up an interesting and exciting path in your career.

  •      Communicate with business owners, managers, and other stakeholders.
  •      Model complex database logic designs with domain knowledge.
  •      Build a physical model to support the logical model.
  •     Set up SQL query commands.
  •      Set up the database using basic knowledge of DBA (Doctor of Business Administration).
  •     Received a certificate related to the database he/she is working on.
  •     Define development standards.
  •      Coach novice database analysts.

Database analysts need to be able to communicate directly with the organization’s customers and gather requirements without the help of business analysts.

For example, be able to build new and optimized models for businesses and customize queries based on the capabilities of the selected platform.

We recommend that you obtain a database certificate that is approved by your organization.

Certified professionals receive higher salaries than their counterparts, and the higher your level of mastery, the greater the financial benefit to you.

At this skill level, you are expected to demonstrate your experience and skills in SQL and database management.

The salary of an average database analyst is no different from other senior positions in software engineering. In the United States, for example, this is about $ 80,000, which can vary depending on the skill level. So it is important to invest in increasing your knowledge.

 Expert: Administrator or Senior Database Analyst 

The head or senior analyst of the database is actually at the peak of his / her job position in this field. They have great skills in working with databases because they have spent a considerable amount of time developing their careers.

What sets database analysts apart is their willingness to help the professional community.

They provide tips that are useful to other experienced database people.

 An expert database analyst spends most of his time doing high-level tasks, including:

  •      Implementation and development of database model templates
  •      Work with project managers for high-level estimates
  •      Technical or team leadership
  •      Implement database standards
  •     Creating career paths for team analysts
  •      Creating database execution criteria

Senior database analysts are expected to manage a pristine database project from start to finish. They usually support project managers in high-level estimates that could result in thousands of hours of manpower.

And They improve the quality of database models and codes by providing technical guidance and implementing various standards.

They choose the best database model template for each purpose – in other words, between choosing an abnormal Kimball model or a data wallet.

(Data Vault) They make very natural decisions. A job interview with a qualified database analyst is often done to find out if that person is culturally appropriate to the organization because scientifically, these people already provide their in-depth knowledge by presenting various articles and technical discussions.

Have proven in this regard.

Every expert analyst has at least one failed project in their portfolio. Their desire to admit this failure (and learn from mistakes) is what distinguishes a real expert from a regular analyst.

Quantifying salaries at the undergraduate level is a difficult task. Many database analysts are paid very well. These people work in important companies or may have their own business or be among the most lucrative consultants.

In the United States, for example, the minimum income for these people is about $ 100,000 a year.

Is the job of database analytics right for you?

Working with data is a great career choice. Database analysis requires the application of a set of skills. As a result, it is a good choice for IT engineers who know the field of business intelligence. If you are interested in data and want to learn more about business, this profession is useful and valuable.

 Database analysts generally have a positive career outlook because:
  •      This position always has an applicant.
  •     The database industry is growing and sustaining.
  •      There is a good balance between business and the technical aspects of this job.
  •      There is enough space for growth and expertise.

To become a good database analyst, try to work with knowledgeable and skilled educators and professionals from the very beginning.

Look for ways to share your views with others.

Most importantly, follow the golden rules of success, some of which are as a database analyst.

  •     Invest in your knowledge.
  •      Understand your position.
  •     Examine your work carefully.
  •     Test everything