How to Learn Database Management and Conquer the World of Big Data

Collecting and storing data in an easily accessible format has become an integral part of modern business. The database management system that a company uses should optimize and protect the input information. By learning database management, you can acquire many in-demand skills, including data analysis, programming, and risk assessment. 

Moreover, database management is a versatile career, with career opportunities available in industries such as finance, and software development. Learning database management could help put you on the track to a fulfilling career as a database administrator, a software engineer or even a web developer.

What Is Database Management?

Database management software is used to manage, organize, and analyze data, which can then be used to help a business make more informed decisions. Database management systems (DBMS) are common in any field that uses data. A database manager or administrator oversees all of the processes involved in data management, including storage processing and data integration.

There are many types of DBMS, such as relational databases, network databases, object databases, and NoSQL. These are all used for basic data collection and recording, but each of them stores the information in a different way. 

A good DBMS can be used to retrieve data, monitor performance, and replicate data. 

What Is Database Management Used For?

Database management systems must maintain the integrity of collected data. Businesses can then use the information to improve their daily operations, such as productivity, customer relations, and cybersecurity. 

How a DBMS is used will vary from company to company depending on their needs and the industry. For example, Accenture uses the relational database Microsoft SQL Server, because it offers a wide range of possible data structures. 

Below are some of the most common uses for a database management system. 

Software development 

Companies use DBMS to efficiently develop software applications. Developers must access data that will help them develop an application for a target market. Databases also provide valuable information on user interaction that can be helpful for developers.

Telecommunications 

As mentioned above, DBMS software can be used in any industry, including telecommunications. A telecommunication company might use a DBMS to store and analyze customer data such as phone numbers, names, and payment information. For example, AT&T uses an Oracle database management system to manage its customers.

Finance  

The financial sector is heavily reliant on big data for their daily operations, and as such must use DBMS. Banks use databases to store transaction records and customer data. This data organization allows you to view your bank statements online. It also helps Wall Street stockbrokers receive accurate predictions of market behavior.

Cyber Security 

DBMS are also used for cyber security. Data security is important because businesses often collect extremely sensitive customer information, like bank information and social security numbers. DBMS store this information on servers and clouds, and cyber security specialists are employed to monitor them and neutralize any possible threats. 

Learn Database Management: Step-by-Step

To learn database management, you must study a range of technical subjects. You will need to learn programming languages, data analysis, computer science, and the differences between database types.

Once you understand the basics, you should enroll in a database management course related to your career aspirations. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you start learning database management. 

1. Research Databases 

Before learning how to manage a database, you must first understand what a database is all about. Research online and watch tutorials to get a better idea. You might even want to read a database beginner’s guide book to get started. 

2. Enroll in a Programming Course

There are several database programming languages, including Python, SQL, and Java, and each one is used with a specific database structure. If you are worried that coding is hard to learn, you shouldn’t be. These are some of the easiest programming languages out there.

3. Take an Introductory Course on Database Management 

Equipped with a background in programming languages, you can now enroll in a database management course. Start with beginner’s courses that offer plenty of hands-on experience so you can get closer to mastering the management system. 

4. Learn a Specific Database 

Now, it’s time to take a course to specialize in a certain database. We recommend taking a course on the type of database or software that is most commonly used in your field. Among the software you can choose to learn are Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, and Oracle.

5. Enroll in DBMS Courses 

Eventually, you’ll be ready to learn advanced topics. This might include learning IBM’s database management software, or a course that teaches you how to use DBMS to conduct analysis. 

The Best Database Management Courses

Collecting and storing data in an easily accessible format has become an integral part of modern business. The database management system that a company uses should optimize and protect the input information. By learning database management, you can acquire many in-demand skills, including data analysis, programming, and risk assessment. 

Moreover, database management is a versatile career, with career opportunities available in industries such as finance, and software development. Learning database management could help put you on the track to a fulfilling career as a database administrator, a software engineer or even a web developer.

Database Management Essentials 

This Coursera and Colorado University course is for all you beginners out there. In it, you will learn to build relational databases, use SQL, and analyze table designs. 

This course will prepare you for a future in data warehousing, database development, and business intelligence. By the end of the course, you will understand database design, and the entity-relationship model.

70-462: SQL Server Database Administration

In this course by Udemy, you will learn how to use Microsoft’s SQL Server for database administration. You will learn to backup and restore databases and analyze data. The course also teaches you how to audit a server, implement a migration strategy, and import and export data. 

Database Management System from Scratch – Part 1 and 2

In the first of these Udemy courses, you will learn about the basics of database management systems, while the second course covers more advanced concepts. You will earn a certification upon completion of the course. Boths parts of this course are currently priced at $13.99. 

Database Foundations Administration

This LinkedIn Learning course will teach you the basics of database administration, development, and Microsoft’s SQL Server software. As part of a free one-month trial, you can learn the subject-level performance aspects of managing relational databases. The course is best suited for students who are preparing to take the Microsoft Technology Associate exam.

Databases: Relational Databases and SQL 

Stanford is offering this five-part course on EdX about relational database management and SQL. It covers how to use SQL to navigate relational databases, as well as index creation, database triggers, and Star Schemas. It is recommended that you have basic knowledge of RDBMS before signing up.

Database Foundations: Creating and Manipulating Data 

This is an introductory course on LinkedIn Learning that will teach you the foundations of database administration. In it, you will learn data management, database development, and how to use Microsoft’s SQL Server.

The 2.5-hour, on-demand course will also cover data types, spatial data, and SQL editor. 

Data Storage and Processing 

This beginner’s course by Edx will teach you how data processing and storage works. It goes over the basics of the NoSQL DBMS, big data processing, data visualization, time series analysis, and descriptive statistics. 

Is Learning Database Management Right for You?

Yes, learning database management is right for you if you are interested in data and how it can be applied to improve a company’s performance.

Data is used in almost every industry, from medical to hospitality and sports. So, database management jobs won’t be going anywhere soon. Whether you want to become a financial analyst or an app developer, learning database management can put you on the path toward meeting your career goals.