Brandon Miller completed a career project comparing the careers of Systems Analyst and Database Administrator. Both careers involve working with computers and technology. Systems Analysts determine computer and software needs for businesses, while Database Administrators set up and manage computer databases. Both careers require a college degree and technical skills. The salaries and job outlooks are similar, with expected growth in both fields. Networking resources like ACM can provide career assistance and opportunities. Miller's research influenced him to pursue a bachelor's degree and career as a top Systems Analyst.

1. E-Portfolio Final Career Project by Brandon miller
The two careers I choose to compare were the following:
Career 1: Systems Analyst
What is this job like?
Systems analysts figure out how to use computers to get things done. They tell businesses and other
organizations which computers and software to buy, and they decide how to get those tools to work
together.
Computer systems analysts start their work by asking people what they need their computers to do.
Then, they plan a computer system that can do those tasks well. A system can include many computers
working together and different types of software and other tools.
• How do you get ready?
Many computer systems analysts have a college degree in computer science, information science, or
management information systems. Some analysts get college degrees in other subjects. Then, they take
computer classes and get computer experience.
• How much does this job pay?
In May 2008, average yearly wages for computer systems analysts were $78,830.
• How many jobs are there?
In 2008, there were 532,000 computer systems analysts. Many worked for computer consulting
companies. Others were self-employed. They often moved from place to place working on different
projects.
Analysts also worked for governments, universities, Internet companies, and financial institutions.
• What about the future?
The number of computer systems analysts is expected to grow much faster than average through the
year 2018.

2. People with proper training should have good job prospects. Those who have college degrees in
business and courses related to computers also should be able to find jobs in this field.
• Are there other jobs like this?
Computer and information systems managers
Computer programmers
Computer software engineers
• Where can you find more information?
More BLS information about computer systems analysts, database administrators, and computer
scientists can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Career 2:
Database Administrator
What is this job like?
The Internet and electronic commerce (e-commerce) generate lots of data. Computer databases that
store information are found in nearly every industry. Data must be stored, organized, and managed.
Database administrators work with database software to find ways to do this. They identify user needs,
set up computer databases, and test systems. They ensure that systems perform as they should and add
people to the system as needed. Database administrators often plan security measures. Data integrity,
backup, and security are critical parts of the job.
• How do you get ready?
Database administrators must be able to think logically. Being able to concentrate and pay close
attention to detail is important. These computer specialists sometimes work on their own, but they
often work in teams. They must be able to communicate with computer personnel, such as
programmers and managers. They must also communicate with other staff that may have no computer
training.

3. • How much does this job pay?
In May 2008, average yearly wages of database administrators were $72,900. Database administrators
who worked at companies that designed computer systems earned an average of $81,050 in May 2008.
• How many jobs are there?
There were about 120,400 database administrators in 2008.
Database administrators work in every sector of the economy. The largest number work in the computer
systems design and related services industry. Many work for Internet service providers, Web search
portals, and data-processing, hosting, and related services firms.
• What about the future?
The number of database administrators is expected to grow much faster than the average for all
occupations through 2018. This is because the Internet and e-commerce will continue to expand,
resulting in a continuing need to build and maintain databases. Also, the increasing importance being
placed on "cyber security"—the protection of electronic information—will require workers skilled in
information security.
• Are there other jobs like this?
Computer and information systems managers
Computer hardware engineers
Computer programmers
Computer software engineers
Statisticians
• Where can you find more information?

4. More BLS information about computer systems analysts, database administrators, and computer
scientists can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. The Handbook also shows where to find
out even more about this job.
They can be compared and contrasted because a systems analyst is responsible for researching,
planning and recommending software and system choices to meet an organization's business
requirements.
Systems analysts may act as a liaison between vendors and the organization they represent. They may
be responsible for developing cost analyses, design considerations, and implementation time-lines. They
may also be responsible for the studies of a computer system before making recommendations to the
senior management.
As for the duties of a Database administrator are wide-ranging, and vary widely from one organization
to another. They are usually charged with installing, supporting, and maintaining servers or other
computer systems, and planning for and responding to service outages and other problems. Other
duties may include scripting or light programming, project management for systems-related projects,
supervising or training computer operators, and being the consultant for computer problems beyond
the knowledge of technical support staff. A Database Administrator must demonstrate a blend of
technical skills and responsibility.

5. BRANDON MILLER
4/16/12
SLS-1001
CAREER PROJECT

6. • “Is This for You?” What does a person do in this career and are you still
interested in this field? Does this field match the results of your assessments?
Yes this career is for me what a person basically does in this career is expands or
modifies system to serve new purposes or improve work flow. As well as
Testing, maintaining, and monitors computer programs and systems, include
coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems. And finally
Develops documents and revises system design procedures, test procedures,
and quality standards. And I believe it was a fifty-fifty for the results but I still
want to go for it.
• “What to Learn” What type of degree or certification do you need for this
career?
The following I would need would be:
1. Bachelor’s degree in an IT or engineer field
2. Must have a good understanding of IT architecture, IT systems, and
programming and development skills.
• “Money & Outlook” What is the salary range for this career and the
employment outlook? Is this what you expected?
This job is paid between $52,400 and $82,980 and yes I did expect this.

7. • “Connections” Select at least one networking resource from this area and
tell how it benefits your career choice.
One networking resource that can benefit my career choice would have to be
www.acm.org and I say this because the world’s largest educational and
scientific computing society, delivers resources that advance computing as a
science and a profession. Also ACM provides the computing field's premier
Digital Library and serves its members and the computing profession with
leading-edge publications, conferences, and career resources. And to me that
will be able to benefit me in my future career becauseACM has resources for
everyone.

8. • What did you learn about yourself after completing the Choices “Work
Values Sorter” and FOCUS?
After completing these I have realized what values I have as an individual and I
was very surprised by the results I never knew I was artistic but I also realized
that I appreciate hard work and dedication and my recognition for good deeds
and achievements in the work place.
• Were you interested in any of the suggested careers that matched your
assessments? If so, which ones? Did you research them? If not, why not?
No I was not interested in the other careers suggested.So basically I say this
because I am focused on one and only one goal which was to become an analyst
and though I did look and see what they had to offer I just felt that these
careers are right for me.
• What occupation did you research from the “Gold Star” list?Discuss your
findings from the categories listed above.
Computer Engineer was one of the occupations I researched while doing this
project and it does offers about 42.94 an hour and it does sound good but it also
has Work Activities that consist of analyzing information to determine software
and hardware needs. And be able to confer with clients and project managers to
obtain information about projects. Also determine whether software and
hardware can be created in time and within the budget.

9. • Which of the web sites under “Connections” did you check out? What did
you learn from this website?
What I learned after checking out www.acm.org is that it helps people find
careers if they are in need of a job because frankly around these days they are
very hard to find. Because it is their goal to connect members with the most
valuable career opportunities while also connecting academic, government, and
corporate employers with their unique audience of qualified candidates in the
computing industry. They also give tips and hints to job seekers.
• Based on what you have learned with this research what is your
educational and career goal? Did this research influence your decision?
Yes the research did influence my decision. After doing days of research I have
seen that my educational goal is to earn at least a bachelor's degree; be able to
think logically; and be detail-oriented. Also have strong problem solving skills;
and be creative as my career goal I think right now I want to be the best and
reach for the top analyst for the company I work for in the future.
• In what way did you find this project helpful? Did you find any surprises?
Yes indeed I did find many surprises in this project I have noticed that I need to
strive for the best and work harder for this job because it is being outsourced
like a competition and that is something I want to compete for I am going to
work hard while attending this school to reach my goal and be the best. But
other than that I really did find I like for example appreciation and recognition
as well as teamwork which is something I really value as a person.

11. Choice values results:
Achievement
It's very important to you that your work allows you to use your best abilities.
You want to see the results of your work and get a feeling of accomplishment.
Recognition
It's very important to you that your work satisfies your need for prestige and
leadership opportunities, as well as opportunities for advancement.
View Careers Matching your Work Values
You’reranking of the Work Values

12. Click a title to see a description of a work value and all the occupations
associated with it.
Keep in mind that the higher the ranking, the better the work value matches
you.
Work Values
Achievement
[30 out of 30]
Recognition
[24 out of 30]
Relationships
[22 out of 30]
Support
[20 out of 30]
Working Conditions
[13 out of 30]

13. Independence
[8 out of 30]
Focus inventory results:
Realistic 70.83
Artistic 62.50
Social 58.33
Investigative 54.17
Conventional 45.83
Enterprising 29.17
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

14. Your work interests in the order you selected can be described as:
Realistic
"The doers" People in the realistic category often prefer to work with objects
and things. They are likely to enjoy creating things with their hands and using
tools and machines. Some prefer large, powerful machines like tractors, while
others prefer precision machinery such as X-ray or electronic equipment. People
in this category generally enjoy being physically active, repairing equipment,
rebuilding cars, fixing electrical things, solving mechanical problems, playing
sports, working outdoors, and using their hands.
Artistic
"The creators" People in the artistic category prefer to be expressive. They
like the opportunity to create new things and be innovative. They typically do
not like structure or conformity. They prefer to use their imagination and be
creative. People in this category generally enjoy activities such as: writing,
poetry, photography, designing, singing, acting, dancing, painting, attending
theaters and exhibits, and reading.
Social
"The helpers" People in the social category prefer to work with others. They
tend to be highly verbal, express themselves well, and get along well in groups.
Social types typically prefer the team approach to problem solving. People in
the social category often describe themselves as cooperative, friendly, and
understanding. They generally enjoy teaching, caring for others, volunteering,
mediating disputes, meeting new people, and working in groups.
Investigative
"The thinkers" People in the investigative category often have a strong
desire to understand cause and effect, and solve puzzles and problems. They
often work in jobs that are scientific in nature. Their work often involves the
analysis of data, using formulas, graphs and numbers. Investigative types
typically prefer to work independently, and with minimum supervision. People

15. in this category generally enjoy using computers, solving math problems,
interpreting formulas, and thinking abstractly.
Conventional
"The organizers" People in the conventional category often prefer orderly,
systematic work. Work tasks often include keeping records, and organizing
written and numerical materials according to a plan. They like to see things run
efficiently and smoothly, which means they will pay attention to administrative
details. They generally enjoy keeping accurate records, organizing, working with
numbers, and using a computer.
Enterprising
"The persuaders" People in the enterprising category often prefer activities
selling and promoting. They enjoy influencing others and being in a leadership
position. They often use their skills to influence others. They often like
competitive activities and are often self-confident, talkative and energetic. They
generally enjoy discussing politics, selling and promoting, having power and
status, giving talks and speeches, and leading groups.