The two most vital properties of modern and globalized business are its brands and its database. While most would think, and rightly so, that businesses would worry most about protecting their company and brand reputations, there is growing realization of the vital importance of the company database. Consequently, the star of database administrators has been on the ascendant as they are the people charged with a number of functions that govern the safety, integrity, and efficiency of the database. The prime task of database administrators is to ensure that the technology implemented supports the mission of the organization by constantly improving, tweaking, and testing it for maximum value while ensuring that the database is kept secure against impairment by man-made or natural events.
The Salesforce DBA – One Person with Many Hats
Salesforce database administrators are somewhat different from the typical information technology folks. This is simply because they need to look after multiple functions at the same time and need to act more like business analysts than database administrators. Among the typical tasks they need to undertake are checking complex issues, understanding the many dimensions of data, advising others about action possible on data and impact of that action, devising multi-dimensional solutions often through Salesforce Git and also working with the senior management of information technology and database management initiatives. Salesforce administrators are not the typical developers that most organizations require by the dozen but instead possess the very special attributes required to make things transpire.
An Increasingly Desirable Profile
With the clear and almost complete domination of Salesforce in the CRM sector, there has been a virtual explosion in job openings for people possessing requisite Salesforce skills. The demand–supply dynamics that exist as of now is making these positions extremely desirable. Salesforce is also putting in substantial investment in nurturing the database administration ecosystem by providing a number of tools to both employers and interested administrators.
Certifications
Those who desire to embark upon careers in Salesforce database administration should consider acquiring the relevant certification. It certainly is the easiest way of validating their knowledge of Salesforce and experience required to handle the CRM function. The certification can be obtained only if the candidate can display adequate competence in managing users, data as well as security besides platform customization. The candidate also needs to display his proficiency in the design and building of reports, workflows, and performance dashboards. For employers too, these certifications serve to provide proof that the candidate is updated with the latest releases by Salesforce such as Salesforce GitHub. Each certified professional needs to take a maintenance examination every cycle of release; winter, spring, and summer. Salesforce even makes checking of an individual’s certification status on a separate verification site.
Trailhead
A free interactive learning tool; it takes potential Salesforce hires through each and every aspect of the CRM platform, covering every relevant skill set required by developers as well as administrators. You earn badges with the completion of specific modules and these can be posted on your LinkedIn profile to exhibit proof of your expertise.
The Salesforce Community and User Groups
Among the biggest advantages that an aspiring Salesforce DBA can hope to get is the Salesforce community and user groups. You can connect and benefit from the experiences of other developers and administrators, stay updated regarding the latest developments in the field, and even look out for more challenging and remunerative employment. The communities are so large and vibrant that they even host their own Salesforce conferences, where members can interact, and grow professionally in a very supportive environment.
Raking In the Money
With a job profile that is so much in demand, the most common question asked is regarding the money a Salesforce admin makes. Those who work for very large enterprises in the United States can command a six-figure salary but typically the remuneration is pegged to the size of the company, the management responsibilities, and operational roles. In one way or the other, salaries depend on the contribution to the business or organization made by the admin.
Author Bio: Nadira Levant is a senior Salesforce admin with considerable experience of managing complex databases through advanced tools like Salesforce Git and Salesforce GitHub.
