"Aim high! Not only are technological careers rewarding financially, but they are personally and professionally rewarding." –Kathy, Database Administrator
What do you do in your position?
I am a Database Administrator. We provide database management solutions for Micron Technology, Inc. and are very customer-service oriented. We work as a team on a variety of projects in which we gather requirements, then design, implement, maintain, and performance-tune databases and their related database management systems. We support numerous database technologies including Sybase, Oracle, Redbrick, and Microsoft. We manage these database technologies on a variety of hardware platforms: UNIX, NT, LINUX and VMS. As a senior member of our team, I also provide training and mentoring for new team members, assist in exploring new technologies or features, and contribute to international efforts.
How or why did you decide to enter a technical career?
My college career counselor advised me to pursue a technical career. I really didn't know exactly what I wanted to do in high school. I just knew what I was good at: math and science and working with people. A technical career in computer technology seemed to be a good fit for my abilities.
What do you like about your job? Give an example of an interesting project or opportunity.
I love to travel, help people, and challenge my problem-solving skills. My career has provided that opportunity and more! The most interesting opportunity has been traveling to our Micron facility in Japan and using my foreign language skills (I studied Japanese in college!). I assisted in the implementation of Japan's database management systems and continue to provide ongoing support for production and internationalization efforts.
What high school courses helped you prepare for your job or
college program?
Math, science, physics, chemistry, and computer courses taught me problem solving skills that I used throughout college and in the workforce. English and foreign language courses taught me how to communicate better with people, which is essential in today's workplace. Sports activities helped me learn how to be a team player.
What post-high school education did you pursue?
I have Associate of Science degree in computer science from the College of Southern Idaho and Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from Oregon State University. I have participated in multiple professional training courses, including specific courses in database technology such as Sybase and Oracle.
What advice would you give a student interested in pursuing a technical career?
Aim high! Not only are technological careers rewarding financially, but they are personally and professionally rewarding. Unless you know exactly what you want, take a variety of courses and broaden your skill set. Decisions are often a process of elimination. We often don't know exactly what we want to do, but rather we know what we don't want to do!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love to travel! This is no surprise since I grew up in Australia and travel there frequently to visit friends. I love sports such as soccer, swimming, netball, rollerblading, biking, etc. I love contributing to community projects such as Brain Injury Awareness Activities, Meals-On-Wheels and more! I enjoy sharing time and information with others... I am currently the president of the IdahoSUG (Idaho Sybase Users Group).
Education: Software Engineer
Degrees typically sought for this position are a Bachelor of Science in computer information systems or a Bachelor of Science in management information systems.
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