Online research: Rachel Corfield, Captavia development manager with Business Link for Norfolk.

Database Development Officer

Answers supplied by Rachel Corfield, Captavia development manager with Business Link for Norfolk, a business support organisation which gives advice and support to new and growing companies. Business Link for Norfolk has developed a strong team to administer projects, to gain funding from Government and Europe and to ensure first class information is available for businesses in Norfolk.

What does the job entail?
A database development officer’s role is varied, from data entry to researching companies online to find out if they are actively trading, to providing training and support to users. You may also be adapting systems by designing the screens and interfaces that users are accessing the database through, to enable them to do this more effectively and efficiently. Other functions of the job are to develop and run reports manipulating the database to provide performance against target activity reports and to provide data for marketing mailings. You may also need to highlight and monitor data captured for data cleansing.

What skills and qualifications are needed?
Good all-round IT knowledge is essential. You should be experienced and qualified in the use of Access and Excel databases, educated to a high standard and be able to use report writing tools and desktop applications. It may be possible to gain further qualifications once in the job but you must have a very good working knowledge of the programs you will be using to do your job effectively. You will need to know your way around relational databases and have an analytical mind with good numeric skills. General efficiency and a pleasant telephone manner is important and you also need excellent interpersonal skills as you will be dealing with people at all different levels.

What type of person will fit in?
A good team player who can pay attention to detail, someone who has strong time management skills and is a natural communicator. You need to be methodical and organised in manner.

What are the pluses and minuses of the job?
As well as the technical aspects of the role, which can be challenging and rewarding, there can be some very menial tasks such as data cleansing, but this is crucial to having a successful, accurate database.

What opportunities exist for career progression?
You could move on to database management or a data administration role, dependant on training and interest, or your background could lead to an alternative role within a company or organisation where strong data management skills are required.

What can I expect to earn?
Salaries for a role like this would be about £12,000 to £15,000 per annum.

Any hints on getting a job in this area?
Watch the recruitment pages in the local press — vacancies in roles such as this would usually be advertised in this way. They may also be shown on company websites.