My buddy Raul said to me recently, “You know, Ryan, if AI takes over database administration, I’m pretty sure I could make it as a flutist. I can do a sick rendition of ‘Sweet Dreams of Rhythm and Dancing.’”
“Really?” I asked, looking at him like he was clearly insane. “You’re gonna go with La Bouche over Jethro Tull?”
“Nah, man. That dude was creepy as hell.”
“Fair,” I agreed. “What about Lizzo? Can you play ‘Truth Hurts’?”
“The truth does hurt, man. It feels like the cyborgs are coming for us.”
Cyborgs don’t feel pain. I do. – Kyle Reese (and Raul apparently)
He then launched into what I secretly think of as Raul’s Recliner of Rage. This basically involves him paying homage to an old Conan O’ Brien sketch whilst ranting about his latest conspiracy theories, from animal authenticity to a full-blown AI-induced apocalypse.
Did you SEE that “Sun Bear” at the Hangzhou Zoo?
I couldn’t admit it to Raul, but if that’s not some sort of mammalian mascot straight up Walmart greeter-ing tourists, I don’t know what is. I mean, not that I’ve ever, say, donned the famous Toad costume or anything. I don’t have any experience that would suggest I could spot a human-stuffed animal in the wild. But back to Raul.
Normally, I can roll with the rage, even tune it out a bit. But as he got going about how worried he is over this horrifying rise of the autonomous database machines, I couldn’t help wondering if he was on(to) something. And since I’m seriously passionate about supporting DBAs, from my closest friends to so many of you I’ve gotten to know in this community, I decided to dig a little deeper.
Because I’m sort of known for my investigative journalism skills around here
Some call me the Ron Burgundy of Quest, though obviously not in an HR-alert kind of way. It’s more my custom-made suits, predilection for panther cologne and report gathering. And report gather I did. Specifically in the form of ESG’s latest research on the evolving role of the DBA. Because I needed to find out just how prevalent these fears are among DBAs and whether their concerns have merit. And I’ve got to admit, I was kind of surprised by what I discovered…
62% of highly confident DBAs fear AI could make their role obsolete
That’s shocking. And the number is even higher among those who feel somewhat confident in their database administration skills, coming in at a whopping 76%. That’s a lot of DBAs with a lot of concern about job displacement caused by AI. And I get it. I think, to a certain extent, all of us harbor some fear over the impact AI could have on our careers.
We’ve all seen news articles stating how AI is great because it’ll create new jobs. But hold up – because what happens to the old jobs? Database administrators have been database administering since the dawn of Edgar F. Codd’s academic paper, “A Relational Model of Data for Large Shared Banks,” which is a REALLY great read, if you’re looking for a natural alternative to Ambien.
But for decades upon decades (don’t make me do math – fine, for more than half a century!) DBAs haven’t had to worry about a bot takeover. Now? Times have changedbecause…
77% of ESG survey respondents have databases with AI capabilities
In fact, they say their organizations have adopted a moderate to extensive number of them. So, given that this threat may not be as crazy as Raul is super capable of making it sound, it’s important to look at how DBAs can not only remain relevant, but also become more valued than ever. And after conducting a lil more stone-cold journalistic research, I truly believe that’s possible.
You’re kind of a big deal
Let’s take a moment to acknowledge the facts: DBAs are a smart and adaptable crew. 40 percent of DBAs weren’t even originally hired to take on that role. And whether you’re a professionally trained DBA who was, or you’re one who’s been forced into it, you’ve all had to adopt and learn complex new technologies in recent years. You’ve done it with new databases, which has increased your skills and value, and you can do it again now with AI. Which brings us to the top three ways DBAs can strengthen their job security to ease this growing anxiety.
Step 1: Adapt to yet another new technology
No matter how eerily reminiscent it is of a Terminator movie. Embracing AI and taking time to increase your expertise in this area is what’ll keep you safe. Continuously improving your skills will put you in a position to oversee AI processes and develop comprehensive AI governance policies.
Think about it, who’s better to shape, optimize and govern AI-driven data pipelines than DBAs – the very people who already understand the ins and outs of data storage, retrieval and performance? So yes, your role may evolve, but as the resident AI expert, you’re most likely to keep it.
Step 2: Get more time in your workday to grow your AI expertise
Spending time on any tasks you could automate will hold you back. Now’s the time to use automation to your advantage, so you can focus on upleveling your knowledge around AI initiatives. Putting manual work on autopilot with tools like Toad will give you hours to dive into all the ways AI can supercharge your career path. Freeing time to develop AI competency will help you expand into machine learning and data engineering, setting yourself up for longer-term success.
And it’s a logical next step. Because AI models are only as good as the data they’re fed, and DBAs are uniquely positioned to ensure that data is clean, well-structured and efficiently accessible. Imagine being the person who not only maintains databases but also helps train AI models. Suddenly, you’re evolving from database administrator to data visionary.
Step 3: Say, “Hasta la vista” to your anxiety
It’s hard not to get caught up in daymares involving Arnold Schwarzenegger. Chaotic images of machines rising amid human panic linger in our minds. But here’s the plot twist: DBAs aren’t the ones getting replaced by AI. They’re the heroes who can keep it in check with clean, optimized, governed data, so it functions properly.
Because AI without good data is like the Terminator without sunglasses – sure, it can still function, but it’s kiiiiind of a bloody mess. Oof. That poor eye socket. Givin’ me chills across my bod. DBAs can protect the metaphorical peepers by ensuring data is accurate, secure and fine-tuned for maximum efficiency, so AI doesn’t devolve into Cycloptic chaos.
AI requires DBhumAnoids
Who else can keep databases from collapsing under the weight of all the machine learning madness? Who can stop rogue queries from crashing entire systems? AI may be able to analyze data, but we desperately need skilled practitioners who are armed with the right tools to manage and govern it. Because if Skynet taught us anything, it’s that leaving powerful systems unattended is a terrible idea.
DBAs aren’t becoming obsolete; they’re actually more important than ever, ensuring AI has the fuel and guardrails to function safely. By embracing AI, DBAs won’t just stay relevant. They’ll play a vital role as the architects of intelligent data systems – instead of playing the flute. Though I would like to wrap this up with a little La Buche as we all get into the rhythm of working with AI. Hit it, Raul!
Let these SA-WEET dreams of rhythm and dancin’ [with AI] soothe you through the NIIII-IIIIIGHHHT
Then, check out the full ESG report to learn more about the evolving role of the DBA.
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