DB2 DBA Review

DB2 is a relational database management system that runs on IBM z/OS Mainframe. The Mainframe is used to process business and customer related data, and is essentially the hub of all bank processing. In a typical day, my job involves a lot of live support for incidents on the mainframe and making changes to vital databases. This ensures data integrity, availability and confidentiality.

I have enhanced my communication skills as the role requires a lot of knowledge transfer and communication. My basic IT skills have improved significantly and I feel a lot more confident than I did before handling basic software. My new skill involves learning about the Mainframe and what is required to be successful in my job role.

This programme is a brilliant opportunity for me and I really enjoy the experience of working as well as applying the work to a degree. The free degree is a unique opportunity that not a lot of people get the chance to complete and it is something I am really grateful for.

The programme lacks some structure with regard to completing University assignments in work. There needs to be more clarity in terms of how long you can spend completing University stuff in work. Aside from this, the programme is generally structured well and I feel like I have a lot of support from colleagues.

I receive a lot of support from my employer and colleagues, whether that be with general work or University work. Everyone who I work with is knowledgeable enough to help me work around a problem or help me develop ideas on how to complete a task, and they make a lot of time to support me even with little things like knowledge transfer.

With regard to my specific area, they support me a lot with University work and I am able to get support with them if I am struggling. I have a lot of assigned mentors from work and University who regularly update each other with how I am doing and pinpoint areas to improve.

My qualification is very relevant to my role and it helps that the tutors specialise in the Mainframe area. We have a coding unit which follows the same programming language that the application teams at work use. The other units focus on basic computing and business skills which is still useful as it broadens your skill set and knowledge

There is a lot to do at the site where I work and I do take part in some activities such as a 5 a side football and other networking events. These networking events include tech challenges and other work related conferences such as GSE which is a mainframe based conference.

Yes

Fantastic site, fantastic support and the opportunity for a free degree.

Be yourself on assessment days and show passion. Answer all questions openly and honestly and ask questions about what people do and why they do it. Research the bank and what it takes to be successful within the business. Do not try to compete with other candidates in group discussions