One of my favorite uses for AI is to ask it to explain a concept using wildly unusual points of view.

Well, we’re going to be seeing various family members and friends for the holidays, and we’ll get endless questions of, “So, what is it that you do?” I figured ChatGPT would be the perfect source for answers.

In limerick form, explain what database administrators do.

A database chief, quite astute,
Keeps information in route.
They fix every glitch,
Without any hitch,
Making data’s pursuit absolute.

While accurate and an interesting use of the limerick format, it’s not at all funny. I suppose I should clarify my prompt by adding, “Can you try examples with humor?”

In servers where data would roam,
A DBA made every byte home.
With indexes tight,
And storage just right,
He kept hackers far far from their dome.

That’s… pretty good actually! I don’t think I could explain what we do any better in limerick format. It’s hard to concisely explain this kind of thing – although bytes probably don’t make sense to folks who don’t use computers. Let’s refine our prompt: “Using a limerick format including humor, explain what database administrators do to people who have never heard of databases.”

A guardian of info’s grand hall,
Ensured nothing would stumble or fall.
When chaos would near,
They’d bring in good cheer,
And tidy up records for all.

That’s good, but it feels like the limerick format isn’t going to cut it. Let’s try another famous form of communication…

In haiku form, explain what DBAs do.

Let’s try this: Explain what a database administrator does, in haiku form, to someone who’s never heard of a database.

Keeper of records,
Organizing endless files,
Data safe and clear.

That’s… actually pretty accurate, but it doesn’t include the typical haiku references to nature and the seasons. Let’s ask for that by adding, “Can you include the traditional haiku style of referencing nature and seasons?”

Summer sun shines bright,
Maintaining databases,
Fields of data thrive.

Hmm. That’s actually the best one I got out of the batch, and even that one isn’t great. On the other hand, it’s better than anything I’d come up with in haiku format. Let’s try the longer form of haikus: “Using the humorous tanka form, explain what a database administrator does to someone who’s never heard of databases.”

Digital tidy,
Nerd with endless spreadsheets jokes,
Backups never fail,
Fixing errors with a grin,
Keeping secrets safe with flair.

Alright, I give up. Let’s try something much simpler.

Cutting right to the chase

Prompt: “I’m a professional database administrator. I’m about to meet up with my friends and family for the holidays, and I need to quickly explain what I do. Most of them have never heard of a database before. When someone asks what I do, what do I say?”

Absolutely, here are a few simple and relatable ways you can explain your role as a database administrator to friends and family who might not be familiar with databases:

1. The Digital Librarian – “I manage and organize the company’s digital information, kind of like how a librarian handles books in a library. I make sure all the data is stored safely and can be easily found when needed.”

2. Information Organizer – “Think of me as an information organizer. I keep all of our company’s data neat and accessible, ensuring everything runs smoothly and securely.”

3. Data Gardener – “I’m like a gardener for our company’s data. I plant, nurture, and protect information, making sure it grows well and stays healthy for everyone to use.”

4. Technology Troubleshooter – “I ensure that all our digital information systems are working properly. If something goes wrong with the data, I fix it so everything stays up and running.”

5. Digital Storage Manager – “I oversee how our company stores its information digitally. It’s my job to keep everything organized, backed up, and secure, so we can always access what we need.”

6. Information Security Guard – “I protect our company’s important data from being lost or accessed by the wrong people. It’s like being a security guard, but for digital information.”

7. Efficiency Expert – “I make sure our data systems are efficient and fast. This helps the company run smoothly by ensuring everyone can get the information they need quickly and reliably.”

8. Data Problem Solver – “When there are issues with our information systems, I troubleshoot and solve them. I ensure that our data is always available and functioning correctly.”

Wow! No matter what your background is, I bet you’ll find an answer in there that works for you. Happy holidays!