January 17, 2008 at 10:23 am
First, I hope it is ok to post this question here. I wasn't sure where to post it.
I have been presented with a opportunity to change career paths from the Sys Admin side of things to the DBA side of things.
The company I work for is mostly a Oracle shop; roughly 95%. However, more applications we are needing require Microsoft SQL Server. We do not have any current Microsoft SQL guys on staff and there was some talk about hiring one. I've worked with SQL 2000 in the past a bit and thought this would be a good opportunity to look into.
I sat down with the top 3 DBA guys in our company and all liked the idea of me coming over to their side. I would start with Microsoft SQL and they would send me to training. I would also be working with Oracle stuff as well. The makeup of the shop would be about 70-75% Oracle and the rest Microsoft SQL. So, sounds like I get to work with both.
A couple of things; my current job as Sys Admin involves working with Microsoft AD, Group Policy, Exchange, VMWare, System Center Operations Manager and some networking stuff. I enjoy all but I also enjoy working with databases because it is so different and requires you to think differently.
Lastly, from my perspective, it seems that DBA's are always in demand (assuming you are knowledgeable and good at what you do). Much more than Sys Admins. Combining both Microsoft SQL and Oracle seems to be a very enticing thing. Im excited about it.
And one more, seems DBA's make a little more change than the Sys Admin. 🙂
That is not a major driving force for me, but it is definitely nice to know. With the first member of my family 5 months old and more to come, it is something I do consider.
Anyway, i'll stop here and let people chime in with their feedback and thoughts.
I appreciate it.
W
January 17, 2008 at 10:54 am
It will be an advantage for you since you have a pretty good grasp about Networking , Hardware. If you are being send for training then it should be good.
Only thing to keep in mind is dont do anything on the DB without a Back up...:)
-Roy
January 17, 2008 at 10:57 am
Roy Ernest (1/17/2008)
It will be an advantage for you since you have a pretty good grasp about Networking , Hardware. If you are being send for training then it should be good.Only thing to keep in mind is dont do anything on the DB without a Back up...:)
Ya, backups are important. I also work quite a bit with our backup solution as well, so that would be advantage as well.
I've been fortunate to work on Linux, Solaris and Windows systems. I would imagine, that would help when I need to understand the OS working side of things.
January 17, 2008 at 11:18 am
I've done various different types of IT work, and I have to say that database development and administration is the most satisfying for me.
I'd say go for it. If it doesn't work out, you still have the sys admin skills to fall back on. Expanding your horizons is a good thing.
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