February 23, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Hey everyone, after reading Steves article 'The Average Joe' and recently being placed in a new role at the company i work for i've decided to ask for some very well needed advice - if this is posted in the wrong place, apologies.
As mentioned i've recently been placed into a new team that’s aim is to automate various data driven manual tasks, be it report creation, data gathering, data conversions, etc, which primarily revolves around SQL Server 2005, SSIS, SSRS, etc.
Now i seriously feel like ive been thrown in the deep end with concrete attached to my feet, what with designing a solution, database, SSIS packages, VB programming, Reports, implementation and apparently needing to be a DBA at the same time and the delivery dates and expectation for it all to work.. YAY! yeah i know im fighting a losing battle here.
I've been told that i wont be getting any formal training, though i can probably expect to get some reimbursement for the books ive bought, but can you accomplish these tasks and gain expertise from self learning and on the job experience or will i need to get formal training (at my own expense) down the road?
I've bought a number of books (trying to find time to read them though is proving difficult but im trying to get at least an hour in a day when possible), the titles of some are as follows:
Beginning SQL Server 2005 Programming,
SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services
T-SQL Fundermentals (just ordered)
Inside Microsoft® SQL Server 2005: T-SQL Querying (bit heavy for me at moment)
Database Systems: A Practical Approach to Design, Implementation and Management
Im contemplating purchasing 'Delivering Business Intelligence with Microsoft SQL Server 2008' though am unsure as at moment as i have so much else to try and read up on.
I'd like to spend a bit of time to get a better understanding of Database theory and design (any advice/pointers most welcome) as i believe this would be most beneficial to creating workable solutions, etc, but it seems if im not in BIDS im slacking off.
Ideally i don’t want to be negative about the way the my company has thrown me into the pit here, my plan i guess is to see this through, grab the experience i gain along the way and use it as a stepping stone (not necessarily with this company) to further my career. So any advice on the situation im finding myself in at the moment, goals I should i set myself and pointers, etc are more than welcome and thanks for reading the longest forum post i've ever written *phew*.
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I thought what I'd do was, I'd pretend I was one of those deaf-mutes.
February 23, 2010 at 6:17 pm
I think you're taking the right approach. Learn, work at it, ask questions. I've been thrown into similar situations, and there are tons of Windows admins here on the forums that have been thrown into the "you get to manage SQL Server" situation as well.
I'd tackle things slow in this new area. That does two things. It reduces pressure, and it may get you some help. Your company will lean on you to work faster, but just let them know it's out of your area and you are doing what you can. Be methodical, and don't worry about them pushing. If they won't hire anyone else to help, or train you, chances are they're not letting you go for moving slow.
Keep reading articles, post questions, we'll help, and you'll move along at your pace.
Above all, test, test, test, as you build things.
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