I need help on how to become a SQL Server DBA

  • I very much want to be a SQL Server DBA and I started by taking two database courses and I took MS 70-431 exam and passed. But I still dont know how to become a DBA. I need a guideline on where to start my career. I will take any help.

    BTW I am Engineering graduate and the only programming that I know well is C.

    Thanks,

    Daniel

  • There are a bunch of good discussions on this site about starting out as a DBA. Try searching for a few of those, they'll definitely help.

    The best first point to address on it is why a DBA? What interests/excites you about the field?

    - Gus "GSquared", RSVP, OODA, MAP, NMVP, FAQ, SAT, SQL, DNA, RNA, UOI, IOU, AM, PM, AD, BC, BCE, USA, UN, CF, ROFL, LOL, ETC
    Property of The Thread

    "Nobody knows the age of the human race, but everyone agrees it's old enough to know better." - Anon

  • Take a look at this blog post and the two that follow it.

    http://www.brentozar.com/archive/2009/04/how-to-get-a-junior-dba-job-part-1/

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • Thank You GSquared. I found a few discussions about guidlines on how to start your careers as a DBA.

  • GilaMonster (10/21/2009)


    Take a look at this blog post and the two that follow it.

    http://www.brentozar.com/archive/2009/04/how-to-get-a-junior-dba-job-part-1/

    Thanks GilaMonster. It is a pretty good blog. I found it very helpful. I almost feel he is talking about me 🙂

  • It will be tough. There just arn't that many starting positions as a DBA. Lots of us came out it through other means, tech support, systems, or development (my own past sins). Whereever you go, just show interest. That's the key.

    "The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood"
    - Theodore Roosevelt

    Author of:
    SQL Server Execution Plans
    SQL Server Query Performance Tuning

  • I define 'Luck' as when preparation meets opportunity.

    Get prepared and then look for opportunities.

    This has worked well for me in the past. I have interest in an area, I study and prepare myself for when an opportunity arises or keep a keen eye out for opportunities to put myself in front of.

    But it takes initiative and it sounds like you have that.

    Get your foot in the door somewhere and then give it all you have and people will notice. Then when something opens up, your extra effort will pay off.

    Good Luck!

    "There are three kinds of men. The one that learns by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves." -- Will Rogers

  • I like being a DBA, but if I were you I might stay in the engineering field. Everything I have seen says that there is a major shortage of all kinds of engineers. Plus, you aren't stuck behind a desk all day, right?

  • daniel.phone (10/21/2009)


    I very much want to be a SQL Server DBA and I started by taking two database courses and I took MS 70-431 exam and passed. But I still dont know how to become a DBA. I need a guideline on where to start my career. I will take any help.

    BTW I am Engineering graduate and the only programming that I know well is C.

    Thanks,

    Daniel

    If they have SQL Server where you work, start asking for SQL work.

    --Jeff Moden


    RBAR is pronounced "ree-bar" and is a "Modenism" for Row-By-Agonizing-Row.
    First step towards the paradigm shift of writing Set Based code:
    ________Stop thinking about what you want to do to a ROW... think, instead, of what you want to do to a COLUMN.

    Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.


    Helpful Links:
    How to post code problems
    How to Post Performance Problems
    Create a Tally Function (fnTally)

  • Thank You all very much Guys for your help.

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