June 8, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Hi,
I'm a recent IT graduate (major in db's). I've been looking for a DB job for 6 months now. (I'm in the UK)
I have been looking at job titles like junior database administrator, database analyst etc.
Does anyone have advice for someone looking for their first DB job??
Thanks Ricardo
June 8, 2010 at 11:32 pm
Look for anything where you will be a senior DBA's 2nd pair of hands, sort of like an internship; this way you will have a mentor, and learn more. The big thing for a "newbie" (sorry for the term) is to gain experience and knowledge.
Don't expect to get a massive salary on the first job, you'll see it grow very quick and big as soon as you are more experienced and as soon as you have more to offer the company.
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This thing is addressing problems that dont exist. Its solution-ism at its worst. We are dumbing down machines that are inherently superior. - Gilfoyle
June 9, 2010 at 12:06 am
http://www.brentozar.com/sql/how-to-get-a-junior-dba-job/
Most important - don't exaggerate your skills or experience.
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
June 9, 2010 at 2:43 am
RicardoRincon22 (6/8/2010)
Hi,I'm a recent IT graduate (major in db's). I've been looking for a DB job for 6 months now. (I'm in the UK)
I have been looking at job titles like junior database administrator, database analyst etc.
Does anyone have advice for someone looking for their first DB job??
Are you getting any feedback about why your not being successful?
Thomas Rushton
blog: https://thelonedba.wordpress.com
June 9, 2010 at 2:12 pm
If I was starting out right now, I would continue to try to find 'real DBA' type jobs, but at the same time I would spend a decent amount of time looking at more general IT jobs in small to mid-sized companies. Often times these companies have a tremendous lack of db talent and many of these don't even realize what they're missing out on until someone comes in and shows them what's possible.
The catch is that the more general IT jobs will having you doing a lot of stuff you might not have any interest in whatsoever. At the same time, having that broader background my help you greatly in the future. The real positive side is that there are many opportunities out there that will give you creative flexibility while giving you real work experience that will help you to land a 'real DBA' job in a few years.
Also, I can tell you that at my company, which is tech based, all our junior positions are really only there to provide advancement opportunities for other employees in the company to get into the technical side. I'm not sure how true that is in many UK companies but I thought I would throw that out there.
And follow the advice ... always be completely honest about what you do and do not know and have and have not done.
June 9, 2010 at 2:31 pm
I do not know exactly how these things work in UK, but based on my NorthAm experience I would recommend finding a charity that has SQLS and volunteering my time. It helps if on the board of that charity are some bigwigs from the finance: will be eventually able to ask for a personal letter of recommendation. (A job offer could come, too.)
This on your resume lands you on the top of the stack of applications.
June 9, 2010 at 9:14 pm
Thanks for all the advice everyone.
The main feedback i'm getting is that I have no experience, which is true of course.
At Uni we did a lot of theory combined with mainly MS Access and some SQL Server 2005.
I'm also thinking to do one of the Microsoft Certs in 2008.
I think I will take the advice below and start looking for more general IT jobs. I mean, I just need to work.
June 9, 2010 at 11:10 pm
Two suggestions:
Get SQL 2008 Developer Edition
and
Hand out in the forums here and try to solve some of the problems using Developer Edition. This will help you learn a lot faster and gain a deeper understanding.
Also, stick to the entry level type DBA positions. I wouldn't apply for a SR DBA position because that will likely become highly frustrating. Be honest with yourself, on your resume, and in your interviews about your skill set and experience level.
I would also look to get employed by a company that has a team of people. Small to mid-size companies don't always have a team of DBA's and thus the risk is much greater. By being on a team you have the opportunity to continue to learn on the job with a lower risk exposure.
Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
_______________________________________________
I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
SQL RNNR
Posting Performance Based Questions - Gail Shaw[/url]
Learn Extended Events
June 10, 2010 at 3:56 am
I started out in application support for a software house that used SQL Server 6.5 as the database platform, this let me learn alot of usefull skills in SQL and general windows admin and support. From there that opened up opportunities in project Management, DB development, Implementation, Technical Specialist and eventually leading to working as a DBA.
Getting a good all round general experience but specialising in SQL Server will in my experience get you the best jobs. They key is to keep up with the technology all round and not just SQL Server as SQL Server is now so closely linked in with things like powershell, active directory, xml etc you can't solely be good at db admin.
Start at the bottom and work your way up.
MCITP SQL 2005, MCSA SQL 2012
June 16, 2010 at 11:59 am
thanks for the suggestions, yeah i will definitely get SQL 2008 and start using it, i'll also look for some of my own projects to start as a volunteer or for friends, to have something substantial to put on my resume.
June 16, 2010 at 1:33 pm
Start working on your 2008 R2 cert's. It will look good on a resume and you will learn a lot in the process. Even with out experience you can put on your resume, having a Microsoft cert' gets employers attention. I have gone thru stacks of resumes with HR before. Nothing against HR, but they get excited when they see a bunch of letters after your name, even if they have no idea what they mean. 🙂
And I can say from personal experience that getting your foot in the door with any kind of IT (or any other industry for that matter) is the hard part. Getting real world experience is the best thing you can do. Even if it is not database specific. Once you are in, offer to help with any database work they are doing. At most places, it is not hard to get it dropped in your lap.
Volunteering at a non-profit is a great idea.
Hope this helps, good luck.
June 16, 2010 at 1:47 pm
I like BTs advice. Look for general IT work. Help desk, sys admin, etc. That type of stuff often does lead to DBA work, especially in companies that don't know, or think, they need a full time DBA.
July 18, 2010 at 8:17 pm
I agree with the previous points about doing some sql 2008 r2 projects on your own, but apart from that have a good think about how you are performing in the actual interview.
A while back i did a lot of practice with my actual interview skills and i think it really helped me.
Have a read of this free ebook, which may also give you ideas about how you can improve your interview skills. download if from here http://www.sqlsteps.com
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