Want to start the career path to DBA, suggestions needed.

  • Hi everyone,

    After graduating college and working for about 2 years, I've decided that I wanted to start a career as a DBA. I've taken a few SQL courses during my time in college, and for some reason I just had a lot of fun in them.

    My last year and a half of work experience has not had anything to do with SQL. I'm looking for some books and advice as to how to get started. I know i'll probably have to work my way up, so I was just wondering what the typical career path would be if I wanted to do so.

    Also, I've been doing some research about what books would be good to get me started, but every book on amazon seems to have mixed reviews.

    Finally, I was hoping to see what everyone here thinks of Oracle. Right now, I'm kind of down the middle as to if I should take the MSSQL path or the Oracle path. From what I hear, Oracle is more of a pain and geared towards larger companies? Which is more in demand?

    Thanks in advance!

    -Andy

    PS: If I posted this in the wrong section, I will take it down and post it in the appropriate one.

  • Well, firstly, great career choice 😀

    The best would be to keep on learning and playing, because one day you will end up in a position where you may/could flaunt your skills, and be recognized.

    In the meantime install the Eval copy of SQL on your machine and keep on playing and discovering.

    You could even apply for Junior positions, as they seldomly require full certification, depends on your country, market and client, not always the case.

    as for:

    Finally, I was hoping to see what everyone here thinks of Oracle. Right now, I'm kind of down the middle as to if I should take the MSSQL path or the Oracle path. From what I hear, Oracle is more of a pain and geared towards larger companies? Which is more in demand?

    no, not true. SQL Server and Oracle are both aimed at larger corps, even not so large corp's, theres no definite answer. its like saying sedans are aimed at family's, so single people shouldnt drive them 🙂

    Last, and not least, Stay on SSC, do the Qotd, try to answer questions in the Forums, and learn from the other DBA's....

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    This thing is addressing problems that dont exist. Its solution-ism at its worst. We are dumbing down machines that are inherently superior. - Gilfoyle

  • Keep visiting SSC and try to solve some of the problems in the forums.

    Reading List:

    http://www.amazon.com/Official-Server-Certified-Master-Readiness/lm/R3RB13PQ7D8TKB

    The list has some heavy duty stuff in it, but it is well worth learning.

    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

  • Just remember that if you install the evaluation version (free), it does have a limitation on how long you can use it. If you can afford spending about $50, you can purchase the Developers Edition which has all the capabilities of the Enterprise Edition.

  • SQLRNNR (12/8/2011)


    Keep visiting SSC and try to solve some of the problems in the forums.

    Reading List:

    http://www.amazon.com/Official-Server-Certified-Master-Readiness/lm/R3RB13PQ7D8TKB

    The list has some heavy duty stuff in it, but it is well worth learning.

    Should I be reading the books in that order?

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