specialize or become better all round?

  • Ive been working with databases for a number of years. I now have the oppertuinity to specialize a little more, become a full time admin or db developer.

    I also may have an option of trying out .NET development for a while. this is something i have extreemly limited experience.

    In your opinion is it better in the long run to stick with what you know and grow that tallent, or to try and add new skills from a different arena (i.e. .NET Dev) to my CV to become more rounded and broader in skillset?

  • It depends what you like. Personally I would have gone crazy if I hadn't done a lot of different things, and learnt a lot of new stuff because I was doing new and different things - I like depth but I need breadth too. Other people like to stick with one field and get to know everything about it, and seem to be able to survive better without breadth.

    Tom

  • Yes...

    Seriously, specialize, but become better all around.

    Wayne
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server 2008
    Author - SQL Server T-SQL Recipes


    If you can't explain to another person how the code that you're copying from the internet works, then DON'T USE IT on a production system! After all, you will be the one supporting it!
    Links:
    For better assistance in answering your questions
    Performance Problems
    Common date/time routines
    Understanding and Using APPLY Part 1 & Part 2

  • most adverts suggest companies want breadth, but when it comes down to it for 90% of jobs they want good depth of knowledge in a small range of areas.

    so don't try and second guess the market or the future and just do what interests you.

    Sounds like you need to make the basic decision of whether you want to be an admin or a developer.

    The closest thing to a halfway house with good job marketability would IMHO be moving into the BI arena (so SSIS,SSRS,SSAS)

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