March 5, 2012 at 6:13 am
Hi All i am new to this site and currently thinking of starting my career as a dba:-D,i have a few questions im busy learning about sql and im currently busy with Microsoft Database PRO SQL Server 2008 Admin 70-450
Designing, Optimizing, and Maintaining a Database Administrative Solution is this the best course to start my career with????can anyone please advice on how do i start as i find this very interesting and would like a cereer in the sql world:cool:
March 5, 2012 at 6:22 am
First, welcome to the site. I hope you visit frequently, there's tons of information to be found here.
DBA, good career choice 😀 That 70-450 book is a little advanced for a beginner. The 70-432 (microsoft press) book is a little more geared toward the basics of SQL Server. One of the easiest, fastest, and most efficient ways to start learning is to buy SQL Server 2008R2 (or 2012 in a short time) Developer edition. Install it and follow along with the examples in the 70-432 book or while using Books Online (BOL). Books Online is wonderful, everything you'll need to know in order to get started can be found there.
Aside from actually working with the database, reading these forums and asking your questions here would be my next step. These forums are frequented by MVPs, Masters, and some very smart people with fancy letters after their name.
Again, congratulations on your career choice and welcome to the looney bin.
March 5, 2012 at 6:29 am
loony bin :w00t:, thank you like i say im still very new here and i struggeling abot finding my way i will in due time i hope find my way i see all these terms ppl are using and im so lost i will look at BOL for the book you advised,another question how many exams would you advise me to take in order to have a basic knowledge also i did sum reading on sql vhd's is that very helpful?since im not currently working in a sql enviroment i need to install my on labs etc and im not yet going on courses so im studying on my own pace but i want to get up to speed quick
March 5, 2012 at 6:37 am
I wouldn't worry about exams right now. Although the 70-432 is an exam prep book, the exam itself is meant to prove you know something and not to teach you anything. Yes, I would recommend installing SQL Server on a virtual machine first, make sure you get the sample databases installed also. Then just start at page 1 and work your way through. The 70-432 book also comes with a trial edition of Enterprise Edition which is good for 180 days or you could just buy Developer Edition (Same as Enterprise just can't use it for production instances) for a small fee, $50 I think.
March 5, 2012 at 6:38 am
ddafunk (3/5/2012)
another question how many exams would you advise me to take in order to have a basic knowledge
None. The certification exams expect and require a certain amount of experience in SQL. Write them later after a year or two (or more) working with the product.
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
March 5, 2012 at 6:44 am
okay thanks it does make a little sense see im currently working in a desktop enviroment and i do want a career change and go into sql full time but i think in order for me to get a job in the sql world i atleast need to have one certification so that companies can have some what faith in me until i gain enough experience to promote myself
March 5, 2012 at 6:53 am
A certification with no experience is of little to no value. Put certs and 0 experience on a CV and it's about as good as just 0 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
March 5, 2012 at 6:57 am
GilaMonster (3/5/2012)
A certification with no experience is of little to no value. Put certs and 0 experience on a CV and it's about as good as just 0 experience.
i am fully aware of this but how do i get experience?i can not just go and approach a company and say listen employ me im willing to learn on your expense,i do get your point but will you not advise me to get a cert to atleast show i do have knowledge of what i can do? for me a cert does not mean experience but i think its aleast a foot in the door to gain experince
March 5, 2012 at 7:00 am
It will be a little tough getting your foot in the door but it's possible. You just need to show some gusto. Speak with an IT manager and let them know what your desires are. Perhaps sitting with a DBA and shadowing until you are familiar with the terms. Keep the dialogue open between you and your contact for open junior positions. Be honest about your experience be motivated and continue to learn on your own time. Someone will give you a shot!
March 5, 2012 at 7:03 am
thanks so much i will keep my ears open and and my eyes on the price to what i want to achieve:cool:
March 5, 2012 at 7:06 am
ddafunk (3/5/2012)will you not advise me to get a cert to atleast show i do have knowledge of what i can do?
That's the issues with only having a cert. A cert doesn't show what you have accomplished, it shows that you can study for and pass a test. Your best bet is communicating with your company's IT manager and letting them know you want to change career paths, shadowing a DBA, or taking an internship with an offering company. Some internships even pay!
March 5, 2012 at 7:10 am
i will try to get a internship with another company as my company do not believe in growth,so i will do my own thing and try to grow on my own,what is the sql vhd?isit like a virtual server thingy
March 5, 2012 at 7:11 am
ddafunk (3/5/2012)
but will you not advise me to get a cert to atleast show i do have knowledge of what i can do?
No, I won't. A cert requires experience and the companies that look for certs know that, they know that you should have 1 or 2 years experience before writing those exams, so if you show a CV that has 0 experience and the certs, they question how you could have achieved that and they may assume that you just memorised facts.
Get experience, see if the company you work for has a SQL team, see if they are willing to have you shadow them as your work permits. See if there's a position in your company that uses SQL and that you can move across to. Your company already knows you, so its easier to move to a new position within the company than a new position at a new company.
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
March 5, 2012 at 7:12 am
ddafunk (3/5/2012)
what is the sql vhd?isit like a virtual server thingy
No such term.
A VHD is a virtual hard drive used in virtualisation products. Nothing to do with SQL Server.
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
March 5, 2012 at 7:18 am
ok i get what you saying , i want to install on my virtual box running server 2008 r2 sql,i am just going to download the trial 180days version and play around with it what do you think thats enough to start familiarising myself with it
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