The PASS Community Summit 2008 is coming up fast (November 18-21, 2008), and if you are attending and you are a novice- to intermediate-level DBA, I want to recommend the two sessions I will be presenting.

The first session is called "DBA 101: Best Practices for All DBAs to Follow." It is intended for for novice DBAs who want to learn what it takes to become a production DBA. It includes best practices for what DBAs need to do on a day-to-day basis. The first part of the session focuses on a basic checklist of best practices that every DBA needs to implement on their SQL Servers, and the second part focuses on routine tasks that every DBA needs to put into action. After attending this session, you will be able to go back to your office and immediately begin implementing them, helping to boost your SQL Server's performance and availability.

The second session is called "How to Become an Exceptional DBA." Becoming a DBA doesn't have to be just a job; it can be a very rewarding career. While many DBAs are happy with just getting by, the Exceptional DBA is not only outstanding in their knowledge of SQL Server, they are consummate professionals who are in high demand, and command high salaries. Unfortunately, there is little to no guidance on how to become a successful and Exceptional DBA, you have to learn it on your on. In this session, I will focus on the following topics: • Why You Should Become an Exceptional DBA • Characteristics of the Exceptional DBA • Specialize: You Can't Do It All • How to Hone Your Skill Set • Is Professional Certification Really Necessary • How to Participate in the SQL Server Community • Manage Your Career, Don't Let it Manage You • How to Manage Your Brand Within Your Organization • How to Manage Your Online Brand. With the information provided in this session, you will be well-prepared to become an Exceptional DBA.

If you can attend, please stop by after my sessions to say hello and introduce yourself. I'm always interested in listening to what DBAs have to say.

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