I wrote How to Become a SQL Server Database Administrator (email address required for download) a few years ago as a project for Idera, one that I still point people to when they show an interest in the career path. I wish there more of these out there. It would be interesting for anyone thinking about becoming ‘X’ to be able to read more than one take on what the job is like and how to get started. It would be useful to just read “how I became a …” stories. Shorter, more personal, and perhaps something that will map to their environment and offer an idea for how to take the next step.