Advice on Career Path

  • Sorry for this post as it is not Technical...

    At my company I got promoted to be a DBA about 9 months ago. During that time I have done little DBA work (a little performance monitoring, backup monitoring, testing restores, reviewing access, granting/revoking access, a morning checklist for DBA Servers) as I have been given database development projects. Not very much work with updating statistics, indexing, planning for future SQL releases, etc...On the database development side, I have been doing a lot of SSIS, developing functions/SPROCS, geneal queries, a little SSRS, other misc stuff.

    Yesterday, I was told by my boss that I have to choose between being a DBA and a DB Developer. I know this is not a bad thing and I cant go wrong with my decision. I really enjoy both and I have always had an interest in DBA work. At the same time I enjoy the development work a great deal.

    As a result, I am looking for advice from people outside of my organization, to get their thoughts on what they feel is best overall. Which has a better career path, better career growth, etc...

    Any thoughts???

    Thanks in Advance!

  • Why does he make you choose either or?

    Once you have a server under control, being a DBA doesn't take a lot of time.

  • I agree with you...we are a growing company and it is in the plans to continue to grow both organically and by acquisitions. So they feel that it is in the best interest to have a dedicated DBA.

  • Admin usually pays more than dev, in companies large enough to differentiate the two. BI development usually pays more than either of those, and pathing from database dev to BI dev is easier than admin to BI dev.

    Beyond that, pick whichever you are more interested in, and keep in mind that you can always change your mind later.

    - Gus "GSquared", RSVP, OODA, MAP, NMVP, FAQ, SAT, SQL, DNA, RNA, UOI, IOU, AM, PM, AD, BC, BCE, USA, UN, CF, ROFL, LOL, ETC
    Property of The Thread

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  • Which path, DBA or DB Dev, has the best outlook over the years come? I agree, with the DBA Dev translate to the BI Dev easier. BI stuff is very interesting to me as well.

    I dont think I can make a bad decision here, I really enjoy working with Databases in all aspects. I just hate the fact, that I am feel like I am limiting my self .

  • They all have plenty of future to them. No best choice on that.

    Also keep in mind that, if you really want to do all of it, you've always got the option of moving to a company that wants a one-size-fits-all person.

    - Gus "GSquared", RSVP, OODA, MAP, NMVP, FAQ, SAT, SQL, DNA, RNA, UOI, IOU, AM, PM, AD, BC, BCE, USA, UN, CF, ROFL, LOL, ETC
    Property of The Thread

    "Nobody knows the age of the human race, but everyone agrees it's old enough to know better." - Anon

  • GBeezy (7/14/2011)


    Which path, DBA or DB Dev, has the best outlook over the years come? I agree, with the DBA Dev translate to the BI Dev easier. BI stuff is very interesting to me as well.

    I dont think I can make a bad decision here, I really enjoy working with Databases in all aspects. I just hate the fact, that I am feel like I am limiting my self .

    Personally, I would go for DB Dev (I went for BI, but that's another story :-)). Just because being a DBA sometimes involves being on call and doing deployments at night or in the weekends. No thank you 🙂

    Need an answer? No, you need a question
    My blog at https://sqlkover.com.
    MCSE Business Intelligence - Microsoft Data Platform MVP

  • Thanks everyone for the help....I choose the Database Developer path. This could end up being a BI Developer or could lead back to a DBA type path.

  • GBeezy (7/15/2011)


    Thanks everyone for the help....I choose the Database Developer path. This could end up being a BI Developer or could lead back to a DBA type path.

    Well, good luck with your career!

    Need an answer? No, you need a question
    My blog at https://sqlkover.com.
    MCSE Business Intelligence - Microsoft Data Platform MVP

  • Reading this thread a bit late, but I think you made a good decision. BI skills are very much in demand, so I would encourage you to look into that direction if it is of interest to you.

  • I am DBA but I see myself taking BI route.

    “When I hear somebody sigh, ‘Life is hard,’ I am always tempted to ask, ‘Compared to what?’” - Sydney Harris

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