July 24, 2011 at 5:56 pm
I graduated in 2001 from a major university with a BSBA in Computer Information Systems. I didn't go into the computer field when I graduated. However, I have now found a new desire to get into the computer field. I want to get into SQL Server development. What would the most cost effective/quickest way to get into the field. Will my information systems degree help? What classes should I take? What are employers looking for in entry level SQL Server Developer candidates?
Please advise!
Thanks!
July 24, 2011 at 8:10 pm
Do you have any experience with databases at all? Also, what is it that you've been doing for the last 10 years?
--Jeff Moden
Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.
July 25, 2011 at 5:25 am
No experience. I've worked in healthcare management for the past 10 years.
July 25, 2011 at 7:28 am
It's really hard for a fresher to get into the "SQL Developer" position. They usually want an SQL Ninja. Even places hiring a "Junior" SQL Developer want you to have a year's worth of experience.
If you're still at a healthcare place (which has some huge opportunities to learn about databases), you might want to start there as a "junior". Keep in mind that will likely result in a cut in pay compared to being a manager, but there's nothing like having a mentor or two to teach you and getting the "time in service" on systems that you might already know about.
While you're doing that, buy a copy of SQL Server Developer's Edition (Enterprise Edition with special licensing) and hit the books. Check out the Microsoft Web site for certifications and follow the plan.
--Jeff Moden
Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.
July 25, 2011 at 8:16 am
Talk to tech recruiters in your area. They'll know what qualifications are being looked for in the real world. That'll give you a target to aim at for entry-level positions.
- Gus "GSquared", RSVP, OODA, MAP, NMVP, FAQ, SAT, SQL, DNA, RNA, UOI, IOU, AM, PM, AD, BC, BCE, USA, UN, CF, ROFL, LOL, ETC
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July 25, 2011 at 9:17 am
The obvious requirements for a "SQL Server Developer" would be to know relational database concepts and how to write SQL. Start with a book on generic RDMS theory, data modeling, and straight SQL first. Next a book on SQL Server T-SQL development, and then a book on data warehousing implementation that covers topics like SSIS, SSRS, and performance tuning large databases.
"Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Instead, seek what they sought." - Matsuo Basho
September 18, 2011 at 5:43 am
OP,
one option may be to find an analyst-type role (in the health care industry). This would increase the % of time spent working with data...and perhaps preserve a bit of pay. A lot of analysts at the company I work for have access to SQL Servers and do a lot of ad-hoc querying against the databases.
Data Enthusiast | @SQLbyoBI | www.opifexsolutions.com
September 19, 2011 at 8:47 am
If you enjoy the healthcare field, it would be likely your last ten years of experience in the industry would help offset some of the inexperience in SQL. Understanding the industry well in this area is considerably harder than learning SQL. Where I work that amount of experience in healthcare is often a greater employment requirement than the actual skills for a given job position.
September 20, 2011 at 6:57 pm
Install SQL Server Dev Edidtion at work, get the book(s) and start making little projects. Spent 3-6 months on that. Once you achieve some level of confidence, you might want to go and talk to some of your friends in the IT dept and offer them your help. It also could be some of the reporting help. People who knows business side and have dev skills are very valuable. But you have to be persistent and it will take some time....
April 23, 2012 at 1:45 am
hi, how 'bout in my case? i wanna go back to being an sql ninja in the back seat. you see i was a dot net developer for some 6 or 7 years and was a dba for about 8 months when i had to relocate here in singapore and start work as dot net developer again. now, i want to relive my dream of being an sql consultant that travels...any advice?
April 23, 2012 at 7:28 am
Carlaabanes (4/23/2012)
hi, how 'bout in my case? i wanna go back to being an sql ninja in the back seat. you see i was a dot net developer for some 6 or 7 years and was a dba for about 8 months when i had to relocate here in singapore and start work as dot net developer again. now, i want to relive my dream of being an sql consultant that travels...any advice?
Other than collation, SQL Server should work the same in Singapore as it does in the US or Europe.
"Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Instead, seek what they sought." - Matsuo Basho
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