July 18, 2011 at 9:15 am
Hello -
I'm currently working as a database analyst. I've been working with SQL Server for 2.5 years now, I have experience writing good queries, basic stored procedures, SSRS, database design, and working on complex data integration projects. I would like to become a DBA and recently purchased the Microsoft self paced training kit. My company doesn't have a DBA but I would like to obtain this position within the next 6 months, however one of my co-workers told me that I'm to old to change careers, I'm 29. If anyone has had similar experiences and or has recommended readings / training advice I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
Nate
N. Heard
July 18, 2011 at 10:20 am
I was a salesperson when I was 32, and I changed (successfully) to being a DBA.
I've known people who changed careers in their 50s.
Heck, I know people who "retired" in their 60s, and then started a new career in some field based on interests/hobbies rather than prior experience.
"Too old to change careers" is really closer to about 80 years old, not 29.
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July 18, 2011 at 11:06 am
You are never to old to change to whatever !
Why would someone be to old to acquire new knowledge ?
Co-workers that don't encourage you in your choice probably envy you or see your move as a thread.
btw since when is 29 old ?
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July 18, 2011 at 11:13 am
I was never told that and I went back to school and got my bachelors degree and started a new career at age 36. I now am a Senior DBA in 4 years time.
July 18, 2011 at 12:06 pm
Thanks everyone. I'm going to ignore my co-worker and start working towards my new career.
N. Heard
July 18, 2011 at 12:06 pm
heard.nathan (7/18/2011)
Hello -I'm currently working as a database analyst. I've been working with SQL Server for 2.5 years now, I have experience writing good queries, basic stored procedures, SSRS, database design, and working on complex data integration projects. I would like to become a DBA and recently purchased the Microsoft self paced training kit. My company doesn't have a DBA but I would like to obtain this position within the next 6 months, however one of my co-workers told me that I'm to old to change careers, I'm 29. If anyone has had similar experiences and or has recommended readings / training advice I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
Nate
I was a stockbroker at the age of 28 (around 1999) and decided to change careers.
Got my MSCE and MCDBA and got lucky to get my first IT job, then quickly slid into a DBA role because I had the MCDBA certification and nobody else did in my IT department.
Now I just turned 40 and I have over 10+ years of DBA experience.
Going from a database analyst to becoming a DBA is actually a very normal career path.
Nobody starts as a DBA. Just about every DBA starts in IT doing something else (programming, data analyst, etc), then gets a DBA job when it becomes available in-house.
If you have 2-3 years of solid database experience as a DBA, then it becomes possible to apply directly for positions listed by other companies.
The key is getting that first real DBA experience on your resume which can be supported by references.
Other companies want to hire DBAs with experience. They don't hire junior DBAs.
When companies hire a DBA from outside, they want senior level with years of experience.
Junior DBA roles are typically given to in-house candidates who want to transition into that career path.
Just my opinion.
Your co-worker is clueless.
July 18, 2011 at 1:08 pm
July 18, 2011 at 2:07 pm
Jayanth_Kurup (7/18/2011)
I guess most people would agree with me when I say being a DBA is about on the job experience , it doesn't matter what age you acquire the experience.
I agree with that. Back in the 2003-2005 time frame I used to worry about outsourcing and age discrimination.
I was in my early 30s and thought that I would be forced into a career change before I am 40.
This year I turned 40 and my phone and email are filled every week with multiple requests trying to lure me away from my current DBA job.
Companies seem to always want "Senior" DBA. If the company is only going to budget for 1 or 2 DBA positions, they seem to want senior level skills.
Noobs need not apply.
Being able to put 10+ years of experience, with SQL Server 2000, 2005 and 2008 on your resume, seems to be in huge demand.
There are a many companies running all of these versions of SQL Server, because some applications just cannot be upgraded or the cost doesn't justify the development effort.
So when looking for a DBA to fill an opening, companies need DBAs with experience on the older versions. It is a huge positive.
As for age discrimination, we all seem to be aging together from the internet boom. I see plenty of guys around here in the 40-60 age range.
July 18, 2011 at 2:40 pm
Don't forget that DBA means different things in different companies. Some companies have DBA's that are strictly production support DBA's (e.g. monitoring systems, backups, etc...), database developers and architects.
Others have a position they title DBA - because they are the ones that manage the database systems. But, they also manage the web servers, the application servers, develop, write reports, build SSIS packages, and anything else the company needs.
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July 18, 2011 at 6:14 pm
heard.nathan (7/18/2011)
Thanks everyone. I'm going to ignore my co-worker and start working towards my new career.
Don't just ignore your co-worker... AVOID your co-worker. Too much negativity there. They should be spurring you on for your attempt and, from the sounds of the steps you've taken so far, you will absolutely be successful.
--Jeff Moden
Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.
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