June 8, 2011 at 12:38 pm
My company is about to open a position under our main DBA (dude is a SQL god by comparison to me). I have worked with SQL in several flavors (SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, etc.) as well as having written code with VB 6 (and am slowly learning VB.NET) over a 10 year period. My last stint as a full developer was 4 years ago, but I have not left SQL since that time as I've been in analysis roles. Since I began work here I have evolved my skills to a higher plane, and feel I know more now than I ever have before...with SQL. Our company uses Cold Fusion to create our internal site, and this does a great deal of our processing as well. I have never worked with CF before, but the code doesn't look too complicated to me.
My question boils down to this: How do I know if I'm really ready to take that step?
I know that in the end this is something I will need to evaluate myself on, and I have done so enough to have already signaled that I want to be considered for the position. Even still I'm curious if any of you can offer some advice to me...sort of sanity check points if you will.
Before you ask, no I am not 100% sure what all the position will entail. I believe it will be programming, standard admin processes (backups, monitoring disk sizes, etc.), and I know it will include restructuring and synchronizing a few of our databases. I am fairly comfortable with all of that. I haven't done much in the way of maintenance for a while, but our DBA already has plans in place, so that is a no brainier to me.
Any thoughts you have will be more than welcome.
[font="Arial"]“Any fool can know. The point is to understand.”
- Albert Einstein
"DOH!"
- Homer Simpson[/font]
July 28, 2011 at 2:11 am
This is the tricky thing, you can have an idea that you can do a job, but if its something thats currently a little above your level, then you dont know until you just jump in and try.
I know, stressfull. unfortunately thats the way i have found it all along my (relatively short so far) career.
If you think that you can do it, chances are you will do what it takes to succeed in this role. Make sure its what you want though.
Best of luck.
July 28, 2011 at 1:07 pm
I say go for it. I've been a database analyst / project manager for the last 2.5 years and I just told my boss last week I want to be a DBA. He said OK, now I'm being mentored by one of our senior developers who wants to develop and not do admin anymore. Am I totally qualified? No I'm not, but I know the basics and I understand what needs to be done. Half the battle in my opinion is attitude and knowing that you won't have all the answers. Good luck with whatever you decide.
N. Heard
July 28, 2011 at 1:09 pm
Ask the DBA to quiz you on the things he does on a regular basis. See what % of the stuff you know, and what % you understand to some extent. Get his opinion on your rating of skills.
July 28, 2011 at 1:10 pm
I'd say go for it. You said you have access to a mentor there, plus you have this site and others even if he's not available.
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