April 6, 2009 at 9:19 am
How can someone go from a SQL Developer to a DBA? Is it possible? My biggest question is: If everyone wants 2 years of experience in Oracle/SQL Server then how can I get hired???
April 6, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Moved to the career forums. Please watch where you post.
I think you can, by showing some work with those platforms as a part of your current job. Or showing some efforts, and negotiating around the 2 years.
Keep in mind that many companies ask for more than they'll accept in job listings.
April 6, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Another way to gain experience is by doing some gratis/volunteer work. Things like setting up a database or perhaps a website that uses a database backend for your kid's scout troupe or your baseball/softball/soccer/rugby etc league. That way it allows you to be involved in a hobby you enjoy as well as practicing/improving your skillset. It also gives you another person to list as a reference who can attest to the wonderful application you wrote etc...
-Luke.
April 6, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Studying and getting a DBA certification (like MCITP Database Administrator for SQL 2005/2008) is another way to show you want to become a DBA, seriously
I started out as SQL Developer (had to do more than just code in T-SQL though, so that helped)
then moved to SQL Developer/DBA
then now full-time SQL DBA
It can be done, you just need to know you enjoy it and want to do it for the rest of your life
February 24, 2010 at 8:28 am
Plus, for anyone that happens to already be a MCITP: Database Developer on SQL 2005, you're already one test towards that goal (70-431). SQL 2008, well, not so much.
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March 8, 2010 at 3:00 am
im trying to go the opposite way, from an admin/app support role to a db developer role. as i cannot get the experience in my current job, im studying reporting services and analysis services in my spare time , and i have written more than my fair share of sprocs so I have experience in that. Once i finish my study courses il take the BI Certification course. This is the only way i can see to moving to a different yet related role. perhaps a similar tactic will work for you also
March 8, 2010 at 5:40 am
Yes, it's definitely possible.
As well as taking the appropriate exams, try adding elements of Developer DBA work into your current job role. For example, take ownership of forecasting database sizing, script maintenance work for the development servers if that's not taken care of by the Production DBA, work in best practices wherever possible into your development work. Build up a good working relationship with the technical services team (whoever looks after the infrastructure) and the production DBA - they'll be delighted that you want to learn from them. That way, when you come to apply for a DBA job, you'll be able to point to the liaison and the practical work as well as the exams.
Good luck.
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