Becoming a database administrator/developer 6

[tyhand]

Hi,

I am interested in becoming a database administrator/developer. I would like to know what essential skills are necessary to achieve this.

I am familiar with Access and FM Pro. I also understand the basic fundamentals with SQL. Would learning and getting a certification in Microsoft SQL be the next step? What about Oracle? I understand it's pretty popular.

With great respect to those who have achieved a level of guruness in this field, any guidance is greatly appreciated.
Thanks. Peace!

 

[pipk]

generally I believe that a good mathematical background is required, plus a good familiarity with stuff like relational algebra as well as the sql skills.

being a good DBA is not software specific, it involves technical skills that are applicable across the board regardless of the database platform you are familir with.

any good college course in databases will provide you with an insight into these skills but whether you are any good at them is a different kettle of fish altogether.

 

[olded]

Hi:

Allow me to add my 2 cents:

Besides the math and SQL skills, I'd also learn base or even advanced windows and unix OS skills. How many job postings require "scripting" skills?

You're much more marketable if you have a working knowledge of VBA, Java script, unix shell, TCL, (especially) Perl, etc. Believe me, a DBA needs tools like these for some of the things they are asked to do.

Also, prospective employers love it when a new employees can be OS admins as well as DBA.

Regards,


Ed

 

[Dimandja]

Hi,

Job titles in the computer software field are very murky, generally little understood, and largely abused.

For instance, ask 10 people what is a programmer, programmer-analyst, systems programmer, systems analyst, software engineer, etc... and you should get 10 diverse answers. Actually the only precise answer you would get is to the question of 'what is a programmer'. Most of the other titles fall into what I call the programming creative area.

I should also state, in my opinion, that a DBA (database administrator) is simply a (or would be) programmer who took a speciality in this field. Witness a sample of these ads:

1. DBA needed - must Have:
SQL - 5 Years
ASP - 3 Years
Web Development - 3 Years
DBA experience - 5 Years
Windows 2000/ NT - 5 Years

Or this one:
2. Over 4 years as a DB2 DBA
3+ years working with Unix, Linux experience is a major plus
3+ years experience with C, Java, SQL, C++
Masters in Computer Science

How about this one:
3. Responsibilities:
Oracle DBA
. Install and Apply Oracle patches to Production Machine
. Backup and Recovery strategies
. Develop scripts
· System performance monitoring, measuring, & tuning
· System usage monitoring
· Assist in resolving application specific problems; Answer general questions concerning Oracle’s functionality and correct/efficient usage within applications
· Work with developers to improve performance in SQL statements and to offer recommendations in optimizing database I/O operations, using indexes
· Support Data and Database Administration Functions
· Data import verification
· Data Dictionary management
· User access administration and security control
· Database/table configuration and version control
· Evaluate tools- backup software

Here is one of my favorite descriptions:
Ideal candidates will have the following:
Gains a basic understanding of the functional and operational aspects of supported business areas
Works with other information technology and/or business area associates to define alternative solutions to define business needs
Recommends optimal solutions based on applicable business, systems, and industry requirements
Interfaces with programmers and analysts to explain requirements, recommends solutions, and helps resolve issues
Participates, as required, in developing and executing testing, training, documentation and/or implementation plans

As you see, a DBA needs to - or comes from - a solid programming background.

Dimandja

 

[Henz]

I think that if you genuinely enjoy working databases, then go for it - you have enough skills if you know SQL and Access to take a job administrating a massive database running Sequal Server, you'll just have to lie a little in the interview (or on your cv) - but then your work will be cut out for you; you will have to grab books on Transact SQL or whatever they use and read in all your spare time for the first couple of weeks, but then you'll be using SQL cursors, left inner joins - all the more complex stuff that Access doesn't support, and you'll know why you're using the commands you are.
See some database programmers I know don't think they're 'proper' coders because they're not using C but that just isn't the case. Although you don't want to go for a database job BECAUSE you aren't a good enough programmer - its just a different field, like one of the previous posts said.
Start off at home by creating a relational database using the MFC DAO classes, and you'll learn all about ODBC etc. THEN - and this is the good bit - BECAUSE you are a GOOD programmers with MASSIVE DB EXP...you will be able to get yourself a job in data mining, or OLAP - real smart complex stuff. Because I'd guess you love databases because of the idea of that sea of information being shaped into new forms, and seeing through it to the bigger picture is where we are going....a bit far out I know, but just my 20 cents!
Cheers
Henz