Becoming a MS: SQL Server or Oracle DBA 1

[Gatorajc]

I had posted in originally in the Professional Development forum because I wanted an unbiased response but got no results so I am posting it in here.

Anyway, I have been working as a Computer Tech for about 1 year now and though the money is not great. I love who I work for and the position. Even though my official postion is a tech, I got to do a lot of Web developing, Database admin, networking, etc.

Having gotten a chance to experience a lot of different areas of IT. I have narrowed down the areas I would like to work in. Programing is fun and I love the challenge but I can't see myself doing it 8+ hours a day. What I have come to love is working with DBs so I think I really want to pursue becoming a DBA.

At work we use a combonation of Oracle and SQL Server DBs. So getting experince with either is not a problem. What I want to know is which one will be in higher demand in the years to come and if possible can someone shed some light as to what it is like being a DBA.

 

[tsclark]

A junior level DBA will be focussed and the purely administration aspects of the DBA role. This includes monitoring space utilization, managing user permission, ensuring backup and restore operations are effective, exports and index rebuilds (maintenance). You start with the core compentencies and add width to your skill set as you go.

You can have lots of fun scripting. You can get involved with development support. You can program stored procedures, triggers, etc.

As your experience grows, you will be asked to help design and implement solutions...

So...

SQLServer vs. Oracle? I have chosen and still continue to choose to go the Oracle route. When I look for DBA positions on

http://www.dice.com

or

http://www.monster.com,

I always see much higher demand and much higher rates of pay for oracle professionals. Oracle also makes excellent training resources available -- some for very little money (1 yr online learning account for < $1,500). Oracle Certified Professionals are consistently among the best paid certified professionals.