CS grad looking for advice.. thanks

[crystaldev1]

Hello. I've graduated from a university with a BS in computer science about 2 years ago. Now I am working as a QA tester and I feel like I am not going anywhere. I am taking some programming classes next semester (Java, VB .net). I am interested in getting into database field and I would really appreciate your advice as to which way I should pursue (developer, administrator, etc.). I have no experience in database but it seems interesting. Thank you

 

[jsteph]

Well...since you're into programming, my guess would be that as far as the database field, you'd find the development more interesting than admin.

That's a good field (it's what I do), and when you get a good knowledge of db architecture, the development tools and backend db are really secondary, so you have a wider choice of employment. Ie, a SQL Server administrator would have a tough time going right into an Oracle admin job, but a developer has a much easier time moving from project to project regardless of the backend.
--jsteph

 

[cyclegeek]

Yeah, I'd say development is probably more diverse than administration, although I think right now DBA's get a bit more money than developers. And you can move between environments (MySql, Oracle, SQL Server etc.) without huge adjustments because the programming syntax is basically the same for each.

 

[Onyxpurr]

My advice would be to target the smalled companies. This is how I got into DB Administration. I have the ability to interact with users, develop documentation, tables, queries, forms, reports, and procedures. I have full creative control on all my databases and I love it!!

 

[Breadcrust]

i would suggest learning a better language than java or visual basic

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[Tarwn]

Go with what you enjoy. In the long run it wil pay off better in lower stress levels and possibly higher pay. The more you enjoy what your doing the more productive you will be at it and the more willing you will be to practice and forward your skills in that area. This will pay off not just in and of itself but also with your current or future employers.

As far as salaries are concerned, according to Salary.com:
(Median Avg US values)
DBA: $77,694 (+-10k)
Programmer I: $46,807 (+-5k)
Programmer IV: $76,450 (+-9k)
Software Engineer I: $53,405 (+-5k)
Software Engineer V: $89,510 (+-8k)
MainFrame Programmer I: $46,429 (+-6k)
MainFrame Programmer IV: $93,597 (+-13k)

I hate to say it, and I don't mean to offend anyone at all, but does anyone else think the DBA vs Software Engineer difference is a little odd?

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[jsteph]

My guess is that it's due 2 things:

1. Typically, a dba must be on site and on call. Can't do that from India, so the offshoring may have less downward pull on salaries.

2.The level of stress/responsibility. Whatever goes wrong with the database systems in any way (even if the problem ends up being software issues), the dba is typically the one who gets called on Sunday afternoon when he's with his family, and has to come in and stay the night to get the db going again. In many companies, especially smaller ones--he also takes on many of the 'screwdriver-in-pocket' network issues also.

As far as point 2, it's almost like Live TV compared to taped...Software people get to do 'takes' and test and make sure it's right, and typically once the app is debugged, it has fewer issues. With hardware stuff, anything can go wrong at any time, and when it does, the entire business can come to a complete halt.

Not that a software issue can't have such repercussions, but like I said--there are many levels of testing/debugging that can be done with software, whereas it's more diffucult to truly simulate a live production system and all that can happen to it--power outages, viruses, hardware failures, etc, etc.
--jsteph

 

[crystaldev1]

Hey thanks for all the wonderful messages. Since I'm a career tech newbie, every advice will help me shape my future and the field that I would like to get into eventually. Thanks guys and I'll be checking back frequently for any more advices.