FROM NETWORKING to DBA (ORACLE) ????? 2

[talkdev]

Hi Guys!
As we are witnesing a very rough time for the IT job market and only few of us are going to survive , which i think is a very harsh reality .My problem is that will it be a good option to switch to DBA career after working for 4 long years as networking professional.Will it can help me secure my future..Pls do give ur frank advice..
thanx in advance
dev
CCNA , MCSA

 

[sleipnir214]

In any job market on the downturn, the thing that makes the difference between begin employed in your field and being employed in the food-service industry is experience and reputation.

Reputation includes: your employer's, peers' and clients' opinion of your skills; and whatever certfications you hold.

Experience is the four years you have in the trenches. But not all experience is useful. What really matters is how much of your experience applies to the current job market.

If you are thinking about getting that DBA cert and trying to make your way in that new field, you are probably making a mistake to try it right now. I see nothing to indicate right now that the DBA field is any less competetive than general IT. Also, if you are trying to invoke a specialized cert to get a job, you need to keep in mind that only that part of your experience in the specialized field counts toward that specialized field. Sure, the rest of your experience will be taken into consideration, but only as a tie-breaker after specialized experience. And there are folk out there that have been Oracle DBAs longer than you've been in the business in total.

If you are thinking of getting that cert with an eye to diversifying your reputation portfolio, go ahead. Make sure, though, whatever the reason for getting the cert, that you learn the theory behind everything you do, both in your job and while studying for your cert exams. Knowing the theory gives you the ability to cross-reference your knowledge in new ways. This is what will allow you to add new tricks to your repetoir in your current position and better assimilate course materials when studying for a new cert test. ______________________________________________________________________
TANSTAAFL!

 

[Midiean1]

Right now, I think, would not be a good idea to switch profesions in the IT industry. Switching from Networking to DBA, may sould like a good idea since the money is better, however, it is a hole nother ball game, and if you don't know as much as a person who has been a DBA for another company as long as you've been in networking, than, she/he is going to come out on top of you. My advice is stay put and wait for the industry problems to work it self out.

I live in Austin, Tx and looking as well, but only in the field that I have expirience with. If you are looking to get out of the industry, which to change a profession right now you would almost have to, your going to be at the bottom unless you can capitolize on expirience from another hobby or skill that you have.

 

[talkdev]

Thanx Guys , i guess u both are right and your suggestions make me feel more comfortable...
Its really necesaary to stick with the current skill during this period of time.
Once again thanx.
Dev
CCNA,MCSA
talk_dev@hotmail.com