opening up new markets.....

[shetlandbob]

Hi all,

I've been working in the IT field for a number of years (mostly contracting), 90+% in the Engineering Industry.

I would class myself as expereinced in a number of languages and have lots of experience in developing engineering software.

However I have little experience with SQL and databases, which hampers a lot of new industries. Especially when I send CV's to agencies, as they tick the UNIX, C++ or Visual C++ box (Which ever is appropriate), but then they see, ah no SQL.......

Not sure where I'd expect this thread to go, but was wondering if anyone has had a similar experience and had any input?

Thanks in advance for any comments!

Cheers



Robert Cumming

http://www.consultantengineer.co.uk

 

[hilfy]

You could try to learn database programming on your own. The process would go something like this:

- Find a small application you'd like to develop for your own use to track something like books or movies you have, contact info, etc. It doesn't have to be very big but it would be nice if it were something that you could/would really use.

- Get one of the open source databases available on the net - MySQL, Firebird, Postgres are a couple that come to mind. You want one of these rather than something like MS Access because they're more respected than something like Access.

- Get a book on SQL - my favorite is The Practical SQL Handbook by Bowman, Emerson, and Darnovski. This book has a lot of good information for beginning SQL users and explains it well.

- Have fun programming your application!

You'll also be able to get help with SQL here on Tek-Tips if you run into any problems.

This will give you a basic understanding of SQL that you can use as experience on your CV.

-Dell

A computer only does what you actually told it to do - not what you thought you told it to do.

 

[MDXer]

you can also purchase MS SQL Developer addition for something like $50US. Dev editions has all the same features as Enterprise addition. Or you can grab MSDE which a lot of apps use as a backend, as well as the SQL 2005 free engine which has the new 2005 features and is slated to replace MSDE.

Shoot Me! Shoot Me NOW!!!
- Daffy Duck