BI Specialist vs SQL Developer

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BI Specialist vs SQL Developer

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BlackGarlic

Posted Wednesday, May 09, 2012 2:54 AM

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Hi all. I was recently offered for SQL developer position and BI specialist position, and I would like to get some advice.

My background:

I have general understanding of BI (CUBE/DW design concept etc.). I have some experience in SSIS, SSRS, SharePoint. Very limited Database development experience.

BI Specialist Position:
- One man department.
- No in-house SQL/C#/.net developer. Must do everything by myself.
- Relaxed/stress free work environment.
- No immediate need for BI solution, would like to slowly build something for the future.
- SharePoint exposure. (Wants me to admin and implement SharePoint)
- I can evaluate and have access to any BI tools.
- 65K salary

SQL Developer:
- Deals with large database
- Lot of TSQL/Query optimization/index/Stored procedure/SSIS etc. Only focus on DB development
- Amazing senior developers to learn from (Gave me amazing DB index lecture during interview!)
- Some exposure to BI, but majority of BI architect will be done by business analysts.
- High paced work environment.
- 80k salary

At my work, my MIS director thinks developers are like 'commodity'. There are many SQL developers on the market. But BI specialist is not. He also thinks SharePoint and BI is becoming very popular, so even with less salary, he thinks BI specialist position will help my career.

If my career goal is to become a BI architecture, which job is better for my career path?

Thank you for reading this.

Post #1296972

Loner

Posted Wednesday, May 09, 2012 6:50 AM

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I don't understand why there is such a big difference in salary when your MIS director thought BI specialist is much harder to get than SQL developer. Unsure

Post #1297062

BlackGarlic

Posted Wednesday, May 09, 2012 8:45 AM

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One company is very small organization, the other is big. When i think about money, its no brainer. But if what my mis dirctor saying is true, i suppose bi specialist has better potential. One company gives money but less bi exposure. The other has huge bi exposure, but less momey..

Post #1297169

Lynn Pettis

Posted Wednesday, May 09, 2012 8:50 AM

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It really comes down to what you want to do career wise and if the less money is doable for you at this time.

The BI position looks like it may offer more long term as it will allow you to can in-depth experience in what looks to be a low pressure environment.

Cool

Lynn Pettis

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Post #1297174

RonKyle

Posted Thursday, May 10, 2012 7:28 AM

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Your own preference is key here. There are lots of good DBAs who aren't good BI developers. I don't know that it's so much the other way around. If you find BI rewarding and are good at it, then go for it. I doubt you'll starve either way.

Post #1297867

nickblethyn

Posted Thursday, May 10, 2012 1:05 PM

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Speaking as a BI Developer of some 20 years, in my view you should go for the SQL Developer job and specialise in BI later on.

To be a good BI Developer you need a fundamental understanding of how everything works from the bottom of the pyramid to the top, and you will gain a huge amount from working with people who really know their stuff.

Post #1298128

BlackGarlic

Posted Thursday, May 10, 2012 1:13 PM

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Thank you! Putting the money aside, that's what I was thinking.

Thank you all for your kind advice.

Post #1298136

vivekswamy85

Posted Sunday, February 10, 2013 8:03 AM

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Hi Friends,

My dream job is to be a SQL developer. Currently i am into C#/ SQL . Looking for good openings......Salary doesn't matters..i want that designation and work :)..

Post #1418110

tmitchelar

Posted Monday, March 04, 2013 2:17 PM

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The SQL Developer position is heads above the other position for career development and growth. Just a ballpark guess here, but my guess is you'll learn more in a year with the SQL Developer position than you would in 5+ with the BI Specialist position. The SQL Developer position is going to expose you to more of the "meat and potatoes" of this world and you'll get the bonus of working with a team and learning from them and bouncing ideas off of each other. Sorry, but your MIS director doesn't know what he's talking about unless there is some information that you haven't given us about the two positions. No brainer.

Post #1426463

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