Becoming A DBA, Part 1

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Becoming A DBA, Part 1

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BuckWoody

Posted Wednesday, December 19, 2007 10:12 PM

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Comments posted to this topic are about the item Becoming A DBA, Part 1

Buck Woody
MCDBA, MCSE, Novell and Sun Certified

Post #435071

webrunner

Posted Thursday, December 20, 2007 7:54 AM

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Great article, thanks. I especially like the reminder to build and use databases for practice (music catalog, recipes, etc.) - I don't do enough of that experimentation, but it is a good, safe way to learn and try out new things.

webrunner

-------------------
"The chemistry must be respected." - Walter White

"A SQL query walks into a bar and sees two tables. He walks up to them and says 'Can I join you?'"
Ref.: http://tkyte.blogspot.com/2009/02/sql-joke.html

Post #435211

tharmsvt

Posted Thursday, December 20, 2007 9:24 AM

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I think this is a fantastic article. I've never been in a position in my career where I've had "the person" to go talk with regarding technical questions or career concerns in a technical field. I haven't had that more experienced individual that I could reference. That's just how my career has unfolded to date. This article has given me confidence that I am heading in the right direction and that I have the quality traits a DBA should possess. Thank you, Buck. I look forward to part 2!

-Tim

Post #435265

James_DBA

Posted Thursday, December 20, 2007 9:25 AM

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I came from the all-around background (started building/fixing computers, then programming, now full-time DBA) and I can't agree more that the database world has evolved well beyond the ability to 'know-it-all'...specialty knowledge is needed now more than ever!

I think you pegged the personality and skills part! I can't wait to see part 2.

Thanks,
James

~ Without obstacles, you cannot progress ~
http://sqln.blogspot.com/

Post #435266

Howard Pincham-290448

Posted Thursday, December 20, 2007 10:16 AM

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Buck:

Thanks for the article. I will share with my boss and the rest of the troops in order to explain my so called "eccentric" behavior. I fell into this role after performing many others and I must say that database administration has been the most rewarding and the most challenging. I agree with the other posts and I look forward to part 2.

Howard Pincham

Post #435308

latka

Posted Thursday, December 20, 2007 11:27 AM

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As a middle aged guy heading back to (finally) finish a degree and change my career, I really appreciate the article. I've dabbled in programming and SQL on a mainframe back in the mid 90s, and an instructor told me it was something I should look into. ... only took me another decade. A friend turned me on to SQL Server Central - hopefully I can suck up all the articles I can find!

-Andy

Post #435336

timothyawiseman

Posted Thursday, December 20, 2007 12:41 PM

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Excellent article, thank you for posting it.

---
Timothy A Wiseman
SQL Blog: http://timothyawiseman.wordpress.com/

Post #435357

dba4eva

Posted Thursday, December 20, 2007 1:37 PM

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There is nothing more important than a DBA taking responsibility for the protection of a company's data and I really like the part about confidence as well.

Many times I've been at odds with so called IT specialists or our customers that try to cut corners and implement some hair brained scheme to protect the data and when this happens I have to be willing to take it to the mat with anyone and everyone that questions my position.

Another trait that I find to be very important but sadly lacking from many dba's (or technical people in general) is the ability to be personable with those who are not technical at all.

We have the kind of job where everyone in the organization is going to want to bug us for information they can't otherwise get and often times the people asking are in a position to champion us to those who hold the coffers.

I've made more money as a DBA by going out of my way to be helpful, and also having the ability and patience to understand what someone has tried to ask for than i have just learning the latest bells and whistles on some rdbms and incorporating them into my projects.

Post #435383

toniupstny

Posted Friday, December 21, 2007 10:45 AM

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Thanks for a great article Buck. I too, like Andy, am changing careers in a later stage of life. In the past I was a system programmer so there is some similarity with the situations you describe.

This site has been great in providing me a way to see how others get things done and has helped me grow my knowledge.

Thanks again.

Toni

Post #435753

Jason Selburg

Posted Monday, December 24, 2007 1:31 PM

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Great article Buck, and it couldn't be more timely for me. I just ended a SQL Development position and am going to start my first "DBA" position next week. You gave some really good perspective on the traits and skills. I enjoyed reading it and got some good advice out of it. I look forward to part two!

Thanks again.

______________________________________________________________________

Personal Motto: Why push the envelope when you can just open it?

If you follow the direction given HERE you'll likely increase the number and quality of responses you get to your question.

Jason L. Selburg

Post #436213

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