I need help on how to become a SQL Server DBA

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I need help on how to become a SQL Server DBA

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SQLphone

Posted Wednesday, October 21, 2009 10:41 AM

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I very much want to be a SQL Server DBA and I started by taking two database courses and I took MS 70-431 exam and passed. But I still dont know how to become a DBA. I need a guideline on where to start my career. I will take any help.

BTW I am Engineering graduate and the only programming that I know well is C.

Thanks,
Daniel

Post #806663

GSquared

Posted Wednesday, October 21, 2009 11:01 AM

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There are a bunch of good discussions on this site about starting out as a DBA. Try searching for a few of those, they'll definitely help.

The best first point to address on it is why a DBA? What interests/excites you about the field?

- Gus "GSquared", RSVP, OODA, MAP, NMVP, FAQ, SAT, SQL, DNA, RNA, UOI, IOU, AM, PM, AD, BC, BCE, USA, UN, CF, ROFL, LOL, ETC
Property of The Thread

"Nobody knows the age of the human race, but everyone agrees it's old enough to know better." - Anon

Post #806670

GilaMonster

Posted Wednesday, October 21, 2009 2:21 PM

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Take a look at this blog post and the two that follow it.
http://www.brentozar.com/archive/2009/04/how-to-get-a-junior-dba-job-part-1/

Gail Shaw
Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server 2008, MVP
SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

We walk in the dark places no others will enter
We stand on the bridge and no one may pass

Post #806800

SQLphone

Posted Wednesday, October 21, 2009 5:50 PM

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Thank You GSquared. I found a few discussions about guidlines on how to start your careers as a DBA.

Post #806895

SQLphone

Posted Wednesday, October 21, 2009 5:52 PM

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Last Login: Thursday, February 16, 2012 4:10 PM
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GilaMonster (10/21/2009)

Take a look at this blog post and the two that follow it.
http://www.brentozar.com/archive/2009/04/how-to-get-a-junior-dba-job-part-1/

Thanks GilaMonster. It is a pretty good blog. I found it very helpful. I almost feel he is talking about me Smile

Post #806896

Grant Fritchey

Posted Thursday, October 22, 2009 5:43 AM

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It will be tough. There just arn't that many starting positions as a DBA. Lots of us came out it through other means, tech support, systems, or development (my own past sins). Whereever you go, just show interest. That's the key.

----------------------------------------------------
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood..." Theodore Roosevelt
The Scary DBA
Author of: SQL Server 2012 Query Performance Tuning
SQL Server 2008 Query Performance Tuning Distilled
and
SQL Server Execution Plans

Product Evangelist for Red Gate Software

Post #807056

RandMan-585256

Posted Friday, October 23, 2009 9:17 AM

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I define 'Luck' as when preparation meets opportunity.

Get prepared and then look for opportunities.
This has worked well for me in the past. I have interest in an area, I study and prepare myself for when an opportunity arises or keep a keen eye out for opportunities to put myself in front of.
But it takes initiative and it sounds like you have that.
Get your foot in the door somewhere and then give it all you have and people will notice. Then when something opens up, your extra effort will pay off.

Good Luck!

"There are three kinds of men. The one that learns by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves." -- Will Rogers

Post #807980

arussell_10

Posted Friday, October 23, 2009 9:55 AM

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I like being a DBA, but if I were you I might stay in the engineering field. Everything I have seen says that there is a major shortage of all kinds of engineers. Plus, you aren't stuck behind a desk all day, right?

Post #808015

Jeff Moden

Posted Friday, October 23, 2009 8:37 PM

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daniel.phone (10/21/2009)

If they have SQL Server where you work, start asking for SQL work.

--Jeff Moden

"RBAR is pronounced "ree-bar" and is a "Modenism" for "Row-By-Agonizing-Row".

First step towards the paradigm shift of writing Set Based code:
Stop thinking about what you want to do to a row... think, instead, of what you want to do to a column."

For better, quicker answers on T-SQL questions, click on the following...
http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/Best+Practices/61537/

For better answers on performance questions, click on the following...
http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/SQLServerCentral/66909/

Post #808245

SQLphone

Posted Sunday, October 25, 2009 2:27 AM

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Thank You all very much Guys for your help.

Post #808361

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