How to.....

  • Alright, I am trying to figure something out, and I figured this was the best place to start.

    I want to become a SQL Server DBA.

    I recently trained for 3 months on SQL Server 2005 to learn it. Passed the 70-431 certification exam after the 2nd month of training on the first time with an 806. Currently working toward the Performance Tuning Certification (70-444). Prior to this training, I worked on Access 97 and 2000 databases doing development and administration work off and on during the last 10 years (with a total of 3-4 years of actual hands on experience).

    I realize that moving to a new software was going to be difficult as potential employers are reluctant to give someone with only 3 months of training access and the responsibility to maintain one of their most important assets.

    So, where do I start? I have no issue paying my dues so to say or starting at the bottom so long as I am working on SQL Server in some form so I can continue to learn the product and realize my goal in the next 5-10 years.

    I greatly appreciate all input and assistance.

    Fraggle

    P.S. If anyone cares I have copies of Prove It test results showing me in the 90th percentile for DBA and 80th percentile for T-SQL skills.

  • The best way to find a job is based on who you know. Find a SQL Server users group near you, go, and be involved. A .NET users group could be helpful as well.

    Also you should do some personal projects so you have some working code and a db design to show potential employers.

    Grow your current position by getting your current employer to upgrade to SQL Server, even if it is Express edition from Access. Then you ARE the SQL Server DBA on-site and can get the hands-on experience.

  • http://www.simplyhired.com/

    ... is one of the best sites I've run across with feeds from Monster, Dice, etc, etc.

    --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.

    Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.


    Helpful Links:
    How to post code problems
    How to Post Performance Problems
    Create a Tally Function (fnTally)

  • I agree 100% with Jack Corbett

    Grow your current position by getting your current employer to upgrade to SQL Server, even if it is Express edition from Access. Then you ARE the SQL Server DBA on-site and can get the hands-on experience.

    FoxPro and Access were used the office. I asked for Oracle. They gave SQL Server. This is how I became a SQL Server DBA.

  • So funny story. The very next day, I was offered a position as a SQL Server 2005 Developer/Analyst/Administrator. 45/45/10% work respectively. I figured it was a good place to start. Thank you all for the advise.

    Fraggle

  • Fraggle (10/16/2008)


    So funny story. The very next day, I was offered a position as a SQL Server 2005 Developer/Analyst/Administrator. 45/45/10% work respectively. I figured it was a good place to start. Thank you all for the advise.

    Fraggle

    Outstanding! Good luck and don't be a stranger! 🙂

    --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.

    Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.


    Helpful Links:
    How to post code problems
    How to Post Performance Problems
    Create a Tally Function (fnTally)

  • Thanks Jeff. I am sure I will be here even more using the reference from this site even more than before.

    Fraggle

  • Jack Corbett (10/14/2008)


    Find a SQL Server users group near you, go, and be involved. A .NET users group could be helpful as well.

    I've never even heard of something like this. Any advice on how to go about finding such a group?

    Seth Phelabaum


    Consistency is only a virtue if you're not a screwup. 😉

    Links: How to Post Sample Data[/url] :: Running Totals[/url] :: Tally Table[/url] :: Cross Tabs/Pivots[/url] :: String Concatenation[/url]

  • You can go to PASS to find official chapters of SQL Server groups. You can also find out by finding your areas Microsoft Developer Evangelist which you can find here

  • Jack Corbett (10/25/2008)


    You can go to PASS to find official chapters of SQL Server groups. You can also find out by finding your areas Microsoft Developer Evangelist which you can find here

    Crap. I wish I'd have known about this a few days ago. Looks like I'm missing a presentation from Steve Jones(at SQLServerSaturday in Orlando) as we speak. Ah well, registered for the Orlando Pass chapter now. Thanks much for the links.

    Seth Phelabaum


    Consistency is only a virtue if you're not a screwup. 😉

    Links: How to Post Sample Data[/url] :: Running Totals[/url] :: Tally Table[/url] :: Cross Tabs/Pivots[/url] :: String Concatenation[/url]

  • Forget about missing a session by Steve Jones, you missed the opportunity to hear a session by Jack Corbett (of this post):P.

    Hey, I wish you had made it to OPASS prior to this. I have been going for a year and spoke at the last meeting, but I'm going to be gone for the next 3 months so won't be at any meetings until the March meeting and I'd like to meet you.

  • I am sorry you missed Steve Jones. But don't worry that you missed Jack. I could hear someone snorning in the next room throught the concrete walls. 🙂

    Naw, I am just messing with Jack (who I actually meet face to face). Nice guy. I do have to agree with Brandie, Jack, your avatar is better looking. LOL.

    Hope to see you in the Tampa SQL Saturday Seth.

    Fraggle

  • What the hell, is this like a Florida only forum? :hehe: I had kinda wondered if there was anyone else here that might attend those meetings that I'd meet, so I guess that answers that question. I live in Melbourne, so it's a bit of a drive to get to the meetings, but it could be a lot worse. Semi bummed I missed today, sounds like it was a lot of fun, but C'est la vie. See you in 3 months!

    Seth Phelabaum


    Consistency is only a virtue if you're not a screwup. 😉

    Links: How to Post Sample Data[/url] :: Running Totals[/url] :: Tally Table[/url] :: Cross Tabs/Pivots[/url] :: String Concatenation[/url]

  • Pretty sure this isn't a Florida only forum. However, to my knowledge, SQL Saturday are Florida only. It does have similar counter parts in other states that go by different names though.

    Still, unless your company was paying or requiring it, how much would you spend to come and far would drive/fly to get here?

    Fraggle

  • Fraggle (10/26/2008)


    Pretty sure this isn't a Florida only forum. However, to my knowledge, SQL Saturday are Florida only. It does have similar counter parts in other states that go by different names though.

    It's not, I was being facetious 😉

    Still, unless your company was paying or requiring it, how much would you spend to come and far would drive/fly to get here?

    If this was directed at me... I live in Melbourne, Fl, not Melboune, Australia, so it's only about an hour drive. That much I can live with. Would I drive 2+ hours(4 round trip)? Probably not for a 2 hour meeting, but for a Saturday I would. I'm going to try to attend the one coming up in Tampa.

    Seth Phelabaum


    Consistency is only a virtue if you're not a screwup. 😉

    Links: How to Post Sample Data[/url] :: Running Totals[/url] :: Tally Table[/url] :: Cross Tabs/Pivots[/url] :: String Concatenation[/url]

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