January 22, 2014 at 7:33 am
Greets:
I've been working as a SQL/ETL Developer for almost a year now. I have no prior formal training in database development or management, but I have loads of unorthodox (what I refer to as self-taught) experience with databases and various programming languages. Having programmed in C and C++ for 10 years, I have worked around open-source and Oracle databases most of my career. But, I'm still a programmer at heart and trying to switch my mindset of a programmer to a database developer.
This past year, I've had the chance to pursue a new path in development with databases. While at first, I was only to help find the right people to get the job done. But, it quickly turned into myself getting the job done simply because I picked it up so quickly due to my prior experience. Now, I'm stuck with it and really want to advance both my experience and knowledge of all things databases, especially the BI and data warehousing side of the career.
With the year almost wrapped up, I have done a lot of work with SQL Server 2008 R2. I've worked along side an amazing Sr. DBA with 10+ years of experience while developing complex ETL systems, OLAP databases, reports and more.
So, the question for the community is where do I go from here? I want to continue down the path of business intelligence and development of ETL systems, reporting and of course anything relating to data warehousing.
One thought is to pursue more training either through school or professional training programs. Another thought is continue doing what I'm doing, but consume more knowledge on the subject through good database books. Other thought is possibly finding a good Jr position and surround myself with other amazing database guru's as my mentor is moving on shortly.
Any insight would be much appreciated.
January 22, 2014 at 10:33 am
Depending on your location, I'd suggest finding the nearest user group and the nearest SQL Saturday event. Those two places will enable you to begin to network with other locals. That will give you a couple of things. First, just expanding your network is it's own reward. Second, the locals will have a better understanding of training opportunities in the area, which are good, etc.
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood"
- Theodore Roosevelt
Author of:
SQL Server Execution Plans
SQL Server Query Performance Tuning
January 22, 2014 at 12:32 pm
Grant Fritchey (1/22/2014)
Depending on your location, I'd suggest finding the nearest user group and the nearest SQL Saturday event. Those two places will enable you to begin to network with other locals. That will give you a couple of things. First, just expanding your network is it's own reward. Second, the locals will have a better understanding of training opportunities in the area, which are good, etc.
Thanks!
I joined Meetup.com and attended a DB meetup a few weeks ago. I'm trying to find more, but there is actually not that many in my area or they are hard to find. I'll keep looking!
January 22, 2014 at 12:44 pm
Also check at sqlpass.org both for local training and free online training.
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood"
- Theodore Roosevelt
Author of:
SQL Server Execution Plans
SQL Server Query Performance Tuning
January 28, 2014 at 3:22 am
Just to add to what has already been said.
If you can, do the MS Certifications. I know people rag on them a lot but in cases where you are relatively new to the technologies it can offer you a guided approach to learning.
At the very least, you will become much more aware of what can be done with the technology.
You should also seek out the prolific bloggers on BI related topics and subscribe. You can a learn a ton that way.
January 28, 2014 at 5:09 pm
CK2 (1/28/2014)
Just to add to what has already been said.If you can, do the MS Certifications. I know people rag on them a lot but in cases where you are relatively new to the technologies it can offer you a guided approach to learning.
At the very least, you will become much more aware of what can be done with the technology.
You should also seek out the prolific bloggers on BI related topics and subscribe. You can a learn a ton that way.
I'm already heading down that route. I got some certifications from the local universities already too. I feel pretty solid with SQL in general. It's just the other fundamentals that I need, especially in terms of the hardware as I'm more of a programmer. Then of course, the ongoing experience of working in BI.
January 28, 2014 at 5:32 pm
I'd pick this up
http://www.amazon.com/The-Microsoft-Data-Warehouse-Toolkit/dp/0470640383
as a good way to make sure you had a good grasp of the concepts and techniques in a very popular ETL and warehousing methodology.
January 28, 2014 at 11:32 pm
David Webb-CDS (1/28/2014)
I'd pick this uphttp://www.amazon.com/The-Microsoft-Data-Warehouse-Toolkit/dp/0470640383
as a good way to make sure you had a good grasp of the concepts and techniques in a very popular ETL and warehousing methodology.
Thanks!
I actually finished up The Data Warehouse ETL Toolkit. I even got lucky, I purchased it preowned and it looks to be signed by Ralph himself. Unless that's in every book!
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