New to Database Administration. Looking for some guidance.

Hi Everyone,

I'm currently an IT Professional. I have 3 years experience at my current job in an Enterprise IT environment doing technical support at the Tier 1 & 2 level. I am looking to change my focus towards something new. I am very organized, I have previous experience with programming (not much but enough to get by) and being more left brain I love logic and structure. A friend of mine suggested I look into Database Administration. I built a very basic MySQL database and some PHP code to go with it years ago for a friends website and thought I'd revisit this field.

My question to all of you is where to begin? I picked up SQL for dummies and so far it feels like a tough read. I'm sure I will pick it up once it gets into exercises and examples but it seems like the author is over complicating things right off the bat. I plan on taking a DBA course being offered by an IT University local to me but that won't start until next year. I want to get a head start and was wondering if anyone could recommend any good reading for beginners.

Also, If I wanted to pursue a career in Database Admin, would the Microsoft Certs for SQL be worth taking? What are employers looking for nowadays? I know nothing beats experience but if you are trying to get your foot in the door, what would shine on a resume?

Cheers!

Nate

Find more posts tagged with

Comments

NotHackingYou

Try this book for learning about how to be DBA: Exam 98-364 MTA Database Administration Fundamentals: 9780470889169: Computer Science Books @ Amazon.com

And try this one for learning how to script in SQL Head First SQL: Your Brain on SQL -- A Learner's Guide: Lynn Beighley: 9780596526849: Amazon.com: Books

98-364 could be a good cert. I recommend you start with the two books above, skip the MTA exam unless you need the confidence and go study for the MCSA: SQL Server exam set once you finish these two books. You'll be well prepared to take on a junior DBA position after that, especially given your experience.

nastynate604

CarlSaiyed wrote: »

Try this book for learning about how to be DBA: Exam 98-364 MTA Database Administration Fundamentals: 9780470889169: Computer Science Books @ Amazon.com

And try this one for learning how to script in SQL Head First SQL: Your Brain on SQL -- A Learner's Guide: Lynn Beighley: 9780596526849: Amazon.com: Books

98-364 could be a good cert. I recommend you start with the two books above, skip the MTA exam unless you need the confidence and go study for the MCSA: SQL Server exam set once you finish these two books. You'll be well prepared to take on a junior DBA position after that, especially given your experience.

Thank you so much! I actually have the head first PHP book, it is AWESOME. Probably one of the best books I've ever read as far as presentation goes. I will give your other recommendations a try as well.

Cheers!