Career Advice – Database Admin

ABNNBC

I would like some advice, especially from Database folks, regarding my goals and plans. I am kind of a late comer to the IT career field, although I’ve been on the border for some time. What I mean by that is that I have about 15 years of front end experience as a Data analyst, Business Intelligence Reports, and with MS Access . About 3 years ago I was promoted to a Regional IT position primarily working with developers on the design (from a process and requirements standpoint), testing, and rollout of an enterprise system for the contract I’m working on. At that point I decided to go back to school for a second Bachelors in Computer Science with a concentration in Database Administration, my first degree is a BBA. I have one year remaining and will graduate in December 2012. Recently I’ve embraced the world of certifications. I recently finished my A+, will take my Network+ next week, and then will start on Security+ with a goal of having it by October. I plan on actively searching for a new job in late 2012 - early 2013.

So my questions are: Am I on the right track for a junior level database admin position or is there another job title that I would be more suited for? What certifications should I focus on after Security+? Should I focus on just Oracle or SQL or both? Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

Also, as a backup plan I might be interested in the Network or Security career paths, but Databases are where primary interest is.

Thanks,

UniqueAgEnT

Are you making a lot of $ at your Regional IT Position?

You definitely are on the right track to getting a DBA position. Heres the path I am taking:

Passed: A+, Net+, Sec+, MCITP Sql Server 2008
WIP: MCITP Windows Server 2008
Future: Oracle or SQL BI

With your previous experience as a Data analyst, you may be suited more towards those types of roles, unless you are trying to get away from them. Definitely go for MCITP Sql Server 2008 or Oracle after Sec+. I would say its good to know both SQL + Oracle, but you definitely want to pick one to be more of an Expert in than general knowledge of each.

Depending on the company you work for, some DBAs need to know more network/security than other places. It definitely helps to have knowledge of Servers and security to understand/help others.

rep21

Both of your paths are similar to what I plan on doing as well. I am enrolling in WGU's database path, which teach fundamentals of databases as well as database development. I'll pick up the A+, Security+ and other certs along the way. After I finish my bachelors there, if I really find databases are where I want to focus, then I will spend time to learn Oracle and grab their certifications. The plan, as of now, is to be a DBA or DB developer. Both sound extremely interesting. Anyway, good luck to both of you!