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wshtrue
Yak Posting Veteran
74 Posts |
 Posted - 2004-11-23 : 12:29:17
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| Hey Guys,I am new to SQL Server.Noone gives a job without any experience and noone is ready to give experience for the first time.I am sure many of you also must have gone through what i am going through so do you think that there is any place in Los Angeles where i can go for internship.Thanks in advance |
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adlo
Posting Yak Master
108 Posts |
Posted - 2004-11-23 : 18:59:13
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| The way I figure it, you must be much higher up the "Yak" ladder if you want to be considered.Cheers |
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robvolk
Most Valuable Yak
15732 Posts |
Posted - 2004-11-23 : 19:29:47
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Colleges are a good place to look, as they may have the software or even classes available. Don't ignore adult-ed or continuing education classes either. They may even need a lab monitor or supervisor, if you have even a little knowledge you'll probably have more than the students will. Not to mention you'll have plenty of time to experiment and learn.If not, you can always download MSDE and play with it, it's free from Microsoft:http://www.microsoft.com/sql/You can also download the trial version of SQL Server and play with it for 180 days. There's nothing about SQL Server that you can't teach yourself (I've done it, many of us here too) and IMHO it's probably the best way to learn since you are not encumbered by someone else's preconceptions or opinions. You can always ask questions and participate in forums like SQL Team, and experience our opinions and preconceptions  FWIW, I got my current job, and my Microsoft MVP award, by participating on SQL Team.Books Online is free and is a valuable resource, and you'll do far better to study this thoroughly and understand concepts than you would in an internship. You truly have no idea how many SQL Server professionals there are who have zero understanding of the basics, a lot of it due to the fact that they don't know or use Books Online. You don't want to be in a position where you are learning bad habits from such people.You can also work on small projects for friends and family, local vendors, schools, volunteer groups, and so on. This is a great way to do work and learn without the stress of having to perform at a real job. |
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eyechart
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker
3575 Posts |
Posted - 2004-11-23 : 19:44:48
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quote:
Originally posted by adlo
The way I figure it, you must be much higher up the "Yak" ladder if you want to be considered.Cheers
huh? |
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eyechart
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker
3575 Posts |
Posted - 2004-11-23 : 20:00:27
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quote:
Originally posted by wshtrue
Hey Guys,I am new to SQL Server.Noone gives a job without any experience and noone is ready to give experience for the first time.I am sure many of you also must have gone through what i am going through so do you think that there is any place in Los Angeles where i can go for internship.Thanks in advance
First, nobody goes out when they are just getting started and lands a job as a DBA. This just doesn't happen. With that in mind, my recommendation would be to learn everything you can about SQL Server. Take classes at your university extension. If you are in the LA area, check the UCLA extension courses. These classes are inexpensive, and usually taught by someone who actually is doing DBA or developer type work. This is exactly the type of person you need to be in contact with. Download the evaluations as Rob has suggested. Buy books that walk you through entire projects. I remember working through the "10 projects you can do with Microsoft SQL Server 7" book when I was trying to learn SQL server. Participate in the forums here and other sites. Get certified. Get a job somewhere as working a help desk or as a PC tech. When I started out in I.T. I had a job as a desktop support tech. I moved up to a network/LAN infrastructure person and then into DBA work. All the experience I gained from those other positions have helped me in my current job. Getting your foot in the door is the important thing. Good luck.Also, put spaces after periods in your sentences! ;)-ec |
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wshtrue
Yak Posting Veteran
74 Posts |
Posted - 2004-11-23 : 20:39:41
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| Hey Guys,Thanks for your suggestions! I just need a foot in the door.To be very honest i have done all courses like oracle 8i,c,Javascript,T-sql,HTML everything and i just need practical experience.I know everythng theortically but noone is ready to give me entry level job that is why i thought of internship.Don't you know anyone in LosAngeles who will be ready to give me internship. Thanks |
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robvolk
Most Valuable Yak
15732 Posts |
Posted - 2004-11-23 : 23:05:09
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| The thing is, databases and internships are not conducive to one another. I know it's a Catch-22 situation but an "internship" is not a remedy for it. A competitive business can't afford to foster that kind of atmosphere. That's why I suggested a university computer lab, that's about as close as you'll get. If not there, then maybe a public library.I think the best step you can take next is to visit these sites:http://www.sqlpass.org/http://www.culminis.com/These will list local PASS chapters, user groups, conferences, seminars and such where you can meet like-minded professionals. Networking with them will be the best way to find out what kind of jobs are available and what local employers are looking for. You might even bump into someone looking to fill an entry level position, or a contractor looking for help on pick-up work. Won't know unless you try. You can also check with local employment agencies for jobs. While they can help, don't be surprised if they don't get you a job.Before you do any of this, you should sit down and think about what you would like to do. You may "know everything theoretically" but it is more important to know what you want to do in your career. You're going to be asked that question, and not having a clear direction will hurt you more than any knowledge will help. Focus on the 1 or 2 things you like most and go for them. No one wants to hire someone who knows everything. They have specific problems they need solved and would rather have a specialist that a jack-of-all-bytes.You should also read Mark's SQL Team blog, he has lots of good advice on this kind of stuff:http://weblogs.sqlteam.com/markc/ |
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wshtrue
Yak Posting Veteran
74 Posts |
Posted - 2004-11-23 : 23:14:58
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| Hi Rob,Thanks for your valuable suggestions.I want to be a SQL Server Programmer and that is crystal clear.There is no confusion in my thinking, the only obstacle is to get the first job.Thanks |
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Place for internship for SQLSERVER