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LDick1
Starting Member

3 Posts

Posted - 2013-07-30 : 14:37:27
Hello,

I am starting to pursue an MS SQL MCSE, but I need to choose between BI or Data Platform. I really have no idea.


From Microsoft:
  • Earning an MCSE: Business Intelligence certification will qualify for a position as a BI and reporting engineer.
  • Earning an MCSE: Data Platform certification will qualify you for such jobs as database analyst and database designer.


Any suggestions or insight?

Thanks,
LDick

tkizer
Almighty SQL Goddess

38200 Posts

Posted - 2013-07-30 : 14:54:17
It's not something we can answer for you. You will need to determine what you are most interested in and what you think you can excel in. Neither of these two areas are of interest to me, but I would be interested in a database administration area, though I am against certifications in general.

Tara Kizer
Microsoft MVP for Windows Server System - SQL Server
http://weblogs.sqlteam.com/tarad/

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LDick1
Starting Member

3 Posts

Posted - 2013-07-30 : 15:35:41
Thanks for the reply.

I guess I should have clarified that I’m not looking for anyone to make a decision for me, but maybe some pros and cons or some insight that might help me choose. It’s not a huge deal. I just thought I’d put it out there and see what I can learn.

I have minimal experience with SQL, but this is the path I've chosen to make a change. I've spent the past few years running a Help Desk.

I’m not against certs, but I think too much emphasis is placed on them much of the time. In my case, I don’t have the experience, so I’m getting the training and may as well take the exams and get the recognition while I’m at it.
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visakh16
Very Important crosS Applying yaK Herder

52326 Posts

Posted - 2013-07-31 : 02:36:39
As per my limited knowledge it really depends on whether you're interested on database platform side alone or on BI tools as well.
MCSE: Business Intelligence covers BI aspects of SQL Server consisting of SSIS,SSRS,SSAS and also on associated tools like DQS,MDS etc. I would be more inclined towards this as I've been working mostly on BI side. This will obviously require good knowledge on SQL Server databases as well as internally all of these tools uses relational databases on backend as well as require writing some sql code to build up basics.
MCSE: Data Platform is concentrating on the database engine in depth and also involves good coverage of database design and modelling. So if you're a person who wants to be on database side alone and not much on BI end, then this is what you may choose.

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tkizer
Almighty SQL Goddess

38200 Posts

Posted - 2013-07-31 : 13:03:39
I would check the types of jobs that are available in your area. See what has the highest demand. See if even some of them are positions that require little to no experience. Then head down that track and see if it interests you. You could always switch tracks if you don't like the material.

Tara Kizer
Microsoft MVP for Windows Server System - SQL Server
http://weblogs.sqlteam.com/tarad/

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LDick1
Starting Member

3 Posts

Posted - 2013-07-31 : 21:03:49
I have checked the job posting and most tend toward BI, so that's the way I'm going.

Thanks for the advice.
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tkizer
Almighty SQL Goddess

38200 Posts

Posted - 2013-07-31 : 21:05:29
I think that's probably a wise choice. BI seems to be huge these days. They are creating conferences just for BI when they used to be lumped in with the other aspects of SQL Server.

Good luck on this adventure!

Tara Kizer
Microsoft MVP for Windows Server System - SQL Server
http://weblogs.sqlteam.com/tarad/

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