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icw
Constraint Violating Yak Guru
378 Posts |
 Posted - 2007-01-23 : 01:22:33
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| Hi all,I Hope you experts in the field can give me some advice.I have made a decision that i want to base the rest of my career on MS SQL Server. I have been dabbling and using various parts for the last 7 years (mostly with EM and not TSQL, although I can write basic queries) For the past 7 years or so my career has been based on the GoldMine product (which can sit on a SQL database - this is where the experience has come from)I have actually already qualified as an MCDBA but I don't really think that this counts for much as experience is more crucial.However I am fed up with GoldMine and want a more challenging career.But it seems that careers in SQL can go one of three ways;1. database administration, 2. database development,3. business intelligence. Is this correct?How much cross over is there generally in these roles or are they distinct in themselves. e.g. does a dba need to know how to create a data cube and use reporting services?I really am trying to figure out what's best for me, I enjoy using Crystal reports and have just been trying out SQL reporting services and doing a tutorial on "Creating a data cube" (very tough) Anyway, I guess these tasks are leaning towards the BI side of things. My nature is that I am more of a practical person than a thinking person so am more drawn to DBA.Any advice that you can give to help me in making this choice will be really gladly welcomed.ThanksICW |
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nr
SQLTeam MVY
12543 Posts |
Posted - 2007-01-23 : 05:31:17
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| Unfortunatly these do tend to be distinct.I am tending to do a lot of work in BI now and find I am working with experts who don't know about relational databases and can't write sql.They tend to be application programmers who develop SSIS packages use analysis services to do all the work. It's a bit tricky when they keep saying that SSIS will be faster than writing sql - I suspect they are ex C++ coders and have the same problems.DBA's and Developers should have a lot of crossover as DBA's will be asked to optimse code and developers will need to know how databases work to be effective.Anyway you will need to have knowledge in all areas just depends on where you are most interested.>> My nature is that I am more of a practical person than a thinking person so am more drawn to DBA.That sounds like you are thinking of doing the day to day type work which would be a junior dba. You should soon grow out of that and train such people and spend your time more developing stratgies which will be more thinking (and prototyping) than doing.ReadBOLInside SQL ServerKimball group stuff - even if you aren't going into BI you will need to know about this.Look at sites like this so you can see the mistakes people make and how to get out of them and techniques that work.There are some books at the bottom ofhttp://www.nigelrivett.net/which you might find interesting.==========================================Cursors are useful if you don't know sql.DTS can be used in a similar way.Beer is not cold and it isn't fizzy. |
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icw
Constraint Violating Yak Guru
378 Posts |
Posted - 2007-01-23 : 06:27:35
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| I Really appreciate your taking the time to help on this Nigel.Another quick couple (...oops 3) of questions if I may.1. The new MS qualifications, (in your opinion)...are they worth the effort or should I just try to get as much experience as possible?2. is there any hierarchy or status between the three roles or are they all considered to have rougly the same value, just different tasks etc.3. do you see contracts for Junior DBA's in the UK or are they all permies, if there are do you know what a going rate might be to start with.. I've been looking and not finding anything.Thanks AgainICW |
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nr
SQLTeam MVY
12543 Posts |
Posted - 2007-01-23 : 18:31:15
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| 1. Not worth anything i doing the job but may help you get an interview.2. Notmuch difference.3. At the moment companies are desperate for anyone with experience of v2005 in all those fields.There are junior dba contracts available but you would have to have something to offer.==========================================Cursors are useful if you don't know sql.DTS can be used in a similar way.Beer is not cold and it isn't fizzy. |
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Career Path Dilemmas