Re: database administration questions

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  • Original Message ----- <DIV style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black">From: LBanzali_at_aol.com

  To: <A title=ORACLE-L_at_fatcity.com
  href="mailto:ORACLE-L_at_fatcity.com">Multiple recipients of list ORACLE-L   

  Sent: Monday, December 24, 2001 1:15
  AM
  Subject: database administration
  questions   

  Hi! I'm looking into getting
  into the field of Database Administrating.  Right now, I have experience   with MS Access and have created several databases for companies that I have   worked with in the past with Access. I'm looking for a jump in my   career and the next logical step for me, I would think, would be in database   field.  However, I also have some networking knowledge (Cisco   certified...).  So, I'm looking into the advantages of both fields.
 I have some questions & I'm not sure who to ask or where to get my
  answers.  But, here they go:   Questions for a Database   Administrator: 1)  What is your typical workday like?   

• some days easy, some days stuck at work 24 hours or more.<FONT face=arial,helvetica> 2) Do you work a lot of overtime?
• See #1.  Short answer is yes, depending on the site, management support, etc.
   
  3) What are the most valuable databse programs to learn?
   
  
• Command line tools like SQL and OS scripting languages. 4) If I was to look into learning these, should I take classes?
   Where would you recommend I look for classes in the Los Angeles area?
  

• http://education .oracle.com 5) What language, if any, are important (Java, XML, Visual Basic, etc.)?
   
  
• See #3.  shell/batch scripting and SQL. 6) What programs are starting to get obsolete?
   
  
• Hopefully java.<FONT face="Times New Roman"> 7) Is it worth it to get vendor certifications (Microsoft, Oracle)? If so, are there certain books that you recommend to study?
   
  
• Its a nice touch for a resume.  As far as imparting real world knowledge, nothing substitutes for experience. 8) Is it worth it to get a degree?  If so, what specific one?
• Yes.  I've known dba's with music degrees.  I only have an AAS in CS myself.  Experience will get you there faster though.
   
  9) Are there any other programs or technologies that are valuable to learn?
   
  
• There's enough variety with oracle, but see #3 as well as web technologies.<FONT face="Times New Roman">
  1. Are there any associations or other groups that you belong to as a DBA?
      
     
• There are OUG's Oracle Users Groups around the country.
  1. What kinds of companies hire DBAs?
      
     
• The kind that have databases, i.e., any and all industires.
  1. What companies do you recommed to work for?  Know of any currently hiring?
      
     
• It depends.  The market is tight right now, but if you are willing to relocate you will find something.
  1. With my background, what is the best way to advance and work my way into a real DBA position?
• Just do it.  Get some classes or books - Oracle DBA 101 is a good book to start with.  Develop a healthy cynicism as well. Thank you, whom ever reads this and answers back with at least some answers to some of the questions.  I really appreciate your help!!! Please, respond to me at lbanzali_at_aol.com smiles, me thank you!