RE: Definition of Top Class DBA
Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 12:51:46 +0000
Message-ID: <85D44D05C4C24C40AFDED6C1FC0E1BDF3F61148D_at_SNSLCVWEXCH02.abl.cda.navy.mil>
I have a couple of thoughts on this. Does the work described in the job description require a "Top Class DBA?" Does the description of that work make you think really hard? Do you mentally review your skill set? Is the salary they are offering equal to the level of skill they are requiring? I read a lot of job descriptions and think, "I don't want to do that" for a lot of reasons including location, salary, customer or employer reputation. I enjoy reading the intricate discussions about Oracle technology here on the site but rarely feel moved to contribute except in these somewhat philosophical discussions about the industry.
Consider that most of us have the problem of being UNABLE to hire a "Top Class DBA" simply because, at least in government, the rules for hires and contracting preclude us from actually considering your skill and talent. It's all about cost baby. I've often been very frustrated by my inability to have my organization reach out and contact some of you, whose books rest on my office shelves, and bring you in at the beginning of a project to give the project a better chance of succeeding, come in at the price we projected, and on the schedule we planned. "Top Class DBA's" are worth the money as are any "Top class Designer, Architect, Coder, etc." The difference between the "Top" and "Exceptional" makes it worth the price. It's hard to get that concept across to the guy who controls the purse strings and is evaluated on his/her ability to manage costs. They don't get that a very small increase in cost will get you a very, very large reduction in risk. I cry when I think about it ......stupid.....
If they really want a "Top Class DBA" then they need to lead their pitch with something like, "Premium Paid" for "Top Class DBA." "For the right candidate we will match or exceed any offer!!" Guaranteed "TOP SALARY AND BENEFITS" for "TOP CLASS DBA." That’s how you know they are serious right?
-----Original Message-----
From: oracle-l-bounce_at_freelists.org [mailto:oracle-l-bounce_at_freelists.org] On Behalf Of Zelli, Brian
Sent: Friday, September 05, 2014 8:09 AM
To: niall.litchfield_at_gmail.com; Kumar Madduri
Cc: oracle Freelists
Subject: RE: Definition of Top Class DBA
I once interviewed with a guy who told me he was one of the “top 10” DBAs in the world. When I was done with the interview, his Director asked me if I was impressed with this guy saying that he asks the hardest questions in the world and his interviews are tough. I said no, he’s the biggest asshole in the world. It was 2 hours of all about him. Gee, didn’t get the job nor wanted it at that point working with that ahole. Oh, and they fired the guy 2 months later……..
Brian
From: oracle-l-bounce_at_freelists.org [mailto:oracle-l-bounce_at_freelists.org] On Behalf Of Niall Litchfield
Sent: Friday, September 05, 2014 2:55 AM
To: Kumar Madduri
Cc: oracle Freelists
Subject: Re: Definition of Top Class DBA
I'd also look at the wording they use to describe themselves. Many organisations describe themselves in similar terms, there's plenty of examples in of all places the University sector whom you'd expect to know better. It's most likely that using wording like this tells you something about the organisational culture.
As to what makes a good DBA I'm pretty certain it boils down to clear & logical thinking, good communication, determination, understanding of basic computer architecture and lots of practice. It helps if unexpected and bad things happen to your systems along the way, though that isn't a great answer in an interview generally :)
On 4 Sep 2014 04:43, "Kumar Madduri" <ksmadduri_at_gmail.com> wrote:
Hello:
In several job postings, key words like 'Top Class DBA', 'World Class DBA' and other such adjectives are used. While every organization wants those kind of DBAs, how do you define it or measure it.
I may be a 'Top Class DBA' at my place but 'Lowly DBA' for some other org or some other DBAs and vice versa (I could be lowly dba where I am but could be top class where I would get a job).
I think words like 'Top Class DBA' intimidates me (personally)..
I am probably opening a pandora's box here but wanted to get the opinion of elite members of this group.
Thank you
Kumar
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