Re: seeking DBMS v MCSE career advice

Peter Lucas wrote:

> I am a self-taught inhouse systems administrator and db developer for
> a property development and management company, but it looks like the
> "house" is about to fall down, so I am now looking at exit strategies.
> Using Filemaker Pro I developed a comprehensive relational database
> for the company, which I enjoyed doing very much.
> I am now looking at an intensive training and certification program at
> Johns Hopkins Computer Career Institute in Columbia MD in either
> Oracle or MS certification programs.
> I would appreciate any thoughts about the relative merits and benefits
> of following the Oracle path as opposed to MS certification programs.
> What are suggested introductory materials to Oracle? Who are the major
> users? What is the current job market for Oracle DB administrators?
> Would I be better off following the MS cert program? What can I expect
> in salary? Is the product feasible for small and large users alike? If
> anyone familiar with the Johns Hopkins program reads this post, I
> would appreciate your evaluation of it. Any and all remarks are
> welcome...
> As an aside, although I have been administering a W2K server network,
> my preferred machine, which I use at home, is Mac. Are there any niche
> opportunities to be found in the Mac world?
> Thanks in advance,
> Peter Lucas

The Oracle path will yield more money but require you to put up with people like us. Is it worth it to you?

Seriously ... look at the local marketplace using dice.com, monster.com, hotjobs.com, and talking to local recruiters. Unless you think software is a religion go where the income is. For me ... it is Oracle. Then again it also keeps me from becoming part of the Borg Collective and that's worth something.

-- 
Daniel A. Morgan
University of Washington
damorgan_at_x.washington.edu
(replace 'x' with 'u' to respond)