Re: Which database should I learn next (currently oracle dba)

In article <32F8F340.22C7_at_c-square.no.junk>, Alvin Sylvain <jademare_at_c-square.no.junk> wrote:
>Joel R. Kallman wrote:
>
>> This is not the type of advice you're looking for, but I firmly
>> believe, as the book says, "Do what you love, and the money will
>> follow".
>>
>> I think you're putting too much stock into a specific skill with a
>> particular database. I, personally, look for a team-player, ability
>> to learn and adapt, problem-solving skills, positive attitude,
>> efficiency, and responsiblity. Notice, I didn't mention experience
>> with any particular database product once.
>
>I would say you're the exception rather than the rule.
>
>My experience as a frequent job-seeker is that they almost =NEVER=
>ask you about your ability to learn and adapt, problem-solving
>skills, etc. etc. What they ask is, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE LATELY?
>
>In other words, for the more typical employer, it doesn't matter
>if the job applicant is Einstein-Squared, what matters is whether
>he already knows the desired job-specific functions: the database,
>the OS, the language, etc.
>
>However, they sometimes will take you on as a bright, intelligent,
>energetic team-player who gladly takes on responsibity, etc. etc.,
>but doesn't quite know the specifics yet; but, at LOWER PAY.
>
>Basically, they want you to hit the ground running. The typical
>business concern, managed by the typical pointy-haired clueless
>management, don't hire people until it's time to put out fires.
>They don't have the luxury of letting a bright person come up
>to speed ... they'd prefer an idiot who knows where the fire
>extinguisher is!

That is a very interesting point. I would not dispute the hiring part but my experience is that a senior person who is good a problem solving will solve a difficult problem in an area they have NO experience in faster than people experienced in the area who don't have the problem solving skills. Not that my experience is going to change who gets hired and for how much.

Just my $0.02 worth

mjr Received on Thu Feb 06 1997 - 00:00:00 CST