Re: Becoming an Oracle DBA

By saying a sys admin can become a DBA, and others can not do it so easily, what do you mean.
Database Administration and System Administration are too very different things.

I bet to differ on what you claim.
ANYONE can "become a DBA" with a lot of studying and hard work and hands-on experience.

Liz Reen wrote:

> In article <pqgv5.1964$Zk.11582_at_news3.atl>, america_at_usa.com says...
> > The last time I checked with Oracle, there were only ~ 24,000 Oracle
> > Certified Professionals
> > worldwide. Oracle certification is challenging and if you can pass all the
> > tests, my money
> > says you know your stuff.
> If you can pass the test without any experience, it tells me that the
> test is worthless. There is a large difference between knowing the
> information and using it. I took the backup and recovery class. I
> thought I "knew" everything on the subject. When time came for me to
> recover a database, I realized that I was not as well prepared as I
> thought. Databases don't always die a textbook death.
>
> > Your chances of getting a Job are excellent, even
> > with no experience,
> > although, it would be better If your had some kind of ' IT ' experience.
> >
> An experienced sys admin can become a DBA (by DBA I mean Database
> Administrator not a Database Architect). An experienced programmer will
> have a slightly harder time as they are not used to the sys admin aspects
> of the job. Someone who has never worked in IT is in for a real
> awakening. There is so much too learn about computers most of which you
> do not get in school. For example, no one taught me how to deal with the
> users of my systems.
>
> >
> >
> > AH <gucciard_at_Bayou.UH.EDU> wrote in message
> > news:Pine.OSF.4.21.0009101926520.19347-100000_at_Bayou.UH.EDU...
> > > Hello,
> > >
> > > I'm planning on making a career change and becoming an Oracle DBA.
> > > I'm currently studying for the 1st exam of the Oracle DBA certification--
> > > Exam 1Z0-001 "SQL and PL/SQL". I would really appreciate your comments
> > > and/or suggestions on the following questions:
> > >
> > > 1. In your experience, is it easy to find a job as an Oracle DBA with no
> > > experience and with just the Oracle certification? For instance, would it
> > > be better to go through my Oracle DBA certification and then apply for a
> > > DBA job (with no experience in databases), or would it be better to work
> > > as an SQL programmer for a while and acquire some experience, and then
> > > apply for a DBA job upon completing my certification?
>
> Depends on who is doing the interviewing, if they know their stuff you're
> in trouble. If they know nothing, you will get the job. However in such
> a job you will most likely not learn anything and you will pick up bad
> habits.
> > >
> > > 2. What type of salary should a DBA with no experience expect (in
> > > Texas). What about a DBA with 1, 5, and 10 years of experience?
> I wouldn't expect big bucks at the start. After 5 years your salary will
> be high, but only if you really know your stuff. When people start
> paying near 6 figures, they want results for their money.
>
> > >
> > > 3. Which version of Oracle should I get my DBA certification on (version
> > > 8, 8i, 9i, ... ) ?
>
> 8i, but study version 7 too. A lot of places are still running 7.3.4.
> > >
> > > 4. What are some pros and cons of working as an Oracle DBA? Specifically,
> > > is this a stressful job?
>
> Yes. You are the person upon whom everyone depends. The buck stops with
> you. If you don't like hot seats don't become a DBA.
>
> > > Is there a lot of overtime involved?
>
> Depends on the company, but normally yes there is a lot of overtime. I
> have yet to find the company which will let me do the maintenance during
> business hours. If you are lucky you can do it on a weekend day.
> Mostly you can only do it at night.
>
> Good Luck,
>
> Liz
Received on Mon Sep 25 2000 - 11:15:31 CDT