Re: Career Advise - Database Management

JP wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> My name is Jay. I would like to get your advise regarding a career
> move....I am a recent college graduate with an EE degree (strong
> background in computer science) and am working in IT industry (software
> QA) in Southern California. From what I have seen so far, it is really
> hard to move up in this industry unless you have "specialized" skills.
> I am thinking of getting certified as a Database Admin(either the
> general certificate or the Oracle DBA certified).
>
> Now here are my questions:
> 1. I have seen a lot of job openings for DBAs but most of them require
> extensive experience. So is there a chance of finding jobs (without
> experience) after getting certified?

The response may change depending on country and region but where I am: Zero.

Here ... certification is meaningless unless you are cashing a check from some guy paying you to teach him the certification course.

Companies here have figured out that many/most people with certification have little if any practical experience. Thus they give them no preferential treatment.

> 2. The program in which I am planning to enroll goes for about 9
> months, costing almost $6000. Is that worth the investment? Also,
> should I go for Oracle DBA or the generalized program (combined classes
> for Oracle and MS SQL)?
> 3. Anything specific I need to know before getting into Database
> Management?
>
> All your opinions and help is appreciated.
>
> Thanks in advance for your response :)
> Jay

$6000? You've got to be kidding. Did they point a gun at you or just threaten to knee-cap you?

Any legitimate university program will provide a far better education for 1/3 or less as you can clearly see from the link below my name. I'd suggest you find a program similar in your area.

Contact me off-line if you wish.

-- 
Daniel A. Morgan
http://www.extension.washington.edu/ext/certificates/oad/oad_crs.asp
damorgan_at_x.washington.edu
(replace x with u to respond)