Re: Question about entry level Oracle DBA

"los" <los123_at_yahoo.com> wrote in message news:XQnq9.30570$OB5.2511260_at_newsread2.prod.itd.earthlink.net...
> If every job listing is asking for 3 to 5 years of experience in Oracle,
> how are entry levels supposed to break into the business? Is it impossible
> to get an entry level Oracle position right now?
>
>

Your observation is correct that employers hardly ever advertise for entry level DBA's, except during periods of extreme shortage, such as 1995-2000.

Today, your only opportunity is to be on-site in some other role (e.g. developer, sysadmin, etc.) when the in-house DBA decides he is overworked and needs some help. When this happens, you make sure that the DBA and management know of your enthusiasm. You can help things along by getting your OCA or OCP certification. Also, be sure to make everyone aware of your willingness to work at all hours of the day. Often, the need for DBA assistance is temporary, just to see the company thru a release implementation etc. The company will be reluctant to hire someone to fill a temporary need. They could bring in a consultant for a time, but this will cost them $75+ per hour, money better spent developing you as a backup DBA. Another point - your chances are greater at a small shop with just one DBA on staff. In such a situation, management will recognize the risk of relying on just the one DBA. After all, he could quit, get sick, go on vacation, have a life outside work, etc.

The other possibility is a non-profit organization. You can volunteer your services thru an internship and gain experience and a reference. Another possibility is on the IT staff of a political campaign team. You volunteer to maintain the database supporting campaign donations, building experience and valuable business contacts. Then, once the election is done you capitalize on your new connections to get the paid job you desire - its the American way!

HTH. Good Luck.

John Received on Tue Oct 15 2002 - 13:00:23 CDT