What is required to get into the database development / mangement sector

ReleasedFromCaptivity

ReleasedFromCaptivity

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I would like to know where or what I need to study, to improve my chances of getting a job in the database sector. Sector I suppose is not the correct word, but into the database part of development.

Currently I have a Bsc degree, but due to lack of experience, and some other factors, I cannot just get a job in the SQL database field. There is very little junior SQL vacancies that I have seen and all of the others require some DBMS experience and SQL, with extra stuff as well. So I know SQL, well at least the basics, can do queries, but have not done any backups, optimizations etc. I really have a big interest in data, but just do not know where to go from here.

Currently I'm stuck in a position with no real opportunity for growth, as I'm using a disliked / unused language to develop in, and do not have any seniors telling me where I'm not producing optimal or correct code. So I'm just developing on my own, probably learning a lot of bad habits. Yes I do use SQL as well, but nothing to hectic, just for queries.

So the question is, where do I go from here, what courses or certifications can I do that won't cost an arm and a leg? How important is your Excel skills, mine is very basic, so just need to know if I will have to work on that as well. What is going to be needed for a database administrator position, compared to a database designer?

At the moment I'm just doing some self learning of Python, watching some tutorials on YouTube, just to get some knowledge of a more modern language, but need to get some database knowledge as well.
 
Have you considered data anayltics sector? as in you create data visualizations,
You dont need to be an expert in databases, you simply connect to them, retrieve the data and then visualize it for the business user?
Software to do this is Qlik, Tableau or PowerBI

reason I mention it is because often these types of companies look for people that have industry experience and simply learn the tools to apply.
The requirements to know SQL are and python is low, as you just need to SELECT * and a join every once in a while.
The field is also very in demand as there is a shortage of skilled staff.
Like if you worked in agriculture a lot you have a better understanding of how that sector works so you create better visualizations that mean more.
 
Last edited:
bchip said:
Have you considered data anayltics sector? as in you create data visualizations,
You dont need to be an expert in databases, you simply connect to them, retrieve the data and then visualize it for the business user?
Software to do this is Qlik, Tableau or PowerBI

reason I mention it is because often these types of companies look for people that have industry experience and simply learn the tools to apply.
The requirements to know SQL are and python is low, as you just need to SELECT * and a join every once in a while.
The field is also very in demand as there is a shortage of skilled staff.
Like if you worked in agriculture a lot you have a better understanding of how that sector works so you create better visualizations that mean more.
Click to expand...

I have not even thought about data analytics, as I have always thought myself as an developer, but I suppose that a mistake to make is to attach yourself to one role. So yes something to look into, thanks.
 
I am curious what is the programming language you say is unused.
 
Convict said:
I would like to know where or what I need to study, to improve my chances of getting a job in the database sector. Sector I suppose is not the correct word, but into the database part of development.

Currently I have a Bsc degree, but due to lack of experience, and some other factors, I cannot just get a job in the SQL database field. There is very little junior SQL vacancies that I have seen and all of the others require some DBMS experience and SQL, with extra stuff as well. So I know SQL, well at least the basics, can do queries, but have not done any backups, optimizations etc. I really have a big interest in data, but just do not know where to go from here.

Currently I'm stuck in a position with no real opportunity for growth, as I'm using a disliked / unused language to develop in, and do not have any seniors telling me where I'm not producing optimal or correct code. So I'm just developing on my own, probably learning a lot of bad habits. Yes I do use SQL as well, but nothing to hectic, just for queries.

So the question is, where do I go from here, what courses or certifications can I do that won't cost an arm and a leg? How important is your Excel skills, mine is very basic, so just need to know if I will have to work on that as well. What is going to be needed for a database administrator position, compared to a database designer?

At the moment I'm just doing some self learning of Python, watching some tutorials on YouTube, just to get some knowledge of a more modern language, but need to get some database knowledge as well.
Click to expand...
Look into the MCSE/MCSA paths for Data Management and Analytics.

That would be your best bet in terms of short term qualification and knowledge on a broad array of topics.
 
I see Microsoft discontinued their MCSA DB Admin / querying and other DB certifications. And I don't think there is something to replace them with yet. Anybody know where this is heading ?
 
Iwojima said:
docs.microsoft.com

MCSE: Data Management and Analytics - Certifications

MCSE: Data Management and Analytics
docs.microsoft.com
Looks like its still here
Click to expand...
I see that all the prerequisite certifications are retired as from 01-31-2021.

Just a question regarding these certifications, I see you can study online for free without a tutor, how does the exam part work then? Is it an online thing or do you go to like a testing center?
 
Convict said:
I see that all the prerequisite certifications are retired as from 01-31-2021.

Just a question regarding these certifications, I see you can study online for free without a tutor, how does the exam part work then? Is it an online thing or do you go to like a testing center?
Click to expand...
Testing center OR a very strictly monitored online examination with a number of prerequisites.

Personally I'd rather find the nearest testing center.
 
Seems this covers the future of the MCSE/A:
techcommunity.microsoft.com

MCSA, MCSD, MCSE certifications retire; with continued investment to role-based certifications

Originally posted February 27, 2020 and updated March 26, 2020 Microsoft’s focus on role-based training and certifications can help you develop necessary skills and experience to advance in an accelerated and increasingly competitive cloud-based world. Role-based training and certifications...
techcommunity.microsoft.com

Basically MS is changing to a role based certification, based on their role definition and pushing Azure to the nth degree. A daft idea considering how this can vary wildly from organisation to organisation.

A real pity because the old curriculum was great. Just broad enough to give one enough of an overview/experience without being bogged down into highly complex use cases.

recommended-path-to-microsoft-role-based-certification-options-fromkarina.png
 
Last edited:
Iwojima said:
Seems this covers the future of the MCSE/A:
techcommunity.microsoft.com

MCSA, MCSD, MCSE certifications retire; with continued investment to role-based certifications

Originally posted February 27, 2020 and updated March 26, 2020 Microsoft’s focus on role-based training and certifications can help you develop necessary skills and experience to advance in an accelerated and increasingly competitive cloud-based world. Role-based training and certifications...
techcommunity.microsoft.com

Basically MS is changing to a role based certification, based on their role definition and pushing Azure to the nth degree. A daft idea considering how this can vary wildly from organisation to organisation.

A real pity because the old curriculum was great. Just broad enough to give one enough of an overview/experience without being bogged down into highly complex use cases.

View attachment 1040584
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info, will take a look into this, as I really need to make decision and get going.
 
why not just start getting your feet wet with some WPF or Winforms development if you are already familiar with Delphi?

I mean learning some basic SQL skills is essential to any developer, but I would rather go back to doing Delphi development than to become a DBA :)
 
Brent Ozar has a lot of good free material at https://www.brentozar.com/

Check the first responder kit and six month dba training plan.

Red gate software also provide a lot of good free ebooks https://www.red-gate.com/hub/books/#sqldba

One potential route into a DBA career is the 'Accidental DBA' path - many sys admins or developers find themselves responsible for a database by virtue of a server or application that they are supporting and this can be a foundation to build on for a DBA career if you are proactive in nuturing and developing your expertise.
 
_kabal_ said:
why not just start getting your feet wet with some WPF or Winforms development if you are already familiar with Delphi?

I mean learning some basic SQL skills is essential to any developer, but I would rather go back to doing Delphi development than to become a DBA :)
Click to expand...
Does that mean I would be using something like C#? I have not worked with C#, did read a textbook on it once...lol but never really used it to build something apart from the exercises in the textbook.
 
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