Re: Contradiction!?

In article <3lteja$33g@news.doit.wisc.edu>, Irvin Tse Kwong Tsang <tsang@cae.wisc.edu> wrote: > >I am interest in to become a database administrator after graduation. >For the Sybase and Oracle, in an academic institution like >the one I attended, I cannot get any knowledge about them. There are >no classes even to mention them. In database class, they will only >teach concept. Few schools may teach them but I believe most don't. > >Many positions require years experience in some areas like those >posted in the newsgroup for entry position. Say junior database >administrators positions which need candidates to have years >experience in Sybase, Oracle and/or other DBMS. I am wondering how I >can even get start in this kind of positions. This kind of skills >can only be learned in industry. Bottomline is "No experience means >no jobs; no jobs means no experience." For a fresh grad, how can I >deal with this situation? Any advice? > 0. Cultivate non-technical skills -- public speaking, understanding of business ethics, etc. These are more valuable and harder to find than technical skills. 1. Read a user-oriented book on databases. _Oracle: The Complete Reference_ by George Koch (published by Osborne McGraw Hill) is one good one. This will give you the business view of database use. 2. Learn useful auxilliary skills like Unix shell programming and Perl. DBA's are often weak in these areas and managers are eager to find someone who can fill the gap. These skills can get you into a job where you can get the database experience and training you are looking for. 3. Keep reading relevant news groups. You can learn a lot by seeing how other people solve database problems. 4. Get a part-time job working for a DP shop that uses databases. This will give you access to manuals, people who can advise you, and computers where you can get some hands-on experience. Make friends with an experienced person there who can act as a mentor. 5. Don't underestimate the value of your academic training. Many DBA's were trained on the job and don't have a good foundation for understanding performance analysis, database tuning, query optimization, network problems, software development techniques, operating systems, ... Once you get one or two years experience with databases your education will give you an advantage. -------------------------------------------------------- Donald E. Vick (dvick@lanier.com, dvick@crl.com) Voice: (404) 493-2194 Fax: (404) 493-2399