Oracle DBA

[hugheskbh]

I'm a midrange and mainframe programmer with some database administration skills. I was actually the DBA on Microsoft SQLSERVER and I've assisted the Orace DBA. However, this was only a year of experience. I want to become a Oracle DBA. I know SQLPLUS, and I have a very good understanding of how Oracle works. However, companies will not hire you unless you have years of Oracle experience. It seems hard to go from a Sr. Programmer/Analyst to DBA.

Would someone please advise on how I can better market myself to employers looking for DBA's. Any suggestions on literature I could use or how to make the transition.

Thanks

 

[sybaseguru]

hugheskbh,

You may care to put this question to the forum "my own development as a professional".

Anyhow, to be a good DBA you need to understand the product itself, you need to have a good understanding of the Operating System that Oracle residing on and most importantly you need to have more than just an academic knowledge of the product. That is why companies looking for experience and that means people who have used the product in anger and have been exposed to real life issues. i.e, issues that you need to resolve quickly and fast such as errors, corrupt tablespaces, rollback segment and redo log problems, performace issues and 1001 other stuff. Without experience (as opposed to exposure) it is going to be very difficult to get a job in a production environment. However, in my opinion your best bet is to start working as a development DBA which allows you to pick up skills on the job and the urgency to fix quickly is. You may also work as a senior developer with some DBA responsibility. Oracle is not a product that you can learn on your own so make sure that you will find an experienced DBA (as a friend or colleague) who can give you sound advise when required.

Also you need to sharpen up your UNIX skills because most Oracle products run on UNIX. Just get yourself an intel box and install Linux and Oracle on it practically for free. Get your hands dirty. I am sure the efforts in learning and familiarisation will pay up for itself. Other advise is that undercut your price, work for relatively cheap and live with it until you get the experience behind. It will be a sound investment for your future

Good luck anyway

 

[SantaMufasa]

Amen to what Sybaseguru suggests. Also, among additional ways to fill the knowledge gaps are:

- Obtain relevant titles from the "Oracle Press" series, available via Amazon.com and other sites. "Oracle Press" is not an arm of Oracle Corporation, but of Osborne/McGraw Hill. These are among the most lucid and well-written books dealing with any Oracle topics. An example of a title is "Advanced Oracle Tuning and Administration". There are many others with foci on different Oracle versions and disciplines.
- Obtain relevant Computer-Based Training (CBTs). Oracle has some excellent, relatively affordable CBT CDs that give you hands-on training and exercises.
- Take Instructor-Led Training. Excellent classes available from either Oracle itself or third-party providers.
- Research

http://otn.oracle.com.

Oracle Technical Network.
- Pore over this forum. Not only can you learn great jewels, but when you get to the point that you can field most of the questions, then you know you're "getting there."
- Once you are confident from above sources, then prepare for, and take, the Oracle DBA certification exam available from the Oracle User Group near you.

 

[sem]

I'm not sure that direct way described above is the most efficient one. Years of experience is not the must. And even not the may. Sometimes you have to be experienced beforehand, sometimes you may become a good DBA while already working on this position. Just swim and don't fear of sinking. Believe that at least somebody will help you in trouble. Though don't forget to repay in the future
IMO the only thing that really matters is Personal Impression. You may work with DBA (or somebody occupying this position ) for years, make his work or even consult him, but still remain a Developer. If you can convince HR manager of your ability to work as DBA - it's his own professional risk to hire you. If you can't - it's his risk to don't do it. Just be yourself, learn more but don't give up your attempts to get this position. Don't wait for learning everything because life is too short to get it.

Regards, Dima