Re: transition from Sysadmin to data modeler or DBA?

Good post. The chicken or the egg problem, huh? IMHO, you have to "slip" into things like this. I'd search for a job where they want you to be both a unix admin and an Oracle DBA (they do exist, although double-duty can be difficult). Choose a shop that has lots of unix expertise, but little or no Oracle expertise (if you know a little, they'll think you're a god), OR a shop with plenty of unix expertise and a mack-daddy Oracle DBA who wants to move on (learn from him before he's promoted or leaves). You have an advantage in that many shops want a DBA with strong unix experience (you're the opposite). Go in with them understanding that you need Oracle training.

After you've been in that role for 2-3 years (or more), then start pointing yourself into the logical DBA/data modelling type of work. You may have to change jobs to somewhere that wants a good back-end DBA (with unix experience) and a front-end DBA all rolled up in one. If you're lucky, your employer at that time might be able to let you/help you make that transition.

Keep this in mind: Although the core stuff if pretty much the same, "Oracle DBA" can mean very different things to different people or employers.

Good luck!

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David C. Sisk
Database Architect
ReliaMetrics (formerly Emerald Business Unit)
Nortel Networks
(919) 992-0890
dsisk_at_nortelnetworks.com