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Oracle DBA or Oracle Application? [message #562733]

Sat, 04 August 2012 00:08

jtschramm
Messages: 21
Registered: June 2012
Location: Tracy, CA

Junior Member

I am studying Oracle (SQL) and preparing for OCA certification. Started thinking where to go next.

It seems like it will be very difficult to get an enrty-level job as a DBA. I have seen postings for entry-level that still ask for two or three years experience. Also, I am older (almost 50) trying to push my IT career in a new direction due to obselesence of skills.

I'm wondering if learning PL/SQL is the better move, because there are sites (e.g., Elance) that ask for help with application building and/or debugging, for what I am certain are below market rates, but it would be a good way to get paid experience.

Matthew's article mentioned something about this ... doing side jobs. Would enjoy hearing your opinions and perhaps experiences when starting out.

Cheers,
John Schramm

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Re: Oracle DBA or Oracle Application? [message #562881 is a reply to message #562733]

Mon, 06 August 2012 10:29

ThomasG
Messages: 3212
Registered: April 2005
Location: Heilbronn, Germany

Senior Member

"Starting out" is of course difficult at a higher age.

Perhaps have a closer look at *which* of your skills become obsolete. For example general problem solving and/or application development skills *never* become completely obsolete when you switch the toolset. A DBA switching databases or a developer switching languages still has more experience than someone who starts his first job with no practical experience at all.

A perfect fit for a new job would be porting something that runs on or involves "your old skill set" over to Oracle.

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Re: Oracle DBA or Oracle Application? [message #562944 is a reply to message #562881]

Tue, 07 August 2012 03:05

jtschramm
Messages: 21
Registered: June 2012
Location: Tracy, CA

Junior Member

Hi Thomas:

Thanks for your kind and encouraging post.

You're absolutely right. I am trying to port the troubleshooting and general technical analysis skills with new technology. It's not easy, but I love learning so I'm having fun. I've also got above average writing skills.

The obsolete skills are mainframe generalist. I spent about twenty years in mainframe shops, doing Q/A, and tech support and help desk work. I know a little bit about a lot of things, but not enough of any of them (such as DB2) to qualify me for a job.

The encouraging part is that the market seems to looking for blends of skill sets, so being a generalist might be a good thing.

Still, I'm finding it tough to fins good, high paying work. I'm hoping that once I get my CCNA and OCA and some CompTIA certs, more doors will open.

Thanks for the advice!

Cheers,
John

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