So you’re hearing all the fun that DBAs are having on Twitter and around the intertubez, and you’re wondering how to get in on the fun. Maybe you’re a developer or a network admin, and you’ve been learning about SQL Server from books and from peers, and you’re starting to look around for your first Junior DBA job.
Where Are the Junior DBA Job Ads?
Search for the terms “junior dba” or “senior dba” on national job sites, and the results are dramatically different:
- CareerBuilder – 296 senior, 27 junior
- Dice – 65 senior, 2 junior
- HotJobs – 170 senior, 19 junior
- Monster – 122 senior, 15 junior
To make matters worse, drill into the requirements for some of the so-called junior positions and they ask for:
- “2+ years of hands-on experience administering customer-facing databases”
- “Minimum 2 years of information technology experience is required”
- “2 years of database administrations experience including installation and configuration”
These ads make me chuckle because a DBA with two years of hands-on experience isn’t looking for his next junior DBA job – he’s aiming for his first senior DBA job. People don’t aspire to make lateral moves – they aspire to move up the ladder.
So we’ve started to establish that it’s not just you: there aren’t junior DBA ads sitting around waiting for takers.
Why Aren’t More Companies Hiring Junior DBAs?
Databases are among a company’s most valuable assets. They hold sales data, payroll data, information about customers and competitors, and all kinds of proprietary data. Companies guard this data closely, and they don’t want just anybody stepping up to the server to handle backups, restores, and security configuration.
Companies may be willing to hire junior developers instead – for some reason, they don’t have a problem giving a fresh-out-of-college person access to all the data. But when it comes time to actually managing the data, they want someone experienced.
As a result, even when a small company with a handful of SQL Server instances goes shopping for a DBA, they want someone experienced. They want to hear from the candidate, “Yes, I can do what you need – I’ve already done this for a much larger shop, and I’ve got experience handling this sort of thing.” They sleep better at night knowing their DBA is not stressed out trying to figure out how to automate backups for the first time.
Every now and then, big companies will actually hire junior DBAs. This mostly happens when they’ve already got a crew of senior DBAs, but here’s the odd part: they don’t have anyone internally that wants to get promoted into the DBA team. That’s very peculiar, because in companies large enough to have DBAs already, they often have people in other teams who want to become DBAs.
Know Your Competition: Other Junior DBA Candidates
The few available junior DBA positions attract a few kinds of candidates:
- Developers with a year or more of SQL Server programming experience who’ve decided they want to focus on SQL Server instead of development. They’ve written code that stores data in SQL Server, so they know the basics of T-SQL or LINQ, understand the basics of data models, and maybe they’ve even done a little SQL Server administration on their dev boxes.
- Windows administrators with a year or more of Windows experience who also want to switch their focus. These people know hardware, know the basics of performance tuning, have backup/restore experience, and maybe they’ve even built a cluster or two. They might have even built SQL Servers, but they haven’t been working on SQL Server full time.
- SQL Server DBAs who’ve been let go, and they’re desperate. They might have worked for a company in financial trouble, they might have been drinking on the job, who knows. These are your most dangerous competitors, because at first glance, their resumes kick sand on your resume.
- College grads or training grads with no experience.
If you’re in that last category, I gotta be honest: you’re screwed. Go get a job as a junior developer or a junior Windows admin first, and then work your way into database administration. There is no classroom training that’s going to convince a company to hand over the keys to their data on your first day in the office. You may see ads for certification programs that promise to make you DBA-ready within a week for a few thousand dollars. It won’t get you the job – at least, not when you compare yourself to the competition. After you’ve gotten started in a development or sysadmin position working around SQL Server, come back here and continue reading about how to take it to the next level.
Getting Promoted is Easier than Getting Hired
If you’re a developer or Windows admin, try to get promoted internally rather than switching companies. You’ve already built up a level of trust with your coworkers. Make yourself the natural candidate by actively going after the position before the position even exists: volunteer to spend time with the DBAs, help them during scheduled outages, or just ask if you can sit around and watch during the weekend maintenance windows. Bring coffee, donuts and bacon, and be the most pleasant (but not over-the-top) person in the room.
If you’ve already got a job in close proximity to SQL Server, this is one of the times where getting certified in SQL Server without getting the job first does make sense. I’ve blogged about how certification is the icing on the cake: don’t get certified without at least some vague experience in SQL. Developers and Windows admins will gain knowledge from the certification training process, and it’ll buy them a little bit of credibility in the eyes of the DBA team. Not a lot – but some.
If you dislike the DBA team at your company, I’ve got bad news: you’re probably going to dislike most DBA teams, and switching companies isn’t going to make things better. However, if you’re absolutely determined to jump ship, there’s a few things you can do to make the hiring process easier, and I’ll explain those in my next post.
I swear you are reading my mind and answering questions that I’ve been thinking about for weeks now!
Can’t wait ’til part 2. Thanks!
Ditto. As someone who is trying to advance his SQL knowledge to become a DBA, I am eagerly awaiting your next installment.
Also if you come from a development background, keep an eye open for database developer or development DBA jobs, in addition to Junior DBA. Even though you do a lot of t-sql development, these jobs many times work closely with production DBAs (keeping the server up running well) and may allow you to pick up some more advanced SQL administration skills to use further down the line to obtain a job in a full-time DBA role if that is what you desire.
If you have experience with writing SQL through a development job, shoot for those jobs that say 2+ years required. You might just have enough experience to fill the requirements of the position, even if you haven’t spent 2+ years fully devoted to supporting/writing sql.
True
I’ll wait with David Stein for the next installment of this yet another great Ozar series!
I have been wondering this for 20+ years when I first started looking a job in the computer field and seeing ads for Oracle positions that all required 2+ years. How can anyone get an Oracle job when they all required min 2 years??
I was surprised by this, because I only hire entry-level and junior DBAs and it comes down to money. I can’t afford to hire an experienced DBA, but I can train someone who is smart and eager to become a DBA.
Sarah – you’re totally right, and I talk about that in part 3 on Friday! First-timers should look for companies with a strong senior team that’s willing to mentor them. You’re a great example.
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hello there!
i have solid training for “sql developer” and try to get stepped in the field, but i don’t have ‘any related experience” at all , & just “associate degree ” in “political science” ,
also, i don’t want to ‘exaggerate” about my experience in my ‘resume” ,
what’s ur recommendation please?
Regards
kash
Kash – realistically, you’re not going to get a DBA job. You need to get a developer or sysadmin job as I explained in the other posts in the series.
Please tell me about jobs on actual work environment done by Jr. DBA.
I’m not sure I understand the question – can you rephrase it?
I’m looking into starting a bachlors in computer science or information systems but am afraid that I will not be able to find a job straight out of school, I have 10 years of work expierence but not in it. any advice. would a concentration in networking be any better?
It depends on your work experience. If you’ve been working with computers for the last several years, then yes. Otherwise, you’re probably going to have a rough time, and you might end up in an internship at very low pay. Generally speaking, a Bachelor’s degree isn’t going to be enough by itself.
I’d ask why you’re getting into computers. If it’s just to make money fast, those days are over, and you’d do better with a different degree focus that will make you more valuable to more people.
I am doing desktop support job for last more than on year. I got Master Degree in computer science then completed my Oracle 8 DBA certification in 2002, but unluckily I couldn’t get any Oracle DBA job. I worked in Telecom field for more than 5 years in technical side. Now as I am back in IT field I want to get back dba side again. it’s Long time now I am untouch with oracle DBA course, but i cannot afford to do Oracle DBA training again. so I need your suggestions in this regard that shall I do SQL DBA, if so which version do you recommend and how should I prepare it, either my self or from some college. Thanks.
Hi, David. No, I’d recommend against spending money on more training. I’ve blogged here about why certifications and training alone don’t get you the job in today’s market. Instead, your best bet is to get a job in a company using Oracle and/or SQL Server, and start working with the company DBAs. Ask them for mentoring, volunteer to work late hours with them, and try to get on-the-job experience. No one will hire a DBA without experience, and you’ll need to get that experience rather than more degrees and certifications. I’d hate to see you shell out more money when it won’t help.
hello brent..
I just want to clear my doubts regarding switching jobs.
As of now i am currently working as a database Developer in MySQl (open-source) .. & its almost from last 14 months that means i have more than a year experience in MySQL Development which we do using SQL, stored routines etc …
.But before getting a job in MySQL i completed my Oracle 9i Certification an OCA.
Now i want to change my JOB …so is it possible to switch from MySQL development to Oracle Developer .. What type of questions can be asked … & what other points .i should know for switching my job from MySQL to Oracle development.
Hi, Aijaz. I work with SQL Server, not Oracle, so I don’t have good answers for you. You may want to check with Oracle DBAs and developers instead, like some of the bloggers and experts at http://www.ToadWorld.com. Hope that helps!
well .. its absolutely fine brent…
thanks for your time & reply ..
take care & cheers.
Hi, Brent.
Thanks for your blog.
I’ve enjoyed reading your articles. I don’t know where to post my technical question. So I am posting here.
My company, the State of Maryland is moving from DB2 V8 on z/OS to SQL Server 2008 on Windows. Yesterday I attended a meeting to discuss how to load data from DB2 tables to SQL Server. I’ve had experiences in unloading DB2 data through IBM’s Unload utility and tranfer it to and from mainframe through FTP.
The project I am in has SQL Server DBAs. But before hearing from them I want to hear any advice or suggestions you can give. Or, could you direct me to any website or articles I can read regarding this? Of course, I have made my own searches on the web.
Thank you,
James
Hi Brent, just drifting by checking out your web-blog-site and love it. Soooo do you miss SWS? Keep in touch, now let me continue to peruse your site.
Howdy, Chris! Yeah, I do miss SWS – there’s a bunch of really good people there. The Windows team was awesome, and I definitely miss working with Don. You guys carrying on okay without me?
Brent,
I am Windows/VMWARE Administrator and later this year, I will be in a short project installing and administrating SQL 2008 server.
Do you know good books about learning to administer MS SQL Server 2008.
Thanks
Mike – sure, click on Becoming a DBA at the top of this page, and then click Recommended Books. I’ve got them organized there.
Brent,
Thanks for you quick response. I will take a look
Hi,
Does a MS SQL DBA need to know T-SQL (Regular, Inter, or Expert?
Thanks
Yes, it’s a pretty crucial part of getting your job done day to day. The good news, though, is that it’s one of the easiest languages to learn because it has elements of English, and it’s been out for decades so it’s easy to pick up educational material for it. For example, the book SQL for Dummies is a good resource – it teaches cross-platform ANSI SQL that will work on multiple database platforms.
I’ve been a database “power user” for 10 years. I’ve wanted to take the next step and become a true DBA. I’m good enough at what I do that I’ve worked as the DBA in a few small shops, but I’ve never considered myself a “true” DBA. When I found your online series, I cheered! Thanks, Brent for taking the time to help educate those of us who want to take that next step.
Regards,
Mike
Cool, glad I could help!
Brent, for a new candidate which MS SQL would you recommend to study SQL 2005 or SQL 2008?
Thanks
Hi, Ruddy. I’d study SQL 2008 because most of the knowledge will still pertain to SQL Server 2005.
i m working in a bank.sql server 2005 is the platform.i have started preparing for MCTS 70-431 but now sql server 2008 came.so i m confused should i complete my 2005 certification levels or jump to 2008.my thinking was as i m working on 2005 ,that will be the best option.
I would go for 2008 just because they’re so similar, and the 2008 certifications will last longer.
i mean i have almost finished the book MCTS selfpaced training kit for 70-431(sql 2005).so should i get a new book
and start allover.or should i contine with sql 2005 and give one exam to uprade to 2008.because there are no good books available till now .i have searched the websites and saw customer reviews also about these books.
Azad – if your only resource is books (not any servers), then yes, go ahead and finish with a 2005 exam.
iam a non it experienced candidate of 3 yrs. i want to further start my career as a SQL DBA . I am BE civil.i hv started self study on SQL and need your advice to start and grow in this field.
Hi. I wish I could help everyone one-on-one with coaching, but since that’d turn into a full time job
, I instead wrote these blog posts with the help. If you’ve got specific questions, feel free to let me know. Thanks!
Brent, how are you doing, I always wonder how intelligent and smart you are and I always wanted to be a smart person like you whom every one admires of; i am great fan of your blog, postings and i even follow you on twitter even though i do not understand much sql server as i know a very little.
Coming to my question i am in IT from 3yrs, worked for a year and half as ETL QA/tester for organizations like Microsoft(1yr in Redmond, WA) and now working as a Software tester from a year; I wanted a career in sql server/database but do not know what is good like development or dba and do not know where to start; in all of your blogs and postings you mentioned about sys admins or networking or else but you never wrote something for a QA/tester who wanted to pursue database career like me who knows very little abot database, if you dont mind will you plz preach me your golden words of magic for my career, where and how should i start or advice something for qa person who wanted to pusue a career in database.
Chan – realistically, most of the QA skills don’t translate into a DBA career. You’ll be more likely to have success transitioning into a programmer role.
Hello..!!!
I am fresher candidate who is doing b-tech. I am in 3rd year doing computer engineering. I am very much interested in database. Regards to this, i hv completed OCP-DBA(4 modules). Gave all d tests of these modules and scored well. Dont hv interest in programming field. So would like to know how should i be successful getting hired in company with no work experience as i have come to know dt companies are always interested in candidates having work experience.
Thank you..!!
Yatin – sorry, but you won’t be successful with that approach. You can’t get hired as a DBA without work experience. If programming doesn’t interest you, you could also consider other career fields like business intelligence developer (writing reports and building cubes) or systems administrator, and those fields can eventually move into database administration after they’ve built up experience.
Thnku so much sir for guidance. Sir can u pls tel me certain fiels which can help me to enter into database field..?? For e.g. if we take systems administrator as a field, then what all courses should i do to get into it..??
Yatin – unfortunately, I wouldn’t be a good person to give you a list of courses for each profession. Instead, I’d recommend that you work with your college counselors to explore what courses interest you the most, and then talk to them about what jobs will use that course. I wouldn’t be able to give you the same focused counseling that a local counselor would be able to give. Good luck, and take care!
[...] [...]
Hi Brent Ozar.
Wel I working at a bank mainframe ops for 5 years.
I want to change from this environment to SQL 2008 DBA.
Is this possible, to change to this job?
Please I need your advice?
Mathys – anything’s possible. Do you have any training in SQL Server, or if not, how do you plan to get it?
Hi Brent Ozar.
Yes, I am busy with swatting SQL 2008 DBA. I will attend a 30 days course at CTU training. It cost me allot but I like this tipe of work. I am currently chat with other SQL DBA and they are great in assist me with it.
You see I am a familie man and working long shifts. So I don’t see my kids and wife that match. So I have to change work before I lost my familie.
Please help.?
Mathys – what specifically do you want me to help you with? What’s your question for me?
Hi Brent Ozar
Is it possible to go from a IBM mainframe IT ops to a SQL DBA.? After I complited my SQL DBA 2008 course.?
What complications are there.?
What can I still do to be able to even get a junior DBA job.?
Iam currently walking in the dark.
Thank you for you time.
Mathys – like I said, anything is possible. I’ve written extensively here about how to get a junior DBA job. Read the articles here on my site, and when you have specific questions, let me know.
I gotta be honest, though – it feels like you’re not really doing your homework. If you’re asking this comment on a blog post that TELLS you how to get a junior DBA job, you’re not giving me warm and fuzzy feelings about your abilities to get the job.
Hey Brent,
I have been writing loads of SQL in my last 2 years with experience in Cognos BI. I have a Masters degree in Computer Science. I have been mostly working with Oracle and how do you think a transition from Oracle and MS-SQL will be. I have a feeling that it is just the syntax that changes for the most part between Oracle and MS-SQL but not pretty sure. Do you think complete understanding of SQL and T-SQL (PL/SQL) suffice to start of with a steps to a junior DBA?
Taylor – interesting question. Why would you want to switch from Oracle to MSSQL? Why not move into an Oracle DBA position? Leverage your peer network, especially since you’ve been working with Oracle and BI folks.
hi brent,its almost been 1.5 yrs working as a DBA.what additional skills should i have which will help me develop in this field.
right now i have a fair knowledge of reporting and integration services.
Hi, Azad. It depends on what you’d like to do – the job title “DBA” has a ton of different jobs underneath it. Your best bet is to work with other DBAs in your area, find a local mentor, and talk to them about the kind of work they do. You can attend your local PASS chapter to get a head start on that:
http://sqlpass.org
Hope that helps!