SQL DBA Guru

 Hello there! I get tens of email appreciating about my blog over the world saying it is very interesting and gives a clear view of roles and responsibilities of a SQL Server DBA.

But many of the interesting people are fresher or working in different stream and like to change their career as a DBA. Real time experience is gained only when one starts working somewhere as a DBA.

 So, here is some advice on how to go about it.

 Answer:

    It’s very correct that there is no other alternatives for practical knowledge. Having said that, it requires a strong determination and thorough knowledge on the administration and maintenance of SQL Server for getting a job as a SQL Server DBA. Here is what I would recommend:

1.  Planning: If not appeared yet, you should go for SQL Server 2008 Microsoft certification, Exam 70-432 and 70-433. For more details, refer to http://www.sqldbaguru.com/certifications. This will give you a very good level of administration knowledge and confidence.

2.  Hands On Experience: Install SQL Server Developer / Enterprise Edition on a machine preferably at your home or at office and start doing the practical. Go through all the following topics thoroughly and put up your questions or doubts to me. Be sure that you understand the topic before moving to another one. The main topics are:

• Installing and Configuring SQL Server 2008 
• Maintaining SQL Server Instances 
• Managing SQL Server Security 
• Maintaining a SQL Server Database 
• Performing Data Management Tasks 
• Monitoring and Troubleshooting SQL Server 
• Optimizing SQL Server Performance
• Implementing High Availability 

3.  Training / Certification: A good training center will help you to grasp and clear all your doubts for the clear understanding. Also it gives you the setup for doing the practical. Let us know if you want us to look for a good training center for you near to your location. (If yes, tell your preferred location for the training. If you are planning to visit India, we have also tie-ups with several good training / certification centres with the cheapest rates.)

4.  DBA job search: Once you are through with the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 DBA certification and the basic hands on, you are ready to look for a junior DBA or a DBA team member role. Your CV needs to be designed to make the job recruiters confident on your DBA skill set. That's a separate topic we can discuss that how to make your CV searchable for DBA job profile.

5.  On Job: Start doing the DBA team member role, learning and exploring new things and that's the goal you should focus for as of now.

I hope this gives  a big picture and a way out for your question. Feel free to ask about any more queries, if you should have. Best of Luck and welcome to the world of SQL Server DBA!