How to Become an SQL-DBA Administrator
- 1). Download a copy of MySQL to your home computer and begin to practice with building, securing, backing up and modifying databases. Purchase a book about this simple, open source database as well as one about SQL. They have quite a bit in common, and learning the free MySQL will aid in learning the more professional SQL. Test preparation books will also include sample tests, which aid in assessing your progress.
- 2). Complete an undergraduate degree in database administration if available in your area. If not, earn a computer information system degree and take as many classes as you can on database administration topics, such as .Net programming, SQL and T-SQL.
- 3). Apply for a work-study job through your school's financial aid department to work in your school's Information Technologies Department database management team. This will provide you with "hands-on" experience in database management and will help you understand the position of database manager.
- 4). Purchase training manuals with sample tests for industry certifications, such as the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2, the Microsoft SQL Technology Specialist and the Microsoft Certified IT Professional Credential. These will give you a firm grasp of your knowledge from an academic point of view to compare with your practical work experience. Study and understand the fundamentals of the relational model and other central themes in preparation for your certification exams.
- 5). Complete and pass these exams. If you fail the first time, consider taking one of many comprehensive workshops dedicated to preparing for these challenging assessments. These range from one to five days long and sometimes include a money-back guarantee if you fail the exam.
- 6). Apply for a database staff position. Although you are already trained in the field in general, it is often necessary to serve as an understudy within an organization before you are promoted to SQL DBA.
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