RE: Is it worth to attend UDB certification/training

I agree, those are some of the positive attributes of having
certification.

It will help you get in the door, but it is up to you to do lots and
lots of additional research on SQL, Administration, Design, Concepts,
and other areas of study to build your understanding and abilities.

Douglas Kostelnik
Senior Database Administrator/Architect

-----Original Message-----
From: Coffman Bart (STL)
[mailto:db2udbdba-ezmlmshield-x1573393.[Email address protected]
Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 12:17 PM
To: LazyDBA Discussion
Subject: RE: Is it worth to attend UDB certification/training

I have a different opinion, although I certainly agree with your
statement:
" Hard work and good reputation mean infinitely more than a
certification.".

Here are the benefits of getting certified:

1. helps your resume', and so your odds in the market are better. Yes,
you need more than just this on your resume', and you need to pass the
muster in person, but I want every advantage I can get, as my first goal
in a job search is to get face to face interviews. If my resume's looks
better (it must always be accurate, mind you), then I should get more
chances.

2. Studying for the tests helped me learn more about the product, as
some of my employers do not use a lot of features and so I don't have
OJT knowledge
of them.

3. if you can get to the tech conference, you can take the test for
free, and every employer loves you getting tested at no additional cost.
That's what I do. Take sessions at the conference that help you pass
the test.

I only took one course for helping with the exams, and it was a
pre-conference 1 day course at the tech conference. I learned a lot,
and learned a little about what the test was like. My instructor wrote
the book on certification (literally), and was one of 2 guys at the time
to get 100% on the test. He never told us any exam questions. It did
not feel like cheating at all. Just cramming I would say.

Take the ICE tests online--I think they still have them. That is where
you will see the questions from previous exams, and some are VERY
similar. Maybe that feels like cheating to some people. Not to me.

If you are not a good dba, your new employer will find out quickly, and
they will then think that certification is no good, or that you lied.

J. Bart Coffman

-----Original Message-----
From: Doug Kostelnik [mailto:db2udbdba-ezmlmshield-
Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 10:29 AM
To: LazyDBA Discussion
Subject: RE: Is it worth to attend UDB certification/training

A UDB Certification is a piece of paper (and a little jpg you can put
next to your signature line) that says you conceptually passed the
requirements for understanding, implementing, and maintaining a DB2 UDB
environment.

Actually being able to do those things in real life is something
completely different.

The Certification program will, at minimum, say that you probably
understand the concepts of DB2 UDB. To some people, having that little
ICON next to their signature means a lot. But if you can't get past a
probation period at a new job without raising "red flags", it was all a
futile cause and waste of money.

Hard work and good reputation mean infinitely more than a certification.

That is my opinion.

Douglas Kostelnik
Senior Database Administrator/Architect

-----Original Message-----
From: Kylin

Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 11:16 AM
To: LazyDBA Discussion
Subject: Is it worth to attend UDB certification/training

Hi,

Is it better to pass UDB certification to be a UDB DBA? I'm confused.

Some of my co-workers, who are developers but not DBAs, attend IBM
training courses and get some certifications. They said the courses are
borning and the trainer would ask you to recite some questions in
advance. Then when you attended the certification, wow, almost every
question was similar to the one they gave you!

Maybe the cases are different in different area?

I'm a newbie as a DBA. And I find the best experience comes from
practice. I really don't know whether the formal traning can teach me
more. And I'm not sure how authoritative the UDB certifications can be.
You know if it is so easy to get the certifications, they won't be
useful.

Can you give me any suggestions? It is better if you can list some
training you feel good. I'm eager to learn comprehensive.

Thank you very much.

Best wishes,
Qin

**********************
*A climber to DBA*
**********************

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