Jessica,
I'm a DB2 DBA (both mainframe and AIX), but have to agree with some of the
other respondents to your email that there seems to be a much greater
market for Oracle and SQL Server than there is for DB2. If you're looking
to become a marketable DBA, then Oracle and SQL Server would be your best
two options, with DB2 a clear third. I would avoid most of the other
DBMS's, as anything other than the "top three" would really be a niche
skill set with limited marketability.
In terms of which DBMS is best from a technical (i.e. not marketability)
standpoint, then that can start a religious war between the DB2, Oracle,
and SQL Server camps, so I won't even go there.
As for what is life like as a DBA, I can recommend a book "Database
Administration: The Complete Guide to Practices and Procedures" by Craig S.
Mullins. It's a non-platform specific overview of what being a DBA is all
about, and what kind of responsibilities come with the profession. You
should be able to pick up a copy through any bookstore (brick and mortar,
or online). I got my copy from amazon.com.
Good luck.
-------------------------------------------------------
Bill Gallagher
Database Administrator
Information Technology
Phoenix Life Insurance Company
860-403-6327
bill.[Email address protected]
|---------+--------------------------------------------------------->
| | jessica_l_bemis |
| | <db2udbdba-ezmlmshield-x50318122.[Email Address Removed] | azyDBA.com> |
| | |
| | 06/23/2005 03:00 PM |
| | |
|---------+--------------------------------------------------------->
>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|
|
| To: "LazyDBA Discussion" <[Email address protected]
|
| cc:
|
| Subject: DBA Role
|
>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
I am currently looking into exploring other career paths within the IT
industry, specifically the DBA role. I am hoping that someone will be able
to provide some insight into the DBA role, for example, which is the best
path to go...DB2, Oracle, SQL, etc.? Are there any books you can
recommend? What is life like in the day and life of a DBA? What are the
different avenues available to a DBA? What certifications do employers
look for in a DBA?
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Jessica
---------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE CLICK REPLY-ALL TO SEND A REPLY TO EVERYONE
website: http://www.LazyDBA.com
To unsubscribe: http://www.lazydba.com/unsubscribe.html
***********************************************************************************
CONFIDENTIAL: This communication, including attachments, is intended only for
the exclusive use of addressee and may contain proprietary, confidential
and/or privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, you are
hereby notified that you have received this document in error, and any use,
review, copying, disclosure, dissemination or distribution is strictly
prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender
immediately by return e-mail, delete this communication and destroy any and
all copies of this communication.
***********************************************************************************
DB2 & UDB email list listserv db2-l LazyDBA home page