[NTLUG:Discuss] Oracle DBA

[Robert Pearson]

On Thu, Mar 20, 2008 at 3:09 PM, Dennis Kaptain <dkaptain at yahoo.com.mx> wrote:
> I have been given a wonderful opportunity to change my career path and get a new position with a growing and dynamic company. Yes, I was laid off.
>
>  My plan "A" is to get a Linux A+ certification and an Oracle DBA certification (OCP DBA) and with these new certs get a job as an Oracle DBA working in a Linux environment.
>
>  My question to y'all is, Do you think this will work out for me? Are there Oracle DBA jobs out there? It seems to make sense to me since databases are everywhere and Linux is the most stable, secure OS available. Simple yes, but is this sensible and realistic?
>
>  I may be able to get other certifications too, in addition to Linux A+ and Oracle DBA, what would you suggest as the most helpful areas to impress a prospective employer and land a job?
>
>  Thanks
>  Dennis K

What a wonderful opportunity for improvement. Take full advantage of
it and enjoy...
Looking for a job is a FULL TIME JOB...

Bob Netherton's suggestion about Red Hat is excellent. They are pretty
hot right now.

Here are some thoughts based on my experience. Which is atypical.
Try to get the training paid for by someone else. Don't use your own
money. It is a big gamble.
Training money comes and goes. You have to be very persistent.

Take advantage of existing community resources. There are a lot of
sharp, friendly and helpful people out there looking.
DFWUUG has a Career SIG that meets <before> each monthly meeting.
Lead by Alvin Goats, a former job seeker, past DFWUUG president and
current incoming president.
Sometimes recruiters show up there.
DFWUUG meets at the Sun offices on the Tollway.
Details at http://www.dfwuug.org

JavaMUG used to have a "Jobs Corner" from ~6-6:30 PM to 7:00 PM
<before> each monthly meeting.
Live recruiters to talk to and give resumes to. It may have been discontinued.
They still have the most active "Jobs" mailing list in town for Java.
DFWUUG's "Jobs" mailing list is second and has a lot of DBA jobs show
up. None are entry level. 5-7 years experience.
JavaMUG meets at the Sun offices on the tollway.
Details at http://www.javamug.org

Career Connection has been around for years.
They meet every Tuesday and have a lot of other job search activities.
They are not "free" but there are work-a-rounds to the monthly fee.
Details at http://www.careerconnection.org
CONTACT US
214-739-7153 or visit us in person...
CareerConnection Resource Center:
~ Located in the PRESTON HOLLOW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ~
9800 Preston Road (at Walnut Hill Lane) , Suite 232,   Dallas, TX 75230

There are other Job Search "Help" places. Some of them are listed on
the DFWUUG site at:
http://www.dfwuug.org/wiki/Main/CareerSIG
Others post notices on the DFWUUG Discuss mailing list for Job Fairs
and Job Search Help sessions.

A Job Search Strategy is very important. Get a good inventory of your
skills and check the market for them.
Career Connection, and other community resources like them, are good for this.
Most Oracle DBA's I have known started as something else and grew
within their existing company before
going elsewhere for more money, It is kind of an "insiders" game.

[On a personal note]
If I had taken the chance and gotten Java training and some experience
I could maybe be writing my own ticket now.
Let me qualify that by saying, with regard to programming, " There are
former jet pilots, jet pilots, wannabe jet pilots
and people who think jet planes in the sky look nice". That's me. Java
is a nice word. Just like Oracle DBA.
I did enough DBA work to know it is not for me. It is just not my
"thing". Neither is Java.
My age is also a factor. I am now 68. I get no respect. And my wallet.
It is limper now than it has ever been.

Robert