| November 2006 |
| Oracle experts--and recruiters--share their best advice and ideas. |
| By Don Willmott |
When Larry Ellison invented Oracle back in the late '70s, there was no way he could have known how big it would one day become. What started out as a small but bright software star has exploded over time into a galaxy of versions, engines, and add-ons. Countless corporations and organizations are built atop Oracle infrastructures, and qualified Oracle database administrators (DBAs) are always in demand. In fact, at any given moment there are more than 1,000 job listings for Oracle DBAs at Dice. Perhaps you're an Oracle DBA today, or perhaps you'd like to become one. As Oracle continues to grow and become ever more complex, it's an especially challenging (and potentially rewarding) field.
In conversations with both Oracle DBAs and the recruiters who hire them, it's clear that no matter where these database gurus come from, the attraction of an Oracle career is hard to resist, and keeping current is a constant exercise in continuing education.
GETTING EXPERIENCE
Naturally, the most successful DBAs have been at it a long time and have seen their careers grow along with Oracle. DBA Joseph Testa remembers his boss asking him back in 1992 if he knew anything about Oracle. "'Nope,' I told her, 'But I can read a manual.'" He became an Oracle DBA on the spot and has spent the past 14 years improving, mostly on the job. Other DBAs report having 10, 15, 20, or even more years of experience working with relational database modeling. As C. Michael Eliasz puts it, "I've used relational databases for about 24 years and Oracle for the last 20 to 21 years. It's hard to say when in that quarter century I became an 'expert.'"
But an obvious question arises: how do Oracle up-and-comers get that experience? When so many Oracle job listings demand at least three to five years of experience, how does a new Oracle DBA land a promising position? No jobs without experience…no experience without jobs. It's a classic Catch-22. Susan Elias, a recruiter for Paragon Technologies who seeks out Oracle DBAs on a contract basis, says to seek out small and medium-sized companies rather than the biggest ones. "Smaller companies will always consider taking fresh candidates." Oracle DBA Arthur Merar says, "It takes an employer who is willing to give you a chance." DBA John Derbabian agrees. "Try to get promoted internally. Ask for DBA-type work that you can handle. Most companies will try to promote from within, so showing interest in advancing and proving you can do it go a long way. Work with your manager on your career path." And don't forget to collect references along the way. Elias says, "There is nothing as important to a potential candidate as a solid job reference."
Derbabian remembers times when his company brought in people from Oracle to teach classes, and he has taken classes on his own over the years, "But I have learned the most just from doing it." DBA Mark Schuster recommends a mix. "Training provides 'syntax' and the job provides the real experience." And you can always do what DBA Sergey Alentyev recommends: "Read books!"
CERTIFICATION: YES OR NO?
Most Oracle DBAs say that taking classes and getting Oracle certifications are the two best ways to learn Oracle fast and be considered for better jobs sooner. Oracle Corp. itself says, "Oracle certifications are a reliable validation of training and experience that can accelerate your professional development, improve your productivity, and enhance your credibility." It recommends that DBAs choose a certification path and prep for exams with a mix of instructor-led training, online training, and practice exams.
Recruiters agree. Katherine Spencer Lee, Robert Half Technology's Executive Director, says, "Oracle certification will definitely give you a leg up for a position seeking skilled Oracle database candidates. It's no substitute for real-life experience, but gaining certification in an Oracle product shows commitment to your profession and can help distinguish you from the pack." Recruiter Susan Elias feels the same way. "Between two candidates with six years of similar experience, I'd choose the candidate who has Oracle certifications."
But be sure to budget for it. Arthur Merar says, "The classes I took were expensive, up in the $3,000 range, and each certification exam was $100. Certification is just like having a degree," he adds. "Employers look for it." Mark Schuster agrees, saying "I don’t believe certifications are mandatory to get a job, but they’re a great step toward becoming a very good and well rounded DBA." On the other hand, John Derbabian feels that "Certification is not mandatory, but it looks nice on a resume. I’ve been in the position of hiring DBAs, and I paid little attention to certifications. I wanted to know what they really knew."
The need for certification may ultimately depend on where you are in your career. C. Michael Eliasz explains it this way: "Certification is now only relevant to Oracle professionals with less than five years of Oracle experience. Others can demonstrate their proficiency by their resume and the quality of their interview answers." You may be tested, too. Both Susan Elias and Katherine Spencer Lee report that their firms administer aptitude tests before recommending a candidate for a position.
Where you are in your career may also dictate which job listings match your skills. You’ll often see listings for "Junior DBAs" or "Senior DBAs," but unfortunately, there’s no standardization to those titles. Mark Schuster says that "Individual employers make these decisions, and they vary from company to company." John Derbabian estimates that the average "Senior" DBA has seven to eight years of experience.
CONQUERING ORACLE, MOVING AHEAD
Whatever your approach, don’t let Oracle’s vast scope intimidate you. No one can master it all any more. You have to specialize. "When I first started with Oracle in version 5.0, there were only a couple of manuals, and it was pretty straightforward," says John Derbabian. "Now most people I know try to concentrate on one or two specific areas like APPS or RAC. It’s great to get as much exposure as you can in as many areas as you can, but I don’t think you can learn it all." Mark Schuster agrees. "Can anyone ever know 'everything' about Oracle? I think that answer is no." Specialization is the key, and training programs and certifications reflect this reality.
Whatever you do, if you want to keep moving ahead, don't fall behind. As Oracle continues to expand, so should your skills and knowledge. Oracle DBA Bhanu Gandikota says, "The most important thing to remember is to keep up with latest releases, products, and features of the Oracle world and the IT industry in general. Install new products in a sandbox environment, and experiment with the new features. Participate in various Oracle forums, user groups, and seminars such as Oracle OpenWorld."
Keeping up with Oracle will be worth the effort. Robert Half Technology's 2007 Salary Guide predicts that the salary range for all database skills next year will run from $55,750 for the most junior positions to $116,000 for experienced managers, but the Guide also notes that Oracle-specific skills can earn you a 10% salary bump. Suddenly all your hard work, all that studying and all those classes and certifications can seem very much worth it.
Don Willmott is a New York City-based journalist who focuses on Internet and technology trends.
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