How to Become a SQL Server DBA

Journey toward becoming a DBA

"Start your rewarding journey to becoming a DBA"

Find out what you need to know in order to get started on the road to a rewarding career as a SQL Server Database Administrator (DBA).

Acquiring your very first role as a Junior SQL Server DBA is not an easy task. Just browse any one of the many job sites advertising SQL Server DBA job vacancies and you will quickly come to realise that almost all Junior positions list a number of years of SQL Server experience as a necessary requirement.

How Most Junior DBA’s Earn Their Stripes

The truth is that a significant proportion of SQL Server Database Administrators (DBA’s) start out in an alternative discipline, that is to say they are Accidental DBA’s. For example, a Windows Server Administrator may also be tasked with looking after the businesses SQL Server infrastructure, perhaps as the result of a DBA having left the company or through cross training opportunities within the organisation. These individuals acquire the necessary experience on the job within their existing role in order to make the transition to a Junior DBA position.

If you are seriously interested in either starting out on the path to becoming a SQL Server Database Administrator or perhaps wish to make a lateral move from an alternative IT discipline, this revelation can be quite disheartening. You may feel that it is somewhat of a no win scenario, as right now you have limited experience working with SQL Server, hence why you are considering junior opportunities in the first place.

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How To Become an Outstanding SQL Server DBA

Well fear not my friend, for all is not lost. It may surprise you to hear that I am of the opinion that SQL Server experience alone is NOT the most desirable quality of a Junior DBA! You see the Accidental DBA will often be self taught and so although more experienced than perhaps you are currently, they have acquired their knowledge of SQL Server the hard way. The very same knowledge can be passed on to a newly hired Junior DBA by an experienced mentor in a fraction of the time. For this reason there are a number of very desirable qualities other than SQL Server experience alone, that can provide you with a serious edge over the competition. See Top 10 Junior DBA Interview Tips for examples of what I am talking about.

Over the years I have interviewed many aspiring data professionals and I want to share with you what I believe you need to know to become a SQL Server DBA. Below you will find a variety of posts that look at what it means to be a SQL Server DBA and how you can take charge of your professional development.

Thinking about becoming a DBA? I’d love to hear from you!

How To Learn About SQL Server

One of the very best ways to learn about SQL Server is by reading blogs. There are so many great blogs out there that it can be tough to know what to read and more importantly who you can trust. Each week I create a list of the Blog posts that I have enjoyed the most.

Subscribe to the Blog Feed now to ensure you catch all posts. Don’t miss out on your weekly fix of SQL Server Links, community news and technology banter.  You can also receive posts via Email.

  • SQL Server Books – There are so many books available about SQL Server that it be hard to choose what’s right for you. Here are some of the books that I recommend.
  • Jump Start Your SQL Server Learning Today – Find out how to get your SQL Server learning on the right track.
  • Blog your way to becoming a better DBA – Blogging is one of the most powerful and rewarding ways that you can learn the DBA art.
  • Top 5 SQL Server Forums – Forums are one of the best places to learn about SQL Server because they enable you to not only find answers to your own questions but to also see what others are asking.

Interview Tips and Advice

SQL Server Certifications

What you need to Know About Being a DBA

Essential Technical Stuff

There’s More To Being a DBA Than Just Technical Knowledge

Your Questions, Answered!

I love answering your questions, so much so that sometimes I write entire posts about them. Here are some of my posts in reply to readers just like you.

Do you have a question about being a SQL Server Database Administrator that you can’t find the answer to? Let me know about it in the comments below! You can also contact me privately.

Thanks for stopping by and good luck on your own journey to becoming an outstanding DBA.

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  • Thomas Chanyowedza

    I totally agree with you? I’m a 20 year old MCITP / DBA. I have been looking for a job since june 2010 but because I don’t have work experience, having a job is my worst nightmare. I’m exceptionally good in t-sql. If I can have a chance to have a job, it will be a miracle

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  • http://justsamson.com Samson J. Loo

    I actually worked with SQL Server 2000 and 2005 as a technology specialist and as an application administrator. Then I moved on and became a systems analyst and worked a bit more with SQL Server 2005, but not to the degree I needed to become well versed in the subject. It wasn’t until Feb of this year where I actually landed a DBA job which aligned my career with my degree, a real win-win scenario. The opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time as I had recently completed my Bachelors in CIS with an focus on database management two months prior.

    This past month and a half has really opened my eyes more than before as I have been supporting SQL Server on a much larger scale. In this position I am supporting 150+ instances with over 1600+ databases ranging from a few megabytes to databases that are a tad larger than 1/2 TB. Everyday it seems that I am learning something new or learning how to do something more efficiently or learning how to do it differently. This opportunity is really allowing me to step out of my comfort zone and tackle scenarios I probably wouldn’t have faced otherwise. I am happy to report that I am doing so with confidence and to be honest I cannot wait to see what tomorrow holds.

  • Ken Corley

    Hi John,

    This was a great blog entry – thank you. Currently I am looking to make the jump into Database Administration from an entrepreneurial/technical sales background and am confused about how to carve out a path to land myself a job.

    I am currently scheduled to take the MCTS 70-432 DBA exam later this week, however I’m having second thoughts. Someone had mentioned to me that becoming a DBA is “something to be worked toward and NOT a good place to start in IT” and that the “best” path to take to becoming a DBA would be to get MCITP certified for Server Administration, work in that area for a few years, then make a lateral or “accidental” move into DBA work.

    Time isn’t on my side in terms of finding employment. The thought of taking 6 separate exams to get Server/Enterprise Admin certs under my belt along with 2-3 years in the field is something I’d rather avoid if possible. Although I wouldn’t mind this approach if it would better my chances.

    I have found the MCTS 70-432 practice tests somewhat challenging due to my limited background in in Server Admin work, but self-study has cleared a lot of this up and because I come from a very technical and analytical background, DBA fundamentals make good sense.

    Long story short, what do you think is the best approach?

    Thanks so much.

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  • Mike

    Hi John.

    Do you know a DBA who got the job by just taking certifications and self study? Or

    Someone with IT experience who did self study and got a job as DBA?

    Thanks

    • http://justsamson.com Samson J. Loo

      Hey Mike,

      There are a lot of accidential DBAs out there that suddenly were assigned the responsibility of supporting databases servers. I was just a desktop support specialist and was assigned the duties to begin supporting the enterprise application and databases, not necessarily filling a DBA position or given the title. I still remained a desktop support personnel. I had no prior experience other than server support and some application support. Our organization was relatively small and we didn’t have a lot of direction so using the resources we had many had additional items added to their plates. So to answer your question, yes I personally have met people who have been suddenly reassigned as a DBA that had other IT experience. I cannot say I have met anyone who has became a DBA with sheer certifications only and no experience. I think some form of experience is needed. That’s just my opinion since data is a highly valued asset.

  • Mike

    Thanks you Sansom and Samson for taking your time to answer my question. Another question that I would like to ask is:

    I have 5 years working experience with Windows 2k8/2k2, networking, VMAware, SAN, and I have install Windows 2008 server but not manage the server. Is there possible that if I train myself with Windows 2008 sql server and passed the Microsoft Exam, to land a job as SQL Server DBA?

    Thanks

  • Mike

    Thanks John.

  • Nate

    Hello! I’ve been working with Microsoft SQL while in a business analysis role for 2 years and have decided I want to become a DBA. I have a degree in information systems management and turn 30 next year. Someone told me I’m to old to want to change careers so drastically. Is that true? I was going to start studying for a Microsoft cert this summer. Any additional advice would be greatly appreciated.

    • http://blogs.lessthandot.com chrissie1

      I changed careers at 20 (gardener to something scientific with plants) at 30 (from the previous to forensics) and 40 (full-time developer). At 60 I will retire so I need to figure out something for when I’m 50, any suggestions?

    • http://thelonedba.wordpress.com Thomas Rushton

      Hi Nate

      If it’s any help, I only became a full-time DBA last year, and I hit 40 earlier this year… OK, I had been working with SQL Server for 15 years before then, but it had only ever been a small part of my work as a programmer, consultant, workflow systems guru, IT manager etc! The thing I’ve been able to offer to potential clients / employers is the breadth of experiences that most younger people just cannot have had.

      As for certification, I’ve not yet done SQL2008 MS certifications either. But I am old enough to have had the MCSD and for it to have lapsed due to too many new versions of Visual Studio & SQL Server! I’m hoping to do them some time later this year.

      I keep reading blogs and books, and hang out in one of the brighter SQL Q&A forums – http://ask.sqlservercentral.com – where I learn an enormous amount from some of the other guys out there.

  • http://www.simple-talk.com/community/blogs/jonathanallen Fatherjack

    I don’t know whether this is a warning or a recommendation but I became a DBA when I was 29 (near enough to 30 that I think it’s relevant!). I have spent the last few (12) years working as a DBA in a small team and have had some awesome experiences with other DBAs on various training and community events. I am now a SQL blogger, User Group leader and forum moderator. As John says, if you want to do it then your age is not a factor to consider. Personally, I am banking on the SQL events being the first ones to offer discounts to SAGA members.

  • Heather Mounts

    I am in the process of migrating from the GIS Spatial Database world into becoming an IT DBA. I have worked with Oracle and MS SQL Server for around 10 years but never to the depth that I feel is needed to migrate over from the GIS world. It’s as if I am a mile wide and an inch deep and going no where. :)

    My thought process was that I should study and take the MCITP exams. This would allow me to gain tons of administration knowledge so that I would be able to compete with the true DBAs.

    Do you know of others that were able to migrate over to a DBA coming from another field by simply getting their certifications?

    Thanks and I love your blog,

    Heather

    • http://www.johnsansom.com/ John Sansom

      Hi Heather, I somehow managed to miss your comment so sorry about that!

      You can definitely move from a similar discipline such as GIS to Database Administration. You will certainly have a strong understanding of the value of data and its’ importance to the business. Interestingly enough I actually had some of my first experience as a Data Professional working with GIS technology, for a company called CACI.

      I think you should absolutely consider studying toward certification in order to increase your administration experience. Check out My Guide to Passing Exam 70-432 (http://www.johnsansom.com/my-guide-to-passing-mcts-exam-70-432/) for the right way to go about getting certifed. 

      Also, keep an eye out for a post this week that’s all about how to get started toward becoming a DBA.

      Thanks for your comments!

  • BrownDezBar

    Hello John,
    Thank you for your advice and posts.  It’s great to know that there are others striving to become a DBA. 

    My question: I just purchased coursework to take classes for the first 2 Microsoft certifications (70-432/450}.  It is advisable to load Microsoft SQL Server 2008 on my computer and spend 2-3 hours a night getting ready for the exam?

    • http://www.johnsansom.com/ John Sansom

      Absolutely! You definitely want to set up an environment which you can use to practice and experiment with what you are learning.

      Best of luck with your studies and the exam! Let us all know how you get on.

  • Cindyalfaro21

    I want to become a DBA, but I need guidance in how to get up there or becoming one. Sadly, I am in 2 year college still, but I only took one class, but I loved the experience. I need help how to start? I am planning to go to a library tomorrow and check out the book for dummies in SQL. I hopethis is the right path.

  • Ali Shaik63

    hello john,
      i joined in a company as a dba ,,,we are having 15 to 20 employees,,they told me that we are not having not much more work in database administration so they suggested me that u have to work as a sql developer,,,,,,then tell me how can i reach my goal as a DBA?? give me suggestions  that i could follow 

    • http://www.johnsansom.com/ John Sansom

      Hi Ali, that’s a great question and one that I think needs a post of it’s own to answer! I’ll post the link here once published.

  • TW

    Thank you for the road map! I am new to the field and desperately looking for ways to gain my knowledge and experience. I just came across one of your post. I am surprised that I found the guide for my career development. Thank you very much!

    • http://www.johnsansom.com/ John Sansom

      You’re welcome! Thanks for your comments

  • Aitchy2110

    Hi John,

    Just wanted to say thanks for this website, its by far the best resource i have found on becomming a DBA. Im an accidental DBA and have been for the past year, i wizzed off ahead, learnt the language and can prouduce some wondefully complex reports using SSRS, however i kind of skipped out all the basics and now need to play catch up!

    Hopefully with the help of your website i will be able to become a good DBA by choice!

    Thanks again!

    • http://www.johnsansom.com/ John Sansom

      Hi, thank you for your kind words and welcome to the accidental DBA club! You’re in great company :-)

      It’s sounds to me like you are off to a fantastic start on your own journey to becoming a DBA.
      The first step to becoming an Oustanding DBA is choosing to be one, so well done.

      Thanks for your comments.

  • Lee-hardman

    Hi,

    I am really interested in starting a career in SQL.

    Basically i never went to university and started up as an admin in a big company. I have now worked my way up to a business analyst role and i am looking to progress further in my career.

    Recently we have implimented a new software for the business ‘Lagan Frontline’ which requires SQL knowledge to be able to create reports and maintain the program.

    What path can i take to begin SQL as a first time learner?

    Your information and guidance would be great!

    I tried to email using the contact me feature, which seems to not be working.

    Email: Lee-Hardman@hotmail.co.uk

    Thanks

    • http://www.johnsansom.com/ John Sansom

      Hi Lee, thanks for your comments.

      Are you wanting to learn SQL in general or do you need to learn a specific flavour of SQL specifically for your software solution? For example T-SQL is the implementation of the language that SQL Server uses.

      Thanks for pointing out the issue with the contact form, it’s now fixed.

  • Sameer chavan

     Is there any coding skill required to become an DBA proffesional………..bcoz im very poor in coding….

    • http://www.johnsansom.com/ John Sansom

      Hi Sameer, personally I consider it to be a very important skill for a versatile DBA to develop.

      We all have to start learning from the very begging at some point and even though it may seem like an impossible task now, even the tallest mountain can be conquered by taking one step at a time.

      Thanks for your comments!