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.

Discover 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

Here are posts in reply to some of the questions you have submitted.

Got a question about being a SQL Server Database Administrator that you can’t find the answer to? Let me know!

  • Pingback: Top 10 Junior DBA Interview Tips | John Sansom - SQL Server DBA in the UK

  • 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

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

      Thanks for your comment Thomas.

      As you’re discovering, finding your very first role in any new field can be tough. Thomas LaRock, SQL Server MVP and author, describes this predicament well in his brilliant book DBA Survivor where he states that,

      “It can be tough to get started as a DBA because most of the time it comes down to someone giving you the break that you need. You need someone to give you the right opportunity, and before you can get that opportunity, you need to start preparing yourself. And how, exactly are you to prepare yourself for a job you do not know much about?”

      Right now the way forward on your path may not be immediately clear to you but I advise you to persevere as the prize of a fulfilling and rewarding career is absolutely worth it!

      For further reading, you should take a look at Brent Ozar’s Blog and in particular How to Get A Junior DBA Job.

  • Pingback: The Art of the Outstanding DBA | John Sansom - SQL Server DBA in the UK

  • 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.

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

      Hey Samson, that’s great! What an inspirational and exciting tale. Exactly the sort of thing that a new DBA whose just starting out their journey can aspire towards. Thanks for sharing your story.

      It’s so true what you say about managing mixed environments. There are so many projects going on around you that you’re never short of a challenge. Just the way I like it :-)

  • 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.

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

      Hi Ken,

      You’re most welcome sir, I’m really glad you found it useful.

      Congratulations on your decision to pursue a career as a DBA. I truly hope it turns out to be a great choice for you.

      Finding your first DBA role is a bit like trying to buy your very first home in the UK property market. Getting on that first rung of the ladder can be tough and take some time but it’s well worth the effort.

      Of course there is no universally correct path to becoming a DBA and each of us has our own tale to tell of how we got here. The majority of DBAs that I know originally got started by transitioning into the role from within their existing organisation where they were working in a similar technical discipline, such as Server Administration, Support or Software Development. Naturally in order for the opportunity of a transition to materialise, they had to first begin developing experience working with SQL Server. It is acquiring this initial experience that is the key. Either someone needs to be willing to give you a break or you have to acquire that initial experience by another means.

      If it is SQL experience that is of most value then, I would consider focusing your efforts on acquiring the directly relevant certifications as priority over any others. Personally I would argue that an individual with an MCITP will most likely have a wider appreciation and skill set with SQL Server than a person that has transitioned from a closely aligned IT discipline, as they will have focused solely on a limited subset of features.

      Think about how you can go about acquiring experience working with SQL Server. I mentioned it in a previous comment but I highly recommend you read Thomas LaRock’s DBA Survivor. The book provides guidance for finding that first DBA role as well as fantastic instruction on how to get started out in the first few months of the job. This will provide you with insight into the type of tasks a DBA needs to perform and the experience that is required to do so, enabling you to focus your learning efforts.

      Thanks for your comments and best of luck!

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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.

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

        Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us sir! My experiences would seem to align closely with your own on this matter.

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

      Hi Mike,

      Like Samson, I too do not know of anyone personally who bagged a job as a SQL Server DBA as a direct result of taking Certifications alone. The common route is for people to move across from a similar IT discipline. That said, it certainly does not mean that it cannot be done. I’m a firm believer that if you have the right attitude and determination, you can make your own path however you choose to. It’s about what works best for you.

      Thanks for your question!

  • 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

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

      Hi Mike, yes I think it is certainly possible.

  • 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://www.johnsansom.com John Sansom

      Hi Nate,

      Absolutely not, thirty is young my friend! If a career as a DBA is something that you want to pursue then age is a non issue. I would even suggest your age to be an advantage because you already have some incredibly valuable years of workplace experience under your belt, something that a graduate would bite your hand off for in the current economical climate. You know how the business environment works and most importantly you now know what you want from your career.

      In my opinion achieving certification is definitely an investment worth pursuing on a number of levels however certification alone does not guarantee the prospect of a future job opportunity. It is another string to your bow.

      You should endeavour to continually learn about and gain as much experience of SQL Server as you can. This is a habit that will want to form and continue throughout your entire career as a Data Professional. Study your subject by reading books/blogs/articles, participate in SQL Server Forums, and make use of the wealth of free training material available online (such as the free conference session recordings from SQLBits). Most importantly, enjoy what you do!

      Congratulations on deciding to pursue a career as a DBA and welcome to the club my friend.

    • 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!