visual basic/sqlserver or java/oracle career path

[jane zhang]

Dear All,

I have experienced with vb and java programming, I am also having working experience with one year MSSQL and 2.5 year oracle dba/developer. I also worked as UNIX (hpux and linux) admin for 2 years.

Now I would like to refocus on database development/business analyst and I am not sure which combination would be better for a long term career in the united state.

Your feedback is highly appreciated.

Regards,

Jane

[Ganesha Sridhara]

Hello Jane,

From your post I felt it is better to Opt the Oracle DBA and Java developer.

As you have experience on HP-UX and Linux administration knowledge I thought it is wise to go in the administration related field such as DBA. The java development is an added advantage.

The DBA is very much required in IT than a developer as DBA does the new development work such as migrating from existing version of database to new version of database and obviously will have maintenance work.

HTH

Regards
Ganesha Sridhara

[Peter Godron]

Jane,
a tough decision to make!
The best way to find out what will give you a better chance of a job, is to look at sites like monster or carreerbuilder and read their articles.

VB/Server is up and coming, whereas Oracle/Java is established.

So for the long run, I would stick with Oracle/Java, but keep your eyes open for when your company decides to give VB/Server a try, where you can step forward with your background in both.

[Frank de Vries]

Hi Jane

I would approach it from a different
angle. Jobs and tecnnology evolve so rapidly
however the underlying principles do not
change that severely.

I would certainly not opt for a system type
of position as was suggested earlier.
as in your case it seems that you have more founding on the programming/analyst side.
That combined with some Oracle and Unix knowledge is very desirable in many projects.

Don't be too product focused as such.
Business analysts are very much in demand.
But so are database developers.
Don't forget your English, both your presentation and writing skills, as well
as interpersonal skills, team management, service delivery mindedness.
Unless you want to stay a mere techy all your life (got me ? :)

Would be nice to find something where you
could combine all your skills:
Have you ever thought of going into something like WebSphere or WebLogic both use java and run on Oracle and Unix/linux.

This way you will be to consolidate your
current knowledge and skill and it would
give you a career path to Project manager
in the long term.

And then bigger projects, where you can
lead teams, make decisions, meet deadlines,
etc., etc. that takes more than being in
one career or another.

Hope this basic filosophy helps to find your path..

Good luck

[jane zhang]

Dear all,

Thanks for your thoughful reply.
I am still facing tough choices of which ways to go as I looking for new jobs.

I have been working for 5 years for my previous employer and really hope I can find a database related job with more focus and stick with it for several years.

Jane

[jane zhang]

Dear all,

Thanks for your thoughful reply.
I am still facing tough choices of which ways to go as I looking for new jobs.

I have been working for 5 years for my previous employer in USA and really hope I can find a database related job with more focus and stick with it for several years.

Jane