Hey folks! I'm eyeing a job that requires experience with several database technologies, including Oracle Database Server, MS SQL Server (specifically Always On Availability Groups), MongoDB, and MySQL. Unfortunately, I don't have any experience with these yet. What should I focus on learning to become a strong contender for this role, especially from the perspective of someone who's mainly a Linux sysadmin?
7 Answers
If you're looking to build your skills, be prepared to invest a couple of years to gain entry-level DBA knowledge. Consider setting up a homelab, enrolling in DBA courses, and practicing what you learn.
This definitely isn't an entry-level position. If you apply without the necessary experience, it might just waste everyone's time.
It's vital to understand whether the position is actually meant for a DBA or a Linux Admin because they are quite different roles. If you lack experience in those databases, you might want to explore some online resources for MongoDB and MySQL to get your feet wet. Just remember, if the job truly demands extensive database knowledge, you might be better off looking elsewhere because they could be expecting a lot more than just the basics.
As someone seasoned in Oracle DBA work, I can confirm it's a whole different beast, but having a good relationship with the Linux team makes a huge difference!
As a Linux admin, it shouldn't take long to get some hands-on experience with a relational database. There are tons of YouTube tutorials on setting up MySQL or Postgres – just try it out! You should get familiar with default ports and ensure your firewall settings are correct.
Honestly, unless you're in a pinch, I wouldn't recommend applying. This job seems like it might need a couple of people to handle all those responsibilities effectively.
To get ready for this job, focus on learning the basics of relational and NoSQL databases, specifically: 1) Relational databases like MySQL and PostgreSQL 2) Queries, backups, and replication concepts 3) MongoDB setup and sharding 4) Backup strategies and high availability solutions 5) Tools for monitoring and optimizing performance.
Totally agree! Most of my systems use either MySQL or Postgres, and I usually work alongside someone who specializes in that. Trying to figure it all out by yourself can be tough.