Any database admins out there?

cHk4 · 31 Aug 2011 at 14:13

So there is a job I want to go for -
SQL Server Database Support
I'm currently working in Tech Support and based on the job description feel I could go for this as it's mainly a trainee role it seems.

I'm just wondering what a typical day for you guys is like? In terms of work and what you do - below is a list of key tasks etc.

Key Tasks and Areas of Activity:

• Providing support on SQL Server installations
• Carrying out database administration tasks
• Establishing operational processes
• Applying change control and release procedures
• Implementing additional facilities

Any help appreciated.

[TW]Fox · 31 Aug 2011 at 14:21

Can you write sql?

cHk4 · 31 Aug 2011 at 14:25

[TW]Fox;19960006 said:
Can you write sql?

Not going to lie, no! The only experience etc they have put that is needed is below

Qualifications & Experience Required:

• At least two years’ experience in an IT role
• Exposure to and knowledge of operational processes
• Experience of problem solving in an IT environment
• Understanding of the concepts of structured data storage and retrieval

I have all of that.

GravyMonster · 31 Aug 2011 at 14:31

*Ignore*

topgun06 · 31 Aug 2011 at 14:31

I would have thought that a general knowledge of SQL would be useful for some thing like "Applying change control and release procedures". But It depends on what each of the roles involve, they are quite vague.

janp · 31 Aug 2011 at 14:32

My official title isn't Database Administrator, but that's effectively the job I do.

I look after a bespoke delphi application powered by SQL, I also maintain FoxPro databases as well.

Most of my work involves diagnosing problems with the SQL database and forwarding any found bugs to the 3rd party developers. I also write a lot of queries for various tasks, price increases, customer system take overs etc. And over last summer I was involved with the takeover of another company, taking on their database, converting and merging to our existing database.

This year I've mainly concentrated on streamlining manual tasks, for example I've recently completed a VB application to automatically allocate commission payments in our sales area. I'm now looking to learn some more advanced programming languages (C or C+), but I'll have to learn this in my spare time.

Best of luck with the job

cHk4 · 31 Aug 2011 at 14:34

Thanks, see I saw SQL and thought over my head here but someone who works in that team keeps insisting I go for the job and not to worry about not knowing SQL etc. Still think it is a bit over my head

Thanks janp and others.

RDM · 31 Aug 2011 at 14:37

cHk4 said:
Thanks, see I saw SQL and thought over my head here but someone who works in that team keeps insisting I go for the job and not to worry about not knowing SQL etc. Still think it is a bit over my head

Thanks janp and others.

Apply for it, from the sounds of it they are not wanting a fully fledged DBA just a slightly more focused support guy. SQL isn't all that hard to learn and they worst they can do is say no.

Adam · 31 Aug 2011 at 14:41

cHk4 said:
Not going to lie, no!

Maybe not the role for you then? The title kind of gave it away.

Luke · 31 Aug 2011 at 14:48

topgun06 said:
"Applying change control and release procedures".

That's actually not SQL related, but more to do with the ITIL definitions of when and if to make changes.

I'd go for it, you seem to have the background but it wouldn't hurt to do a quick cram session from a beginners book on SQL!

cHk4 · 31 Aug 2011 at 15:02

Luke said:
That's actually not SQL related, but more to do with the ITIL definitions of when and if to make changes.

I'd go for it, you seem to have the background but it wouldn't hurt to do a quick cram session from a beginners book on SQL!

Thanks mate, any you could recommend or just a case of google SQL for dummies or something?

Yamahahahahaha · 31 Aug 2011 at 15:15

Get a book.

Install SQL Express on your home machine.

Get SQL Server Management Studio Express on there too.

Have a tinker making databases, finding out how to do things like backups, moving databases, and indeed, writing SQL to manipulate them. If you're feeling fancy you could make some web pages to talk to your databases!

Myshra · 31 Aug 2011 at 15:25

Just checking but...

• Understanding of the concepts of structured data storage and retrieval

How do you have this but no knowledge of SQL? In regards to this job to me it looks like this comment is in reference to tables/relationship/etc and it's unlikely you have ever been taught this without learning SQL surely?

Looks to me like this job is part SCM part DBA so at a guess a basic understanding of change & release management would likely help.