Hello all, great looking community here. So I have a question for all of you, and thanks for your response.
I'm currently attending a university master's program for Database Administration and Design. I plan on graduating after the fall this year. The classes that are required for the degree focus 50/50 on Oracle and SQL Server. But within the next week I need to decide on what I want to do my Capstone project on, and I want the RDBMS that I choose to be what I will focus on for the next several years jobwise. I'm really struggling with this question and wanted to get your thoughts.
Here is everything currently making my head spin!
For Oracle:
1 – I would like to work for the Federal or State government. I've been told that many of these agencies are on Oracle (and I have confirmed this with a search on USAJobs). However, the jobs I've seen posted are for fairly experienced DBAs. I also have heard that many want to move to SQL Server when it is feasible.
2 – Oracle DBAs make more.
For SQL Server:
1 – There are a lot of SQL Server DBA jobs (based on a local CareerBuilder search). This would be good out of the gate from a 'foot in the door' prospective and allow me to start making money sooner than later.
2 – SQL Server is easier to administer (seems to be a lot of point and click).
My goal is stability, good pay, and minimal stress. I'd like to be working in a team environment where I'm not the only DBA.
What RDBMS will allow me to learn the most, prepare me for my 1st job, and push me in the right direction towards a Federal or State job? What is the future of both of these RDBMSs? Is SQL Server slowly taking over because of its ease of use and cheaper pricing?.. and what does that mean for future jobs? Will SQL Server DBAs be sought after more because of the influx of jobs?.. or will there be an abundance of SQL Server DBAs coming out of school, making Oracle DBAs more sought after? Will a SQL Server DBA job continue to be more abundant and easier to find over the next 10 years? Will Federal and State government migrate more onto SQL Server in the next 10 years?
I'm currently attending a university master's program for Database Administration and Design. I plan on graduating after the fall this year. The classes that are required for the degree focus 50/50 on Oracle and SQL Server. But within the next week I need to decide on what I want to do my Capstone project on, and I want the RDBMS that I choose to be what I will focus on for the next several years jobwise. I'm really struggling with this question and wanted to get your thoughts.
Here is everything currently making my head spin!
For Oracle:
1 – I would like to work for the Federal or State government. I've been told that many of these agencies are on Oracle (and I have confirmed this with a search on USAJobs). However, the jobs I've seen posted are for fairly experienced DBAs. I also have heard that many want to move to SQL Server when it is feasible.
2 – Oracle DBAs make more.
For SQL Server:
1 – There are a lot of SQL Server DBA jobs (based on a local CareerBuilder search). This would be good out of the gate from a 'foot in the door' prospective and allow me to start making money sooner than later.
2 – SQL Server is easier to administer (seems to be a lot of point and click).
My goal is stability, good pay, and minimal stress. I'd like to be working in a team environment where I'm not the only DBA.
What RDBMS will allow me to learn the most, prepare me for my 1st job, and push me in the right direction towards a Federal or State job? What is the future of both of these RDBMSs? Is SQL Server slowly taking over because of its ease of use and cheaper pricing?.. and what does that mean for future jobs? Will SQL Server DBAs be sought after more because of the influx of jobs?.. or will there be an abundance of SQL Server DBAs coming out of school, making Oracle DBAs more sought after? Will a SQL Server DBA job continue to be more abundant and easier to find over the next 10 years? Will Federal and State government migrate more onto SQL Server in the next 10 years?