Now by complimenting your DBA skills I don’t mean telling your DBA that you like his shoes.
(although I’d have to compliment someone with kicks like that 
lol )
What I’m looking for are ideas for a new “project” for myself. I’ve always ranked myself from a discipline point of view as:
- Database Administration
- Database Development
- Business Intelligence
Now I’m trying to decide if I should “bone up” on the business intelligence side of SQL Server to try and get that around where my database development skills are at or whether I should branch off and do something different altogether. When I say different altogether I don’t mean underwater basket weaving. I was more thinking about a skillset that would help ultimately to make me into a better/more complete professional.
I’ve recently worked on doing webcasts and while I haven’t made them quite “public” yet I’ve definitely enjoyed doing so… Do I continue down that path and get into more presenting/training?
There always seems to be a level of Project Management in what I do… Do I solidify that foundation and work towards obtaining a PMP designation?
As a contractor I’m brought in for a specific skillset (SQL Server DBA) but I always want to make sure that I’m growing as a professional.
So I’m not asking you to solve my “what should I do” problem… more looking for opinions on skills that you’ve appeciated DBAs having that you’ve worked with
OR
if you ARE a DBA what skills (outside of DBA work) you’ve brought to the table that have served you well.
Thanks for the time!!
Enjoy!!
I’d consider getting into the .NET Development languages if you haven’t already done so. Having an understanding of the application code that is accessing most of my databases has made me a better DBA because I can spot problems associated with the application design as well. It also expands your own toolset as a DBA because you can write code to solve your problems, and you will begin learning the foundations that can help you understand when a SQLCLR solution might be best for solving a nagging performance problem inside of SQL.
I agree with Jonathan, but I’d think as a consultant that project management would be a good step. I know I’d consider that one for myself if I wasn’t still trying to get my SQL Skills up to where they need to be.
Hi Colin,
If you’d like to take your presentation skills public let me or Brent know when you feel ready and we’ll put your skills to good use in one of our sessions.
Regards,
Christian
Hi Christian
Thanks for the comment… Brent is already in the know
as he’s been VERY helpful in pre-screening a webcast I’ve been working on and giving his advice/thoughts.
Presenting is definitely an area I’m interested in pursuing and contributing more to the community.
Thanks!!
~ Colin
I’ve always thought of my programming skills as a DBA have given me an edge on tasks that need to get done quickly and in a stable manner. If I was to suggest something to dive into given the questions you asked, it would be .NET development 80% and then BI 20%. Warehouse and Cube development is an entire career in itself. To post high level DBA skills along with a strong footing in SSAS and BI in general is a formidable listing of skills not to mention fulfilling
I would think that having some project management skills and the ability to take ownership of an issue where no clear owner emerged have both been immensely beneficial to my DBA career. They have also caused me to at times bite off more than I could chew but that would be true even if I were “just” a DBA…
There are other skills I wish to develop more, like those already mentioned (BI Development, .NET development, etc.)
If I was you, I’d get into marketing, SEO, and web marketing. If you already posses great skills, in this case SQL, you have to find a better way of selling them.
[...] Complimenting Your Skills and DBA Compliments – Colin Stasiuk and Jason Massie talk about the kinds of skills you should consider learning to augment your database administration abilities. [...]