Expert: Leigh Ishikawa - 4/23/2008

Question
QUESTION: I currently work in the healthcare industry for a decision support software development company. I'm a project manager, BS in Health Admin and about to finish an MBA. I've developed an interest in database development (after creating an issue tracking DB in access) and have been trying to learn more about SQL and OLAP. I would love to get a DBA certification, but considering I'm just looking to get a stronger understanding of databases (I'd like to stay on the management/consulting side as opposed to actual development), artchitecture, etc., I'm trying to figure out what kind of degree/diploma/cert I should be looking at. There are so many out there that I'm a bit confused. Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Megan,

Well, DBA certification may be of help.  But it really depends on what you want to focus on.  There are three areas...

1. Performance tuning
2. SQL programming
3. Application development

Each has it's own plus and minus and it depends on what you want.  Performance tuning is for people who love the inner working of the database and figure out the most optimal database configurations, as well as sql queries, triggers and so forth and focus on how to 'optimize' the throughput of the database.

The SQL programming is for people who want to focus on database.  This person sort of sits between performance and application development.  Focused between performance and sql programming, a lot of this person's job is schema design, and often stored procecure and triggers.

The last is application development oriented job where the person uses software that interacts with database.  The application level person focused on programming skills and develops application that can do various database operations.  It's a balance between balancing work load between the database and application.

All are related, but each have specific focus.  Figure out which area you are interested and I'll try to make some suggestions.

Leigh

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hmm...well, my actual job involves some data modeling in SQL and reporting (OLAP), so I doubt I'm looking at anything too in depth. Thanks so much for your help.

Answer
I am trying to truly understand what you are asking for.

If you want to stay at a high level discussions, then it's more important that you understand various technologies and pros and cons of each, rather then trying to delve into a specific area.  Having an in depth knowlege of one or two is good, because not having any practical experience will make it difficult for you to understand the finer details that will be required to actually implement a solution.  After all, the devil is in the details.

But to make it easier, please answer the following
What is your career plan for next 5 years.  (in general)
Who will be your customer/audience?  (e.g. technical, non-technical, executive, architects within the company, or architects from other companies you are selling to?)
What skills are you trying to develop for yourself?  (e.g. greater exposure to a specific area, or general field?)

Thanks,

Leigh