Laid-off database admin in search of marketable skills ASAP
October 10, 2013 2:28 PM
After an unexpected departmental shuffling last week, I was laid off from my database admin job of four years. My DB knowledge is largely self-taught, and pertains mostly to a number of niche applications that have little direct use to your average employer. I need to learn how to translate my skills into those that are actually in demand in today's job market and I need to do it quickly. Details below the fold.
My job was to administer internal and client specification and regulatory compliance databases for a large-ish food manufacturer. I established workflow for loading and maintaining several databases, oversaw large scale data merges, cleansing, and validation following a major competitor acquisition, and worked with clients and regulatory bodies to ensure interoperability between our systems and theirs.
The problem is this... While I was very good at what I did, nearly all systems I was using were either proprietary or legacy systems. I learned them backwards and forwards, could write and automate queries and reports, and steam-lined the data loading/maintenance process, but the chances of me running into these programs in future jobs is very, very slim. I can use Access databases and manipulate their info as needed (often with the help of some googling), and I've made extensive use of an SQL database (GenesisSQL) and its query scripting application (ESHAport), but I'm pretty much a beginner at actually setting up a complex database in SQL or Access.
So, my question: I'm now unemployed, and want to use my time as efficiently as possible to teach myself actual marketable skills that build upon my experience. My criteria:
* In demand by employers (I'm in the PDX area, if it matters). I'm 34 years old and recently engaged, and I'd like to acquire some skills that will advance my career instead of back-sliding into dead end data-entry.
* Self-teachable. I'm happy to pick up some books, get a Lynda.com account, or take advantage of any other useful websites, but I'm going to be living unemployment check to unemployment check for the foreseeable future, so I'd like to keep costs minimal.
* Good pay-off to time ratio. I'm hoping to rejoin the workplace as soon as possible, so something that would take a year of practice in order to land an entry level gig wouldn't work for me (although if anyone has suggestions for longer-term self improvement in this area, I'm very much open to advice).
* No expensive software to buy. Again, I'm unemployed. Free is fantastic, cheap is good. I have a fairly modern desktop running Windows 7, a very old (2006) but functional Macbook running Snow Leopard, a Nexus 10, and a decent internet connection. My fiance has a copy of Adobe CS6 if it might be of any possible use.
* I'm not really in a position to go back to school right now.
* While databases are what I'm most experienced with, I'm absolutely open to peripheral suggestions (programming languages, web design, etc).
* One thing I've seen much call for in the employment ads are people with EPIC experience in the healthcare sector, but it seems like entry-level training for this is mainly on the job, and all the entry-level jobs seem to require EPIC experience. If you have any advice about this conundrum, I'm all ears.
* I test very, very well. Are there any entry-level certifications that actually impress hiring managers at all? I should mention that level-1 helpdesk IT positions aren't really something I'm interested in, but beggars can't be choosers.
Ok, I think that sums it up. Thanks in advance; if you have any questions just let me know.
My job was to administer internal and client specification and regulatory compliance databases for a large-ish food manufacturer. I established workflow for loading and maintaining several databases, oversaw large scale data merges, cleansing, and validation following a major competitor acquisition, and worked with clients and regulatory bodies to ensure interoperability between our systems and theirs.
The problem is this... While I was very good at what I did, nearly all systems I was using were either proprietary or legacy systems. I learned them backwards and forwards, could write and automate queries and reports, and steam-lined the data loading/maintenance process, but the chances of me running into these programs in future jobs is very, very slim. I can use Access databases and manipulate their info as needed (often with the help of some googling), and I've made extensive use of an SQL database (GenesisSQL) and its query scripting application (ESHAport), but I'm pretty much a beginner at actually setting up a complex database in SQL or Access.
So, my question: I'm now unemployed, and want to use my time as efficiently as possible to teach myself actual marketable skills that build upon my experience. My criteria:
* In demand by employers (I'm in the PDX area, if it matters). I'm 34 years old and recently engaged, and I'd like to acquire some skills that will advance my career instead of back-sliding into dead end data-entry.
* Self-teachable. I'm happy to pick up some books, get a Lynda.com account, or take advantage of any other useful websites, but I'm going to be living unemployment check to unemployment check for the foreseeable future, so I'd like to keep costs minimal.
* Good pay-off to time ratio. I'm hoping to rejoin the workplace as soon as possible, so something that would take a year of practice in order to land an entry level gig wouldn't work for me (although if anyone has suggestions for longer-term self improvement in this area, I'm very much open to advice).
* No expensive software to buy. Again, I'm unemployed. Free is fantastic, cheap is good. I have a fairly modern desktop running Windows 7, a very old (2006) but functional Macbook running Snow Leopard, a Nexus 10, and a decent internet connection. My fiance has a copy of Adobe CS6 if it might be of any possible use.
* I'm not really in a position to go back to school right now.
* While databases are what I'm most experienced with, I'm absolutely open to peripheral suggestions (programming languages, web design, etc).
* One thing I've seen much call for in the employment ads are people with EPIC experience in the healthcare sector, but it seems like entry-level training for this is mainly on the job, and all the entry-level jobs seem to require EPIC experience. If you have any advice about this conundrum, I'm all ears.
* I test very, very well. Are there any entry-level certifications that actually impress hiring managers at all? I should mention that level-1 helpdesk IT positions aren't really something I'm interested in, but beggars can't be choosers.
Ok, I think that sums it up. Thanks in advance; if you have any questions just let me know.
speaking as the CTO of a startup in california, the job market is white hot. just search dba and development jobs on craigslist in the pdx area, i'm 100% sure you will find something soon. aim for data-centric programming jobs. practice your coding skills on codeacademy, do some mock interviews , and you'll be fine.
posted by carlodio at 2:47 PM on October 10, 2013
posted by carlodio at 2:47 PM on October 10, 2013
Yeah, I unfortunately can't offer any specific recommendations, but I just want to echo that the fact that you are comfortable with databases, can learn them inside and out, and already have experience managing data, designing queries, etc. will make you very attractive to a lot of employers.
For instance, in the nonprofit world, it's pretty common for organizations or agencies to have their own data systems, because they need things that aren't supported by the for-profit market; they won't expect you to know their system but will be happy you can learn it. However, many of those jobs also require strong data analysis skills as well.
posted by lunasol at 2:49 PM on October 10, 2013
For instance, in the nonprofit world, it's pretty common for organizations or agencies to have their own data systems, because they need things that aren't supported by the for-profit market; they won't expect you to know their system but will be happy you can learn it. However, many of those jobs also require strong data analysis skills as well.
posted by lunasol at 2:49 PM on October 10, 2013
Gonna try not to thread-sit, but: I'm absolutely willing to teach myself to program, but don't know where to start. If anyone has advice regarding particular databases to learn as well as which languages compliment them well, I'd love to hear about it. Thanks!
posted by a box and a stick and a string and a bear at 2:51 PM on October 10, 2013
posted by a box and a stick and a string and a bear at 2:51 PM on October 10, 2013
what databases do you know now? mysql, postgres, mongodb are all easy and knowing any of them them decently well will get you a job.
posted by carlodio at 2:53 PM on October 10, 2013
posted by carlodio at 2:53 PM on October 10, 2013
That's part of the problem... Most of what I worked with was proprietary (and frequently web-based), with my interactions limited to working through the GUI and various query/report/load/maintenance tools written specifically for the program. In terms of our inhouse databases, one was based on SQL and one was BPCS, but I couldn't really get under the hood of either (we had a legacy support tech in IT to keep BPCS chugging along).
posted by a box and a stick and a string and a bear at 3:00 PM on October 10, 2013
posted by a box and a stick and a string and a bear at 3:00 PM on October 10, 2013
Here are a couple of things I'd suggest checking out that have some really good free documentation and low price dead tree editions from O'Reilly and No Starch Press:
- MySQL
- R
- Python
- JavaScript D3
- WordPress
If you're comfortable with the ETL (extract-transform-load) process (which it sounds like you were in your last position) picking up R and Python to accent that skill can open up a ton of doors for you if you're the least bit interested in going the analysis route instead of the system route.
One thing you should do immediately is install MySQL and TOAD for MySQL and start building out some databases so you can start tooling around with the configuration and tuning of your install. You could go with some of the other dbs mentioned, but I really got into using MySQL about seven years ago and haven't found a convincing reason to leave it yet, even after Oracle took it over.
If you decide you're interested in R, install R and RStudio, trade in a bunch of stuff you're not using and get The Art of R Programming immediately.
posted by playertobenamedlater at 3:21 PM on October 10, 2013
- MySQL
- R
- Python
- JavaScript D3
- WordPress
If you're comfortable with the ETL (extract-transform-load) process (which it sounds like you were in your last position) picking up R and Python to accent that skill can open up a ton of doors for you if you're the least bit interested in going the analysis route instead of the system route.
One thing you should do immediately is install MySQL and TOAD for MySQL and start building out some databases so you can start tooling around with the configuration and tuning of your install. You could go with some of the other dbs mentioned, but I really got into using MySQL about seven years ago and haven't found a convincing reason to leave it yet, even after Oracle took it over.
If you decide you're interested in R, install R and RStudio, trade in a bunch of stuff you're not using and get The Art of R Programming immediately.
posted by playertobenamedlater at 3:21 PM on October 10, 2013
I agree that you'll be more marketable in more places if you've got a little more comfort with industry standards and terminology, and learning a little about MySQL is probably the best way to start. Although it is open source & there's a free distribution available, it is a serious database in every way & is used in thousands of commercial applications, it is easy to install and it runs perfectly well on consumer-grade hardware. And there's tons of documentation on line, most of it free or nearly so. It's similar enough to other major relational databases that what you learn will easily transfer to SQLServer or PostgreSQL or Oracle or whatever you encounter.
As far as programming languages go, besides the languages mentioned above, you could look at PHP. It's widely used for database-backed websites, and is the implementation language for WordPress, Druple, and a number of other popular web platforms. Certainly, I've met a lot of self-taught programmers whose first language is PHP.
posted by mr vino at 5:52 PM on October 10, 2013
As far as programming languages go, besides the languages mentioned above, you could look at PHP. It's widely used for database-backed websites, and is the implementation language for WordPress, Druple, and a number of other popular web platforms. Certainly, I've met a lot of self-taught programmers whose first language is PHP.
posted by mr vino at 5:52 PM on October 10, 2013
Can I suggest you goto intel.com/jobs and do a search for "database" and "oregon"? Hillsboro Oregon is one of Intel's focus sites for IT folks.
You'll get an idea of the technologies they're looking for. (There are both groups that use Microsoft and Open Source focus.)
posted by Spumante at 12:55 AM on October 11, 2013
You'll get an idea of the technologies they're looking for. (There are both groups that use Microsoft and Open Source focus.)
posted by Spumante at 12:55 AM on October 11, 2013
If I had your skills and interests, I'd look into becoming a Salesforce Administrator!
I say this after having played a large part in the transition of a small organization using a very outdated Access dB. The people who customized Salesforce for our needs really seemed to enjoy their work. I liked the back-end parts of it I could wrap my brain around, but I'm no developer or dB guru. I became the Power User on staff and used Salesforce most often, and I had to seek out help from Salesforce Administrators on occasion.
These people know their stuff! And after having attended Dreamforce 2012 with 96,000 others, I feel pretty comfortable saying that Salesforce isn't. going. anywhere. It is already everywhere. It is one powerful tool. (From a user perspective I found it rather fun to work with).
Not sure, but I think becoming a certified SA can be rather lengthy and expensive. I'm told from developer types that someone with a real interest might seek out within their network a sandbox to play in...? Sure seems to me like some research and some playing would at least permit you to claim "a familiarity with Salesforce," which...could be enough to get a foot in the door? Mefites in the know, please pipe in to correct me where I'm wrong!
posted by AnOrigamiLife at 2:00 AM on October 11, 2013
I say this after having played a large part in the transition of a small organization using a very outdated Access dB. The people who customized Salesforce for our needs really seemed to enjoy their work. I liked the back-end parts of it I could wrap my brain around, but I'm no developer or dB guru. I became the Power User on staff and used Salesforce most often, and I had to seek out help from Salesforce Administrators on occasion.
These people know their stuff! And after having attended Dreamforce 2012 with 96,000 others, I feel pretty comfortable saying that Salesforce isn't. going. anywhere. It is already everywhere. It is one powerful tool. (From a user perspective I found it rather fun to work with).
Not sure, but I think becoming a certified SA can be rather lengthy and expensive. I'm told from developer types that someone with a real interest might seek out within their network a sandbox to play in...? Sure seems to me like some research and some playing would at least permit you to claim "a familiarity with Salesforce," which...could be enough to get a foot in the door? Mefites in the know, please pipe in to correct me where I'm wrong!
posted by AnOrigamiLife at 2:00 AM on October 11, 2013
Compliance? The only department who can tell both HR and the accountants where to go, and you're not going to build that into your resume? Doing your job well saves jobs and companies.
posted by cromagnon at 3:32 AM on October 11, 2013
posted by cromagnon at 3:32 AM on October 11, 2013
AnOrigamiLife beat me to it. Become a Salesforce.com Administrator.
I love working with it and I taught it to myself in very short order.
You can learn basic admin skills in about 8 hours (the damn class for certification is only 16 hours long!) Each system is going to be customized, so no employer is going to expect you to be able to do much without a week or so being acquainted with their version of it.
I'm still not certified and I'm VERY popular on LinkedIn with folks desperate for Salesforce.com professionals.
Once you become an administrator, you can branch out and learn development, architechture, etc.
Salesforce.com has its own programming language, Force. So you can do extreme customizations.
If you have a few bucks, I'd recommend taking the certification class at Dreamforce next month, and then sticking around for the conference.
Seriously, if you have any questions, memail me and I'll tell you what I know.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 9:27 AM on October 11, 2013
I love working with it and I taught it to myself in very short order.
You can learn basic admin skills in about 8 hours (the damn class for certification is only 16 hours long!) Each system is going to be customized, so no employer is going to expect you to be able to do much without a week or so being acquainted with their version of it.
I'm still not certified and I'm VERY popular on LinkedIn with folks desperate for Salesforce.com professionals.
Once you become an administrator, you can branch out and learn development, architechture, etc.
Salesforce.com has its own programming language, Force. So you can do extreme customizations.
If you have a few bucks, I'd recommend taking the certification class at Dreamforce next month, and then sticking around for the conference.
Seriously, if you have any questions, memail me and I'll tell you what I know.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 9:27 AM on October 11, 2013
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by fshgrl at 2:43 PM on October 10, 2013