Database Administrator or Web Developer Training

<p>OK, bare with me as I try to make this brief … it’s a little complex.</p>

<p>Current Education: BS in Political Science (2007)
MA in Theological Studies (2011)</p>

<p>Work Experience: Data Analyst (i.e., I make lots of reports for management)</p>

<p>Goal: PhD in Church History or Systematic Theology; professorate</p>

<p>So, now to my question. With there being very, very few jobs as a professor in a seminary, I am debating about getting some training in an IT related field – to supplement income or act as a backup. </p>

<p>What type of education/training do employers look for when hiring a database administrator or web developer? – those are my two interests. </p>

<p>Some seem satisfied with an A.A. degree from a technical college; others want a bachelor’s in CS or MIS. I am currently looking at a BASc degree in informational technology infrastructure from a very reputable school nearby that is in the college of continuing education. It takes a little from CS, IT, and MIS. </p>

<p>Thanks for your time.</p>

<p>Most companies want database administrators with experience, or they want database developers who become database administrators. Web development might be an easier route. I have 20+ yrs experience as a database administrator, and was out of work for a few months, and found it difficult to find a new position. Oracle has grid control which allows database administrators to support more databases per dba. There may be fewer positions in the future. I recommend web development.</p>

<p>Would it make much of a difference if my education is from a known university v. technical college? Again, this is to supplement income or be a backup plan. So I am not looking to become the CTO of a company.</p>

<p>Well…think about it. If you go into an interview with a degree from a tech. college and someone comes in behind you with a 4 year degree from a known university do you think it’s going to matter?</p>

<p>“Again, this is to supplement income or be a backup plan. So I am not looking to become the CTO of a company.”</p>

<p>^^My comment is still valid. Are you going into the interview saying “I have no plans to advance, and this is a 2nd job.” In which case they would say “Lets cut this short. Have a nice life.”</p>

<p>Your comment is valid but not helpful. There will always be someone more qualified than you; unless, of course, you are that one person who is the most qualified. </p>

<p>I presented you with a number of unique factors and assumed they would be taken into consideration. Yes, if I had infinite resources – time, money, energy, etc. – I would get a bachelor’s degree (why stop there?) at a prestigious university and play ultimate Frisbee on the side. </p>

<p>Also, I would no more say that in an interview than I would say, “Oh, by the way, you are the fifth most desirable company I applied to – out of five.” Every company will fall short of my ideal vocation – beach bum – but they don’t need to know that. </p>

<p>Anyways, I appreciate your observation. You are right; my post probably came across as uninspiring. Allow me to rephrase: given the unique nature of the industry – where many seem to be contractors – and my current education, as well as the constant change in technology, would I find work with an IT related degree from a technical college? Or, is that severely frowned upon by many employers? </p>

<p>And this is a helpful thread:</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/engineering-majors/792687-database-administrator.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/engineering-majors/792687-database-administrator.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Should have noticed it earlier.</p>