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Becoming an Oracle Senior DBA
Hello Experts:
I have been an Oracle DBA since April 2013. I have been working with Oracle 11gR2, and now with Oracle 12c as well.
Among the things that I have done include data migration from one database to another. Creation of schemas. Assigning user privileges as needed. Recovery of control files and whole database with RMAN. Automation of RMAN backups and maintenance. Installation and post installation checks of databases (11gR2 and 12c).
Also, data pump exports and imports. Automating and scheduling daily migration of data from one database to another. Upgrading 11gR2 from Windows 2003 to Windows 2008R2 for two Oracle databases.
SQL queries to filter data as requested by users and management. Even though none of the Oracle servers run on Linux, I am also the Linux administrator for the place that I work. As a matter of fact, I was originally hired as the Linux admin. Currently, I am administering over 30 Linux servers running on CentOS 6.7 and CentOS 7.2, and 11 Oracle servers running on Windows 2008R2 and Windows 2012R2.
I do not have any Oracle certifications, but I am studying for the OCA.
I would like you to help me determine what are the steps/experience/knowledge
When should I consider myself a Senior Oracle DBA?
Is that something that you are promoted to or based on your knowledge and experience is that something that you advertise yourself as?
Thanks.
I have been an Oracle DBA since April 2013. I have been working with Oracle 11gR2, and now with Oracle 12c as well.
Among the things that I have done include data migration from one database to another. Creation of schemas. Assigning user privileges as needed. Recovery of control files and whole database with RMAN. Automation of RMAN backups and maintenance. Installation and post installation checks of databases (11gR2 and 12c).
Also, data pump exports and imports. Automating and scheduling daily migration of data from one database to another. Upgrading 11gR2 from Windows 2003 to Windows 2008R2 for two Oracle databases.
SQL queries to filter data as requested by users and management. Even though none of the Oracle servers run on Linux, I am also the Linux administrator for the place that I work. As a matter of fact, I was originally hired as the Linux admin. Currently, I am administering over 30 Linux servers running on CentOS 6.7 and CentOS 7.2, and 11 Oracle servers running on Windows 2008R2 and Windows 2012R2.
I do not have any Oracle certifications, but I am studying for the OCA.
I would like you to help me determine what are the steps/experience/knowledge
When should I consider myself a Senior Oracle DBA?
Is that something that you are promoted to or based on your knowledge and experience is that something that you advertise yourself as?
Thanks.
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Very good responses indeed. Thanks both of you for your feedback.
ASKER
@TomasHelgi: “The difference between a Junior, Mid-level and Senior/Lead DBA (in any database environment ) is knowledge and experience as well as vast and deep expertise in one or many areas of the database.”
@slightwv: ” Sorry, but there is no "secret handshake" or special achievement to designate your "level" of DBA-ness.”
and
@slightwv: “If you feel that you can handle just about anything Oracle throws your way in your environment and not have to contact Support or call the other DBAs, then you are probably there.”
and
@slightwv: "If you feel that you can handle just about anything Oracle throws your way in your environment and not have to contact Support or call the other DBAs, then you are probably there. "
Given what I know now, is fair for me to say that one should consider a Senior DBA when one can apply for a Senior DBA position, and one can work/handle/have knowledge/experience in all or most of the requirements?
Also, for one to consider a Senior DBA, one should not necessarily need to know everything about the subject, but have a substantial amount of knowledge, and possibly experience, to solve problems and keep the databases running to the best of abilities?
My questions imply that it is up to the hiring manager to view certifications as part of the requirements.