Background, Student pursuing BSIT degree, employer expectations, entry level. I would like to solicit opinions from this forum as to what your professional expectations are as regards an entry level position in working in the database realm... I see many job opportunities that require a minimum of 2 or more years experience, how does one go about obtaining this experience (I have tried very hard to maintain a minimum 3.70+ GPA) but have ZERO work experience in this field... I spend non school time working in VB and SQL to try and increase my proficiency. I have considered postponing my job search until I obtain certifications from brainbench etc... Any criticism and or advise is welcomed... Again I have no experience in database other than undergrad work in class. Thank you for your time sammysmall
In addition to whatever anyone else tells you, keeping up on forums like this and looking at things based around the area you expect to go can help. Look at the questions, solutions, and even sample SQL scenarios that are presented and how resolved. There are a LOT of great people out here with a lot of same, and even different answers to the same question.
As for SQL, its definitely important to KNOW your data and how / why the relationships work the way they do... Anyone can write a simple
select ...fields... from ...some table, or tables... where ... some condition
Don't sell yourself short if you feel strong and confident in your own abilities and understanding of data from your education, and if you think you would be good at solving opportunities in a real-world environment.
Good luck..
Honestly, do what you are doing. Keep up the studies, in school and out, and you will get a job quickly. You are doing EXACTLY what you need to do. Try to pick up the basics of database development and your first year in a new job will teach you a lot. Most employers know what they are getting with a person straight out of college.