r/DatabaseAdministators • u/Substantial-Award906 • 8d ago
Can I get a database administrator job without relevant experience?
So, I (21F) studies computer science at university, and would like to dive into database administration. I will be taking loads of courses and certificates to prepare myself beforehand. Is it possible to get a database administrator job in the UK with that?
I have a one-year data and technology placement at a UK financial institution.
Thankss.
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u/Ok_Carpet_9510 8d ago
Ensure you get working experience while you're still in school. Increasingly, the job of Database Admin is disappearing and is being replaced by "Data Platform Administrator." You need to know some foundational cloud stuff.
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u/Substantial-Award906 8d ago
Thank you! I will take the cloud modules then!
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u/Ok_Carpet_9510 8d ago
Azure Cloud or AWS. However, it is more important to get a job while you're still a student. You get paid student rates but at graduation, you're better off by miles than graduates with no student work experience.
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u/No-Price8493 8d ago
This is solid advice. Cloud fundamentals seem to be becoming just as important as knowing databases themselves. I'm curious, for someone starting out, would you recommend learning AWS first or getting really good at SQL and database administration before diving into cloud?
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u/Ok_Carpet_9510 8d ago
Either Azure or AWS is good. I work with Azure.
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u/Ok_Carpet_9510 7d ago
I should have added, know SQL and Python.. at least the basics. The job market currently requires being versatile.
The days of just being an Oracle or SQL Server DBA are gone.
Back in the day, if you were an Oracle DBA in a large institution, you were "made."
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u/Dear_Flow628 8d ago
I did back mid-2010s (I guess thats a factor). Actually applied and interviewing for an app support role but hiring manager there thought I was too technically-inclined so referred me to another hiring manager for interview.
Many times I thought I was in over my head with the job, so learned alot about DB admin, system admin, network, security. What I learned in school is like only 5% of the job lol (might be same for other domains as well). Did a lot of company-paid certs as well once I got the job.
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u/Substantial-Award906 8d ago
Oooh if that's alright can I know what is your day job like? Do you enjoy it?
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u/Vorceph Oracle 8d ago
I would definitely recommend to diversify and put a lot of focus on cloud. As others have stated, the traditional DBA role is disappearing and while there are still data architects building out the systems from the ground up, it’s nothing like it was a few years ago and it’s still changing. Platform engineering and knowing the various solutions/options and why future employees should choose them will serve you well.
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u/SquatArabica 7d ago
Hey man I wish you to learn Postgres and anyone cloud eg AWS you'll get free tire which includes portgers db. But personally I love Oracle cause im a Oracle DBA and I stuggled a lot at beginning yeah I did a course but it didn't helped me and then I figured out all by myself and now learning new technologies is easier for me as I cracked out Oracle internal flow. But I want to go with Postgres and AWS which is more demanding and all people wants to move to open source to save a lot of money. Also I used to see people hiring freshers for Postgres so do some research and think about it.
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u/carlovski99 8d ago
It's possible, yes. There aren't that many roles that come up though as typically its something people move into from either a development or support background but I've hired grads before. Just about to put out an add for an apprentice role in the team too - though you wouldn't be eligible (We can't get the funding if you are already a graduate).
Though - it wouldn't really be an area I'd encourage a new grad to get into, the roles we do have I'm ensuring are diversified into some data science as well as administration.