Becoming a Successful Database Developer Gail Shaw

What it entails Working with data, lots of data Writing queries (for relational DBs) Extracting & transforming data Designing databases Selecting appropriate data storage method Tuning data access

Progression Get good with queries first Understanding relational algebra & Boolean arithmetic very useful Some Excel familiarity very useful Get better with queries Including how to test them and basic performance tuning ETL tools Get even better with queries Expand to other database technologies Specialise

Job specifics DB developer seldom seen as a specific job by itself More commonly, combined with Front-end developer BI developer DBA

Things to avoid Boot camps Certifications (??) They teach you to pass exams, not do the job Certifications (??) Fine later, but a cert alone won’t get you a job Know the material, then get the certification Avoid ‘braindumps’ Don’t lie/exaggerate on CV 5/5 on SQL Server means you know *everything* If it’s on the CV, expect to be asked about it in the interview

Resources iTunes University Coursera Pluralsight via iTunes or https://itunesu.itunes.apple.com/coursemanager/. Requires free apple account Recorded lectures from top universities on many subjects Coursera Specialisations and certificates require payment, but many courses are free for viewing Academic courses from top universities and some technical courses Pluralsight Subscription-based model, fixed price per month (currently $29) Technical training courses, not academic material