Database developer - Possible Job/Career Change

MartinAnt

Hi,

I am currently unemployed, but have 3 years database development experience in Financial Services sector, initially including some app support work. Having trouble now looking for jobs. 1st problem is that my experience was mainly as a backend developer, very little front end experience, which i know usually go hand in hand. It was also in Sybase which is in the minority compared to SQL Server and Oracle, even though the T-SQL on Sybase/SQL Server is more or less the same for coding.

Second issue is that I am not overly techie. Did the usual languages, java, C++, etc in college but never really got into them. Enjoy the SQL / databases work and the Financial Services aspect to it. So between the Sybase and lack of other experience to go along with the SQL, I find myself a bit pigeon holed when looking at job specs.

I think I would like another database development job, ideally in SQL Server to make that transition from Sybase. But I am also wondering about other roles within or outside IT that i could use the SQL experience. I would see myself as being fairly analytical and good with figures etc, so maybe an analyst role would be better for me? Anyone have any ideas how to get in to these sort of roles or what I could be educating myself on whilst looking for a role? Any direction or advice would be appreciated!

Cheers,
MartinAnt

MysticalRain

Database Administrator? Business Intelligence Analyst?

MartinAnt

I've seen the DBA role first hand, I don't think it would be for me either. What is involved in a Business Intelligence Analyst role? Something dealing with volumes of data, using the SQL to perform analysis, reporting, enhancements, etc i think is what I may be interested in.

MysticalRain

That's pretty much it from what I've seen. It's probably more "business" and less "technology", so it might not appeal to you if you prefer the techie side of things. But it's an expanding area which should have good job prospects.

The only other suggestion I could think of would be Business Analyst.

MartinAnt

Well I would probably welcome it being less techie to be honest. The next issue that brings up is that I never really did any business modules at school or college, but it is something I would be interested in.

In the current economic climate though trying to cross over into another field is obviously not easy, unless you revert back to square one taking a major pay cut. Its not something I'd rule out though if I was sure it was the line I wanted to go down. If anyone knew of any course that would be of benefit for this kind of transition even. I'm sort of at a cross roads where my next job could well define my future career.

qwytre

I started out much the same way as you have, as a database developer mostly. An area you could go into is MIS (Management Information Systems).

MIS is usually geared towards generating internal Management Information, but you do of course need proper information systems in the first place. So you get a good mix of experience....

- understanding of business needs (analysis)
- dsigning systems
- building systems (databases, you will need to learn more front end stuff such as asp.net)
- reporting (business intelligence, SQL reporting services etc)

Ideally if you could find a small company (<300 people) there would be good scope to work in an MIS department (or propose to prospect clients that you will set up an MIS department, you better start networking!).

I think once you are skilled in the backend database stuff that is the most important part, it means you can manipulate the data as you need. The front end is all about just presenting it. That is getting easier and easier with all the front end tools such as visual studio (asp.net) etc etc.

Anyways, thats my tip... MIS.

Ouchette

MartinAnt wrote: »

What is involved in a Business Intelligence Analyst role? Something dealing with volumes of data, using the SQL to perform analysis, reporting, enhancements, etc i think is what I may be interested in.

Sounds more like a Data Analyst to me, although your background would be well-suited to BI Analyst. As a Data Analyst you'd use SQL for datamining, then analyse it, probably in Excel. Sometimes you'd need SAS/SPSS or similar too but not always and you could always practice on the free stats programs instead. Advanced Excel, SQL, preferably some VBA and good maths skills seem to be the main things, preferably with at least a vaguely statistical degree.

Work for a small-ish company and you might have scope to do some of the Business Intelligence stuff too. You'd often need experience of Business Objects, Cognos 8 or similar for Business Intelligence roles. Business Analyst and Business Systems Analyst would be other possibilities, but a bit more techie.

MartinAnt

Thanks for the suggestions. Have any of you previously been or are currently employed as either a Data Analyst or a Business Intelligent Analyst? They sound like interesting roles to me and perhaps more suited to me. The Business Analyst role I know of already having seen them quite a bit from working on projects.

qwytre

might be of interest.."20 new financial software jobs for Dublin"

http://www.siliconrepublic.com/news/article/13765/business/20-new-financial-software-jobs-for-dublin

Ouchette

MartinAnt wrote: »

Thanks for the suggestions. Have any of you previously been or are currently employed as either a Data Analyst or a Business Intelligent Analyst? They sound like interesting roles to me and perhaps more suited to me.

Yup, I've been both. I started in Business Intelligence/MIS and moved to more of a data analyst role, although that's not my job title. Now I'm being made redundant, I expect I'll end up combining the 2 somewhere or taking a break to get myself a proper stats qualification. No plans for a career change because I enjoy the work.There a few jobs out there in this area still, but a lot of competition (I was told over 100 applicants for the last job I had an interview for, even though the pay was appalling!)

MartinAnt

What kind of stats qualification are you thinking of? I assume / would be hoping that another undergraduate degree would not be necessary. Are there any courses you know of, part time or night courses that would be good for a transition from database development to BI / Data Analyst?

If I was applying for those kinds of jobs now, I'm obviously already behind people with specific experience in those roles. I need to be getting up on Cognos, SAS, Business Objects, etc from what I can see so far.

Cheers,
MartinAnt

Ouchette

I was thinking of either an undergraduate degree or something like this http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/qualification/d44.htm
The higher the qualification the better though. The people with a Masters can earn a lot more than the rest of us.
Actually, I really don't think that high a level of maths is necessary for the job unless you're in a scientific field, but you do often need it to get the job in the first place.

fret_wimp

I am in a similar position, where I want to move from a semi DBA role to a full time DBA role. You mention you think your lack of UI exprience will hold you back but one thing ive noticed in the month or two that ive been looking at job spec's is that any decent company wont expect you to be jack of all trades. they have UI developers and Designers to do front ends. You cant be good at everything so dont try to be. any company that wants you to be the DBA, Data analyst, Db Developer, app dev, UI guy and designer ( or any combo of those) is a company that will most likely pay buttons and expect the world from you.

Aim for companies that are looking for you to do what you specialize in.