Oracle_Training

O'Hearn has seen all manner of students pass through db-Training to start careers as Oracle professionals, from computer scientists to attorneys and biochemists. "The course work at db-Training is rooted in the real world, and is designed for those with no computer experience," he said.

Those interested in Oracle careers can visit Oracle's Web site, which shows the professional development path for various Oracle professions. The career path for DBAs, including recommended course work and certifications, is located at http://education.oracle.com/.

Oracle Corp. currently offers a certificate program for Oracle professionals, which includes the Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) and Oracle Master certificate. While certification is typically a resume booster, Kyte recommends that workers new to Oracle gain some hands-on experience before they attempt certification. "It's very hard to pass those tests unless you've worked with the product," he said.

Since DBAs are responsible for a company's database, O'Hearn said half jokingly, "DBAs have greater potential for damage," than other technical workers. O'Hearn "highly recommends" that those interested in becoming DBAs study Oracle development, garner some work experience, and then return for more training as a DBA. Without on the job experience and a solid understanding of database administration, he said, "You could easily get in over your head very quickly."