How best to make career transition to database architect?

lionel.sleeper's picture
Submitted by lionel.sleeper on Thu, Dec 3 2009 - 1:55 PM

I have sixteen years of experience in the semiconductor manufacturing industry for Applied Materials. I've been a test technician, an installer, a field support engineer, a manager, and a trainer. I worked closely with the engineering group and I've done some special engineering projects. Some of these involved limited programming in Visual Basic - which I basically taught myself. I am very comfortable with computers and I've been on several project teams where I've worked with Oracle programmers to define database requirements. I've created a few websites on my own for fun as I'm self taught in HTML and CSS (and all XHTML 1.0 compliant!). I have a B.S. in Physics and background in electrical engineering, but limited computer science beyond hobby/special projects. I want to make a career transition to software - I want to be a Database Architect in 8 years. I need to know how best to do this while working full time - going back to school full time is not really an option as I'm supporting a family of 7. I'm hoping some of you with software backgrounds can give me ideas of where to start. I've considered a Masters of Information Technology from Univ. of Phoenix online - I can afford it, I can work full time and still do it in a reasonable amount of time, I'm just not sure it will get me where I want to go.

Comments

johnlogic's picture

Start with learning the

Submitted by johnlogic on Fri, Dec 4 2009 - 3:27 AM.

Start with learning the Unified Modeling Language (UML) and the Rational/Unified process.

To become a database architect, I recommend earning at least a BSCS. Years ago, I found that St. Edward's U. accommodated my needs very well, initially as a working student; the school offers a number of variants, but a BSCS or MSCS would probably give you the greatest credibility as a database/information architect. Having a BS already should allow you to finish such degree(s) in short order.

I doubt that an online program would give you the same quality of credential, even if it could deliver the education.

By the way, nice work on the W3C compliance!

- John

jdgonzalez's picture

I'm going to agree with John

Submitted by jdgonzalez on Fri, Dec 4 2009 - 9:25 AM.

I'm going to agree with John on UML and Rational process. Great starting point.

I have a bachelors in music and I struggled getting an IT job. But I needed something to give some credibility. So I went in an got a MS CIS from St. Ed's. That one line I was able to put on my resume increased the number of calls for interviews.

That being said, I would also suggest looking at being a database administrator. In smaller companies, this role is not only responsible for the support and maintenance but also architecting the environment. It really gives exposure to just about everything resolving the DB environment.

J.D.