Posted by Actuarial Student on June 09, 1999 at 16:22:53:
I am 29 years old, have a Masters Degree in Economics, have been working as an Actuarial Assistant for 2 years, and have passed a few Society of Actuary Exams. Although I am doing ok in the actuarial career I think I would find being a database architect more fulfilling. Other than putting together a couple of databases in Access and doing a lot of sophisticated number crunching in Excel, I really don't have any database experience.
I want to learn more about databases before I commit to leaving my current position in order to be sure I want to make the switch. I was thinking the best way to do that and gain the education that would put my foot into the door would be to pass some exams and become either an Oracle Certified Professional or a Microsoft Certified Professional. I would prefer a self-study course as opposed to classes or seminars to do that, as I learn more effectively on my own. Although I like the word "Oracle" more than the word "Microsoft" and would rather learn the technology that is in higher demand, the Microsoft track seems more attractive because the training cost is a lot less money and the certification requirements are easier to understand.
Does this seem like a good way to enter the IT industry? Would you recommend I do anything differently?
I make $45,000 in my current position in Louisiana. I am willing to relocate. Would I be looking at a pay increase or decrease if I looked for my first job as a DBA with 3 years of experience doing actuarial work and an MCP designation?
Also, I speak fluent Spanish as a second language. That skill was very helpful in finding a job as an Actuary. Is there a demand for Spanish Speaking DBA's?
Thanks!