EXPERT RESPONSE
This is actually a great lead-in to my next article about certifications, which should be published later this week.
The reality is that getting an OCP will not guarantee you a job as an Oracle DBA, but it will definitely help. While most Oracle shops will look for experience as their primary requirement for hiring DBAs, some will post entry-level positions that do not require experience. This is where the OCP will benefit you the most, showing a prospective employer that you are serious enough about your career choice to invest your own time and effort into it. But you may find yourself needing to take a step back (a pay cut) before taking those two steps forward.
I also advise that you do whatever you can to put what you learn from your study into practice. The best way to get that first experience is usually from within your current company. In other words, make sure you express an interest in and work with Oracle as much as possible in your current role, while you continue to work on the OCP. If nothing else, install Oracle at home and work with it there if you have to.
Good luck!
|