SQLAuthority News – Starting the SQL Journey – How Did I Get Started With SQL?

This is the very first time I am answering any online tag. SQL Expert Jorge Segarra (a.k.a @SQLChicken) recently tagged me with a very simple yet significant question related to my journey on the path of SQL Server. Let me introduce you all to Jorge first before moving on to his question.

Jorge lives in Tampa, Florida, with his beautiful wife, an adorable dog and two naughty cats. He is currently working as a SQL DBA and system administrator for the University Community Hospital. His in-depth knowledge of SQL Server and comprehensive understanding of the subject has gained him incredible popularity in the online world.

Now, his question is – how did I get started with SQL?
Let me try to answer this question on how did I get started with SQL.

History:

I am currently located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India and working as a SQL Expert. My specialty is Query Optimization and Database Architecture. I take SQL Server Tutorial Tracks in all over India. I was in USA for about 7 years before returning back to my roots – India.

I earned my Masters degree from the University of Southern California (USC) – Los Angeles, California, USA. My area of expertise was Masters of Science in Computer Networks and yes, I am still good at networking even after so many years! I owe my success as a Database Architecture to my strong background in network architecture. My comprehensive understanding of system architecture and network system gives me an edge in all aspects of my professional career. And today, I am capable of providing unorthodox solutions to my domain-related issues!

I have worked in Las Vegas in a leading automotive industry as a Database Administrator. During this tenure, I learned a great deal of database optimization and system architecture. If the name “Las Vegas” brings into your mind an obvious question – Did I ever gamble over there? Well, let me clarify – I never did!

Beginning with SQL:

My first job was as a Student Worker in USC where I had to deal with VB desktop application and MS Access. This was my very first experience of working on real working application using SQL. Initially, SQL was all Greek to me, but that was just the beginning. I kept on learning a bit here and there, but till now I did not yet realize the full potential of SQL. Instead of using SQL power to do complex logic, I was using application to do many of those.

First Job as DBA:

When I got my job in Las Vegas in a leading automotive industry as a developer, it was a serious place for any developer to work in. We had intense SQL Server centric environment, and there was no option but to learn SQL Server 100%. Once it happened that a Sr. DBA resigned from his current job abruptly. Our employer was looking for someone with MCDBA certification. I took my chances and got through two exams of SQL Server (70-228 and 70-229) in less than 14 days from the day of advertisement. Not to forget that I got the job of Sr. DBA! I passed few more certifications and developed expertise in Query Optimization and Performance Tuning.

Beginning SQLAuthority.com:

During my career as a DBA, I often encountered many issues and found their solutions. At the beginning it was difficult to remember everything, so I started to keep my personal bookmark on this blog. In fact, my personal bookmark hosting was the only purpose of starting this blog. You can more details about it on this blog, so I’ll move further.

Present:

I returned to India just about 14 months ago to stay with my family. The past 14 months have been extremely special for me. This period saw occurrence of two important events of my life. One, I was awarded with Microsoft MVP Award. Second, and most important, I got married to the girl of my life. Today, I am completely satisfied and happy with my progress and I am planning to continue my journey in SQL Server and database architecture.

For me, learning is a never-ending process and I think there is so much to learn. I still have a long way to go before I can call myself SQL Guru. I am looking forward to meeting some great SQL Gods in MVP Summit.

I Tag:

I tag my future. I hope that in future, I will be able to actively help my community in a better way and write another note like I’ve written today.

Reference : Pinal Dave (https://blog.sqlauthority.com)

Source : https://blog.sqlauthority.com/2009/04/27/sqlauthority-news-starting-the-sql-journey-how-did-i-get-started-with-sql/