Relational databases - there has to be more right?

Question

I really enjoy database design and the whole concept of managing data semantically and all the logic that comes with it.

My knowledge level when it comes to databases is

Answer 1

i would advise narrowing your scope a little. pick an sql server and become expert at it ... for example get mysql, learn the difference between the storage types, the replication types, etc. implement replication in a couple different ways. get a large dataset and try to optimize queries. do some pivots and optimize your indices for that. investigate backup strategies. see how to increase performance in replication and backups when you have a 10gb database that consistently adds 100,000 transactions every day. write software to insert the records and scripts to do replication and backups.

its hard to become an effective dba with no real experience when you try to cover all sql servers. just focus on one ... i'd suggest mysql or mssql, but whatever floats your boat.

-don