Dear Bob:

I started the Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) Database Administrator (DBA) track about 3 months ago. I have no prior experience with Oracle or the IT field; however, I just successfully completed the first three tests with passing grades. I have been investing about 2 to 3 weeks per test, and I feel I can successfully pass the remaining tests within the next 30 days. Currently, I am seeking an entry-level or Junior Oracle DBA position because I do not want to wait until I obtain the OCP. It seems like all the job postings require real job experience. Can you advise me on how I can approach the job search with the OCP but no real work experience? I'm getting frustrated.

Frustrated

Dear Frustrated:

You are between the proverbial rock and a hard place. Without experience, you are ignored for any intermediate-level jobs, despite your certification efforts. But entry-level jobs are probably harder to snare. You need to get your foot in the door. You have already shown initiative in pursuing certification that is likely to garner attention. Here are two possible approaches:

• Try to get an entry-level technical position in another IT area, like help desk or quality assurance. You can stay in that area temporarily until you prove yourself and move on to a database position.
• Volunteer your time at night and on weekends to nonprofit or start-up dot-coms. Not only will you gain the technical experience you lack, but you'll make some potentially valuable contacts.

Dear Bob:

I'm in a difficult situation at work. I have a terrible boss -- two managers and myself report to him. We've put up with his hot temper, inconsistent work patterns, and leaving early (especially on Fridays). One woman is angry and has threatened to leave. We've discussed speaking to his boss, but have not gone through with it because we realize it's a dangerous move. One employee, the short-fused one, took it upon herself to speak to his boss, which was bad enough. But she also mentioned that the other managers were dissatisfied and hampered in getting our jobs done. I'd like to add that all three of us are well-regarded, and it's well known throughout the company that we do the bulk of the work. A day later, he sent me a polite memo asking me to see him in private to learn more about the complaint. I'm really upset about this and am not quite sure how to handle it.

Upset

Dear Upset:

Whistle-blowing is a dangerous move; it often backfires and attracts flak from management and coworkers. But thankfully, your story is different. You're one of three managers doing exemplary work. Clearly, the company wouldn't want to lose you. Your coworker shouldn't have mentioned your name without consulting you first. But now that the deed is done, you have to take the next step and see your boss's boss. Go in with a list of complaints and documentation that proves each one. Leave personality conflicts out of it; stick only to business issues. It may take a while, but ultimately your boss will be either transferred or fired. The good news is that not just one disgruntled employee is complaining, but three. I predict other workers could back you up as well.

Dear Bob:

I'm having a hard time getting a promotion, which leads me to the inevitable conclusion that I'm doing something wrong. Needless to say, I'm frustrated. I've worked for the same company for 4 years and have only gotten one promotion, while peers who are less qualified than me have gotten bigger and better promotions. I am considering throwing in the towel. However, my instinct says I should find out why I'm not being promoted and try to right the situation before looking for another job. Do you agree?

Frustrated

Dear Frustrated:

I agree. Within any organization, only a few people have the power to promote you: your boss and one or two of his/her superiors. Often, the buck stops at your boss, depending on the promotion and salary involved. You might take a look at Harry E. Chambers's book, Getting Promoted, Real Strategies for Advancing Your Career (Perseus). He points out that your perception of your skills and abilities isn't enough. "That same perception must exist in the minds of those who will be making or influencing that final decision," he says. Chambers also says there are fewer promotion opportunities in many of today's flattened, downsized and reorganized companies. Still, companies are fully aware of the need to retain the best and brightest. One of the ways to do so is by promoting them. Typically, the people who get promoted are not only very visible, they also keep track of their accomplishments and know how to market themselves. Consider these realities before taking the next step: discussing the matter calmly and logically with your boss.

ITworld.com

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