July 2024’s T-SQL Tuesday is hosted by Dr. SQL himself, Louis Davidson. The topic is “What Advice Do You Wish Current You Could Go Back and Give Past You as You Were Starting Your First Data Platform Job?” I learn from my mistakes and I’ve learned plenty since my first data platform job! Defining “my first data platform job” is a bit tricky because I sidled into data over several jobs that include:
- Manufacturing systems integrator
- Corporate consultant
- Intranet developer
- Reports platform developer
- Database developer
I started working with SQL Server 6.5 when a manufacturing systems integrator. That was back when the years began with a “1,” and shortly after the days when we carved our own chips out of wood!
If I could travel back to that time, I’d tell Young Andy to 1) learn more about business, 2) learn more about the businesses of my clients, and 3) Just Learn More. Learning the first couple things in my 30’s would have been easier than learning it later, and the benefits would likely have been manifold throughout my career – especially in those early days.
One thing I consistently got wrong until just a few years ago was the value of a formal education. Part of the reason I undervalued formal education was I received less than I would have liked. I hold an Associate’s Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from John Tyler Community College, since renamed Brightpoint Community College. The curriculum I completed was similar to the current Electrical Engineering major.
As time passed, I felt I was able to accomplish many of the same outcomes without a more advanced degree. There’s no way to know for certain if I could have accomplished more with more education. What is certain is that I did not pursue, as a priority, obtaining more education. Looking back now – especially seeing how my daughters have benefitted (and are benefitting) from higher education, I believe more education would have helped.
I promise I’m not lamenting my career; it has truly been a blessing to work in a field I’ve loved since I discovered computers as an 11-year old redneck punk. I love learning. I believe that’s why I love teaching. I wish I’d focused on getting more education when I was younger.
I encourage my children and mentees to pursue as much education as possible, especially when they’re young(er).
And they’re all young(er).
Thanks for reading this far.
Thanks Louis for hosting.
Thank Adam for starting T-SQL Tuesday and thanks Steve for keeping it going.
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