Previously, I mentioned that Oracle technology is vast and profound, and mastering it requires a long period of time. In this article, I will discuss the dilemma of learning Oracle.
To begin with the dilemma of learning Oracle, let’s start with OCP (Oracle Certified Professional). There was a time when I was extremely enthusiastic about obtaining the OCP certification, feeling as if it were a lifeline—once I had it, I would be set for life, free to roam the world. Looking back now, that idea seems rather naïve. Yes, I love databases and I wanted to make something of myself in the database industry. I too once had the desire to achieve success quickly, wanting everything to come easily. But, as the saying goes, nothing worth having comes easily. Everything requires a gradual, step-by-step process—remember, haste makes waste. Having an OCP certification as a fresh graduate is certainly good, but the value of certificates is diminishing. They only demonstrate that you excel at taking exams, but they don’t really prove much beyond that. Even with an OCP, what you understand are mainly theoretical concepts, and when it comes to practical application, you’re often at a loss. From what I know, the current OCP exam is essentially a guaranteed pass once you sign up—it's all about memorizing questions from a database. After about ten days of intensive courses and relentless memorization, passing the exam is a piece of cake. So, what meaning does this certification really hold? Everything seems to lose its value once it enters the Chinese market. Now, I’m no longer passionate about it; solidifying my skills is my real focus. Therefore, the first dilemma is whether or not to pursue the OCP certification—I believe it’s skill that matters. Truly capable individuals don’t need certifications to prove themselves.
The second dilemma is the lack of opportunities. Without opportunities, your growth will be significantly slower. You can perform well in the classroom, but nothing beats the real-world experience. It’s only when you truly need to use something that you understand its underlying significance. From what I know, DBA positions really require experience, and companies are unlikely to hire fresh graduates for DBA roles. If you want to become a DBA but don’t get an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, how can you grow? A DBA needs to be honed in real-world projects, particularly large-scale projects. If you’re lucky enough to get involved, it’s truly a blessing. Opportunities are rare—they depend on ability, luck, and personal character.
The third dilemma is the lack of resources. Yes, Oracle resources are indeed abundant, but once you reach a certain level, these resources may no longer seem sufficient. Take METALINK (now MOS) accounts, for example—not every Oracle DBA can get access to one. There are also many Oracle Internal Docs that not all DBAs are privy to.
The fourth dilemma is the disparity between high aspirations and limited abilities. As is well-known, being a DBA is a coveted profession, with numerous benefits that make it desirable. However, as with everything, ideals are beautiful but reality may be quite different. When it comes to actual implementation, laziness can keep you from advancing. The more you understand, the more you realize that the profession is not as perfect as you once imagined. The overwhelming pressure, the heavy responsibility, the constant need to solve problems on your own, working through the night, facing resistance from various stakeholders in projects, and always being on edge... But for those who truly love this profession, isn’t it a case of "working hard but enjoying it"? When we learn, we often encounter the gap between lofty goals and actual skills—what we need to do is stay grounded, take each step seriously, and not get distracted by the theoretical, abstract ideas.
Finally, the best way to learn is to follow in the footsteps of those senior experts. Learn from the masters, and you will naturally improve quickly. To everyone, I’d like to leave you with a quote: "Stay hungry, Stay foolish!"
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