A change in my careers

[crow]

This is no music thread, more like a discussion topic about whether I should change my career or not. Read up and give your opinion.
Here's the case:

I'm a fresh Information Technology graduate student (May 2008) with a concentration in Database Administration (Oracle and that kind of shit). I was given the light of hope by my professor that there's a demand for DB Admins i.e. people like me, and that companies pay well in Dubai. However, I was shocked to find out that there isn't much of a demand and that other branches of Information Technology which I never studied (Networking & Programming) are highly demanded with shit pay - though Networking people get paid somewhat well - and even if there are companies in need of DB Admins, they want 2-5 years of experience in that field, when in reality you don't need such experience. It's actually the easiest form of I.T.. In a nutshell, I'll be unemployed until I gain some experience related to being a DB Admin, or just take up a Networking job that pays moderately and will mean a lot of new information being studied from scratch, along with certificates; which I don't mind taking up since the opportunities are better.

The other side of the story is that I'm slowly realising that I am good in marketing, even though I only took up an introductory course in university. I have a handful of ideas in my head that are actually good, and I'm also keen on building up more of them. I have excellent communication skills, I'm able to analyze targeted markets very well, relate to the consumers, and deliver that idea very well. Additionally, I've got a very good understanding of how the people usually behave around Dubai who are coming from different nationalities. What their wants are, what their needs are, what makes them tick...etc.

The idea here is, it's risky to shift careers from I.T. to Marketing. Though, I feel that I can be more comfortable being a marketer. I've been trying to combine both, though the spaces are already occupied.

The other issue with shifting careers is that companies ask for - again - experience, and of course, a degree in that field.

What do you guys n girls think? Which career should I go for? And if shifting is your opinion, what do I have to do to ensure a healthy career shift?

[Raneem]

Start working with your degree as a DB Admin if the job is available, and do your master degree's emphasis in Marketing at the same time, if you want (or later).
Then later, after gaining some experience, you can have more opportunities

[TranceFusion]

True, with 2 degrees later (IT and Marketing) you have more opportunities and it gives you (theoretically) more chances in finding a job.
I think that Rania can give you an advice about this

[Fawzi]

I agree with Raneem, try to take up both at the same time. But I wouldn't recommend dropping the whole IT thing. In my opinion, either start doing networking jobs and learn everything from scratch, or study marketing while working on databases.

[Positive Vibes]

Qatar is paying more for fresh graduates than Dubai especially in IT & marketing fields among other majors !

[Icepick]

Khaled bro, you cant leap to the top of the ladder, take it step by step....take up a job, with no matter what pay and gain experience from that and then apply to other jobs that require experience ...while working you can take a degree in marketing if you still want ...

All the best

[Genesis]

Crow, Icepick has a good point.

I don't know how the system works in Dubai, but I'm sure there are good
chances to go up.
Employees never start at the desired level (not normally anyway) at a job.
Take whatever job in IT that you can find and you can always do marketing
on the side as part time. That way, you'd be building up your experience
in IT (regardless if needed or not, regardless for how long - bottom line:
it won't look bad on your CV. If anything; almost nothing looks bad on a
CV.) Plus you'd get to improve your own personal knowledge.
If your hesitant about Marketing, start with a certificate or a diploma
rather than jumping straight into a BA. That way, you'd get a sampler of
what the degree involves without regretting it halfway through - else, you
would've wasted your money, time, and effort.

Summing it up; experience + degree = good stuff.
In many places (depending on what your doing) your bosses care more
about your experience than your degree. I'm a Retail Manager and I'm
just going to start studying for Business Information System this
September. I didn't even start college yet, but I managed to pile 3 years
of retail experience and it paid off.

As for double majoring - that's even better. Knock every door man.
I'm doing Astrophysics and will be doing Information Systems - nowhere
close to each other, but you never know, will always come in handy.

Hope that helps.

[crow]

Thanks a lot you guys! This is very helpful

[samlbronkowitz]

^Crow you cannot expect a good salary starting for this in Dubai. its way over saturated. Being fastest growing city on the planet, plus the Lebo political issues have put EVERYONE in dubai, driving salaries horrendously down. Kick ass and suffer for a bit and watch your stock rise!!! and everything takes time bro.
11yrs ago i used to bring my boss coffee and send his faxes and now i have 3 secretaries (not coz i need them, but because i CAN!!!)

[crow]

Oh no I wasn't expecting a really good salary, just something "better" than somethin shit. I need to support myself man. Jobs in Abu Dhabi are ridiculously bad and the HRs here are stupid. I thought of working in Dubai,and if I do, I'll live there. Which means I'll need cash to support my accomodation.

[e-sam]

I'll give you my 2 cents on this matter.

First IT in the gulf is becoming over saturated. Personnally, with my good experience in networking, administration (including DB admin), security and internet I couldnt find the job I desire!!! I tried UAE, Bahrain, Qatar & KSA. I denied most of them because either the company is unknown (not secure) or the salary sucks!!!

Second, forget about the salary and think of what makes you unique. You see yourself good at DB Administration & Marketing then I have the perfect job for you! Account Manager. Account managers handle client accounts for their company. Example: IBM dubai office which handles clients ranging from SME's to Enterprises & Groups. The good thing about it is that your clients are of different types of businesses. So they might range from medical to oil businesses which give you experience and keeps you busy (no routine).

He/She must be:

1) Very good technical skills (You are IT graduate so you pass)
2) Knowledgeable in the product you sell (Pick the DB packages)
3) Excellent marketing & communication skills (You pass)
4) Basic salary + commissions on sales + bonus at end of year. (So the total is a good salary)

I hope I somehow helped you

[crow]

^ You helped so much!!

What about becoming a Business Analyst? I was called out from Oracle for this position. I assumed it had to do with consultancy. What is that about exactly?

[Raneem]

if you get hired as a business analyst, you'll be responsible for identifying your business problems, and find solutions in order to meet your client's needs. So basically in Oracle, you'll be dealing with the problems that other companies are facing with Oracle's products, so you'll find solutions based on the critiques/feedback you get.
an example of a solution to a problem can be customizing the software fitting the client's needs.

[crow]

Nice! I like that one too!
Keep them comin ppl! This is very helpful!!

[Genesis]