Hello everyone,

I am currently a university student majoring in management information systems. My goal is to get involved with Oracle upon graduation, either as a developer or a DBA. From my research, it is abundantly clear that there are some difficulties with getting into the DBA scene. No employer really is interested in someone with no experience. This leaves people like me in a difficult situation, as all I can offer a potential employer is my education.

I do, however, intend on getting internships as a developer of some sort as soon as I am comfortable with SQL, Java, and C#.

My question to the people of this forum is in regards to certificate programs, and the OCP programs. I am debating to whether it is a good idea to invest my time and money into one of these programs before entering the job market.

_________

UCLA Extension offers the following certification: https://www.uclaextension.edu/r/Prog...aspx?reg=CF518

It costs about $10,000, and you can see the list of classes if you click on the link above.


UCI Extension offers the following certification, and they guarantee OCP certification after you complete the coursework. I also believe that this program is cheaper.

http://unex.uci.edu/certificates/it/...b/courses.aspx

I believe that the actual classes between the two programs are very similar, however in California UCLA is a more reputable/well known school. I do believe that the program offered by UCI is better, however I wanted to hear what you guys have to say as far what difference the reputation of the school might have.

__________

All in all, is this something I should consider starting before graduating university? I definitely have the time to complete the program, so it wouldn't be taking away from my education. Money wise, I would be taking out a student loan to pay for the certificate.


Thank you in advance.