You're a new database engineer. How can you ensure you're taken seriously by your colleagues?

1 Know your tools

One of the first things you should do as a new database engineer is to familiarize yourself with the tools and technologies that you will use in your projects. This includes the database management systems (DBMS), such as MySQL, Oracle, MongoDB, or SQL Server, the data modeling and querying languages, such as SQL, NoSQL, or GraphQL, and the data analysis and visualization tools, such as Tableau, Power BI, or R. You should also learn how to use version control, testing, debugging, and documentation tools, such as Git, JUnit, SQL Server Profiler, or Sphinx. Knowing your tools will help you perform your tasks more efficiently and effectively, and demonstrate your technical skills to your colleagues.

2 Communicate clearly

Another key skill for a new database engineer is to communicate clearly with your colleagues and stakeholders. You should be able to explain your database design and implementation decisions, the trade-offs and challenges you face, and the results and insights you generate from your data. You should also be able to listen to feedback and suggestions, and incorporate them into your work when appropriate. You should use clear and concise language, avoid jargon and acronyms, and use visual aids, such as diagrams, charts, or code snippets, to illustrate your points. Communicating clearly will help you build trust and rapport with your colleagues, and show your professionalism and expertise.

3 Learn from others

A third tip for a new database engineer is to learn from others who have more experience and knowledge than you. You should seek out mentors, peers, or online communities who can offer you guidance, advice, or support in your database engineering journey. You should also be open to constructive criticism, and use it as an opportunity to improve your skills and performance. You should also share your own knowledge and experience with others, and contribute to the database engineering community. Learning from others will help you grow as a database engineer, and show your willingness and enthusiasm to learn.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?