Do we still need cover letters?

I came across a post on Facebook from The Ladders this morning that caught my attention. That post is below. (If it doesn't appear for you, the FB link is here.) I felt a need to respond, so I left this comment: It depends on what you mean by “necessary.” Are they required? No. Can …

The perks of getting involved

As I write this, the 2024 PASS Data Community Summit is about to get underway. A number of my #SQLFamily friends are on their way to Seattle as I speak, and I am a little saddened that I won't have an opportunity to get together with them this year. However, I elected not to submit …

The frugal conference traveler

I'm the kind of guy who looks for bang for the buck: the best possible product for the lowest price. As such, I'll do some significant research before I pull the trigger on a purchase. Travel is no exception. I've mentioned before that I will only apply to speak at an in-person event if I …

Yes, writers and developers can coexist

I'll admit that the impetus for this article is that I'm thinking about new presentation ideas. This is one of the ideas that I'm tossing around. In conversations with other technical writers, one common thread that I've come across is the inability of technical writers to work with technologists, such as developers, DBAs, and so …

Work-life balance slides #SQLSaturday #SQLSatBoston

https://voiceofthedba.com/2024/10/05/sql-saturday-boston-2024-slides/?page_id=29813 At SQL Saturday Boston, I sat in on Steve Jones's presentation about work-life balance. I thought it was a great presentation (as Steve's sessions usually are), and I wanted to share his slides for my -- as well as your -- reference.

Reminder: I’m speaking in Boston on Saturday! #SQLSaturday #SQLSatBoston #Networking #ProfessionalDevelopment

This is a reminder that I will be speaking in Boston* at SQL Saturday this coming Saturday, October 5! (*Well, it's actually Burlington, MA, but people tell me that anything within a twenty mile radius of Boston is considered to be Boston!) I will be doing one of my favorite presentations: Networking 101. If you'd …

Upcoming speaking engagements (as of 9/5/2024) #SQLSaturday #WELocal #STCSummit

Right now, I only have one confirmed speaking engagement. However, I've also applied to a number of others, and I'm still waiting to hear back from them. So as of today, here's my upcoming presentation schedule, both confirmed and tentative. Confirmed As of right now, this is my only confirmed speaking engagement. October 5: SQL …

The challenges of conference travel planning

I was recently tagged on Facebook by a friend (if you're reading this, you know who you are! 🙂 ) who is trying to twist my arm into putting in to speak at my fraternity's national convention, which will be held in Lexington, KY in July of next year. The idea is intriguing. I've never …

My job hunt presentation in Montréal #DevOpsDays @DevOpsDaysMtl

The video of my job hunt presentation that I gave in Montréal this past May is now available online! You can view it here!

Reminder: I’m speaking this Saturday! #SQLSaturday #SQLSatAlbany #SQLSat1083

This is a reminder that I'll be speaking at my hometown SQL Saturday this coming Saturday, August 3, at the Massry School of Business on the campus of the University at Albany. I'm scheduled to speak at 3:30 pm in Room 1. I'll be doing my talk titled: "So you want to be a presentation …