Do I need to be a master for “master immersion events”?

I've been getting this question a lot lately. I've been asked this mainly because numerous folks have told me that they don't think they're ready for this level of training. Many have even said that they don't think they're ready for the "master immersion events" because they think they're too advanced. This is the part that's funny… masters know the same things as everyone else – the difference is that it's second nature to them. They've had more experience with the content. They know best practices inside out. They know the many things on which "it depends" depend :-) They can debate 5 different approaches to solving the problem and based on the design criteria pick the one that meets the demands the best.

Masters are people like you… people that started out like you and had exactly the same experience that you did when you started working with SQL Server.

The difference is that they attended conferences, they took classes, they read blog posts, they got involved in the community and they studied and they worked and they kept studying. They got involved. They immersed themselves in the world of SQL Server and things have become clear.

If you're thinking that our classes are too advanced then you really have the wrong idea about SQL Server. Our classes are definitely fast-paced. Our classes are definitely deep! However, you don't have to be planning to take the certification exams the week after the class ends in order to attend the class (or in order to succeed). In fact, I wouldn't recommend it anyway. To truly "master" anything takes time. People with different levels of experience will get different things out of our classes but everyone walks away with practical and applicable techniques and best practices that (depending on the class) improve performance, minimize downtime, minimize data loss, improve manageability and solve design challenges.

These classes are for everyone and the sooner you learn these best practices and continue to work with these best practices the sooner you'll be on your way to being a master!

Master your SQLskills; immerse yourself in SQL Server.

And, I wish you all the best if your ultimate goal is to take the exam and practical for Microsoft Certified Master – SQL Server. Read Paul's post (Big changes to the MCM program and how SQLskills can help you) for more information on our classes and MCM prep work.

Finally, if you have any questions about our training and/or if you're ready – just drop me an email: KimberlyATSQLskillsDOTcom.

Cheers,
kt

4 thoughts on “Do I need to be a master for “master immersion events”?

  1. Hello Kimberly,

    I really agree with the things you have mentioned. I can really say that things will actully get clear once we are immersed in to SQL Server World.I have a small question here i.e.,is there any way that a guy from India(like me :-)) can attend to the ‘Master immersion events" or any conferences about sql server. Im really looking forward for such kind of stuff. unfortunately i didnt find any till now. Any information on this is really helpful

    Thanks in anticiaption

    Adity badramraju.

  2. Hey there Adity – Right now we’re not planning anything specifically for India. However, there are a few really good events there to consider. We have been chatting with a couple of events that might be there in 2012 but nothing’s planned. However, TechEd is going to be there in May (I think) and there are a bunch of local user groups (check SQLPASS.org to see if there’s one near you: http://www.sqlpass.org/PASSChapters/India.aspx)). If you’re specifically looking for Immersion Events we are going to offer a few classes in the UK in 2011 and hopefully somewhere in Asia in 2012 but nothing is currently planned for Asia and dates for the UK have not yet been announced.

    Enjoy your work with SQL and I hope to see you at some event somewhere!! :)

    Cheers,
    kt

  3. Thanks for the post. I was also one of those that thought the immersion trainings were extremely advanced and targeted towards ‘masters’ of SQL Server. I think it was the word ‘master’ that was throwing me off;) I’d really like to attend. Hopefully I can get approval from my manager. You all have a way of teaching that is education yet fun.

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