Re-entering the market after 5 years

Scott Councill 40 Reputation points
2026-09-12T01:04:18.7766667+00:00

Hello,

I am a Database Developer with about 30 years of experience with many databases but have worked with the MS Stack since SQL 2005 full time. I had to take about 5 years off because of injury. Now I am trying to re-enter the market. I want to dive into any online courses I can to make myself relevant again.

Any suggestion for Learning tracks would be appreciated. I am already starting with Azure concepts, tools and technology. What else do I need?

Thanks,

Scott

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Answer accepted by question author
Tobi Akinfolarin 80 Reputation points
2026-09-14T04:09:25.4933333+00:00

I'd suggest the below Azure learning paths in order:

  1. AZ-900 - Azure Fundamentals OR DP-900 - Azure Data Fundamentals
  2. AZ-104 - Azure Administrator
  3. DP-300 - Azure Database Administrator OR DP-420 - Cosmos DB Developer (Huge fan of this just because I love cosmos DB)

Another alternative is to go the AI-related route for the 3rd option with DP-800 (SQL AI Developer Associate), might be helpful combining the new gen with your vast experience.

Good luck!

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Marcin Policht 110.2K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
2026-09-12T03:40:04.7233333+00:00

Start exploring AI in the context associated with your past experiences - there is content available on MS Learn (both documentation and training):

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/implement-ai-capabilities-database-solutions/

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/ai-artificial-intelligence-intelligent-applications?view=azuresql

If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

hth

Marcin

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  1. Tejaswini Billakurthi 760 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-14T12:31:13.61+00:00

    Hello @Scott Councill

    Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q & A !

    With about 30 years of database experience, I'd focus on updating your development skills for Azure.

    A good next step is the Microsoft Learn path Develop data-driven applications by using Azure SQL Database. This intermediate learning path contains five modules:

    1. Get started with Azure SQL Database for modern application development
    2. Develop for Azure SQL Database

    The learning path assumes relational database experience, a basic understanding of identities and permissions, and familiarity with the Azure portal. An Azure subscription is required for the exercises.

    Pay particular attention to the Develop for Azure SQL Database module, which introduces SQL Database projects and deployment through GitHub Actions and Azure DevOps. These skills build on existing database development experience.

    After that, consider Marcin's AI suggestion. The Microsoft Learn path Implement AI capabilities in database solutions covers AI models, embeddings, intelligent search, and Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) with SQL. It assumes SQL Server or Azure SQL experience, T-SQL knowledge, and a general understanding of AI concepts. citeturn1search1

    As a practical next step, consider building a small portfolio project using synthetic data, a database schema, stored procedures, source control, and an automated deployment pipeline. Verifying that schema changes build and deploy successfully, then documenting the results, provides something concrete to demonstrate and discuss during interviews.

    Good luck with your return to the industry.

    Please "Upvote the Answer" if this information helped you. This will help us and others in the community as well.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-12T01:04:33.55+00:00

    A strong re-entry path is to build on existing SQL Server experience and add current Azure SQL migration, deployment, and post-migration skills.

    A practical sequence from the available learning content:

    1. Refresh Azure SQL fundamentals first
      Start with Azure SQL fundamentals to reconnect SQL Server knowledge to Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance. This path covers what to use when, plus configuration, security, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
    2. Focus next on SQL Server to Azure migration
      The most relevant current track is Migrate SQL Server workloads to Azure SQL. It covers:
      • assessing SQL Server components and compatibility
      • using the Azure SQL Migration Extension and Database Migration Assistant
      • provisioning and configuring Azure SQL resources
      • choosing migration options based on downtime requirements
      • monitoring migration state
      • performing post-migration tasks such as disaster recovery and monitoring
    3. Prioritize these modules inside that path
      Based on a database developer background, the highest-value areas are:
      • Assess SQL Server databases for migration to Azure SQL
      • Deploy PaaS solutions with Azure SQL
      • Migrate SQL Server workloads to Azure SQL Database
      • Migrate SQL Server workloads to Azure SQL Managed Instance
      • Perform post-migration tasks on Azure SQL
    4. Add hands-on Azure resource work
      Current expectations include being comfortable with the Azure portal and provisioning Azure SQL resources. The material also expects familiarity with identities, permissions, and basic Azure resource management.
    5. Use a role-based target
      Since “developer” can span multiple paths, use Microsoft role-based learning and credentials to choose a focused direction. For a SQL background, the most aligned roles in the provided content are Database Administrator, Data Engineer, Administrator, Developer, and Solution Architect, depending on whether the goal is development, migration, or platform ownership.
    6. Consider a skills validation target
      The Microsoft Applied Skills: Migrate SQL Server workloads to Azure SQL Database credential is directly aligned with demonstrating the ability to assess and migrate SQL Server workloads to Azure SQL Database. That makes it a useful short-term proof point while re-entering the market.

    If choosing only two tracks first, the best starting combination is:

    • Azure SQL fundamentals
    • Migrate SQL Server workloads to Azure SQL

    After that, if a broader Azure developer path is needed, Develop Solutions for Microsoft Azure is the relevant Azure developer course.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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