heard of this?

[b1tchm4gn3t]

Ok...around here Im known for computers. But I dont know alot of things, but heres my scenario- got offered a job today and this job is wanting to hire someone to learn to do SQL (is it hard to learn?), and a program called Crystal Reports. Thats the basics now heres a little list of other duties to learn...am I over my head to try to jump right in? If anyone has any insight on this it would be most appreciated.

Windows XP (I know this real well)
Server/terminal Service
Data Wiring
Data Termination
Wireless Networking
E-mail access (I already know this)
Web Developing (learning this now but slow)
Networking
Printer Networking

[Prot]

Job sounds like a network administrator.

E-mail access is referring to Exchange, I believe.
Data wiring - making your own CAT 5 cables, punch down connections
Server/Terminal - Windows Server 2000/2003
Web Developing - Web Servers, not design

This is how I'm interpreting it.

[guns1inger]

SQL is the standard language for querying relational databases. Not all database management systems have nice drag'n'drop guis for creating queries, and even those that do usually get caught out by the really complex stuff. That's when you need to go in a tweak the query by hand. Crystal Reports can be a simple query and reporting tool, or it can be used to produce full scale multi-dimensional analysis. Based on the other duties however, I would suggest they are looking for someone who can either produce relatively simple reports, or someone who knows how crystal runs at the back-end so it stays up. Otherwise, as prot says, it sound pretty much like a network administrator/systems manager type role.

That they want you to roll your own cables suggest either a junior position or a small organisation. How many staff to support ?

[b1tchm4gn3t]

How many staff to support ?

hard to say but Im guessing around 30

[thevoelk]

Crytal Reports is not that hard to learn. You can get pretty complex with it like guns1inger said. SQL can take some time, depending on what you're doing with it. As you said "they want to hire someone to learn to do SQL", so it sounds like they're willing to give you time. They may actually want a SQL Server admin, which (you probably know this) you can take a Microsoft Certification class for SQL Server Administration, which you can use the same class for a MCSE and MCDBA, if you looking to get a certification or two out of the job. They'll probably reimburse you for it if you take it, most companies do. If they don't, you can deduct a percetage of it from your taxes, since you're in the USA.