22-25 April 2026

How to build your career

Proposed session for SQLBits 2026

TL; DR

In three years I went from unknown to blogger, PASS speaker, MVP, and then Microsoft. It wasn’t luck—just goals, branding, and work. Learn career tips on interviewing, networking, skills, social media, presenting, blogging, and building a high-paying tech career.

Session Details

In three years I went from a complete unknown to a popular blogger, speaker at PASS Summit, a SQL Server MVP, and then joined Microsoft. Along the way I saw my yearly income triple. Is it because I know some secret? Is it because I am a genius? No! It is just about laying out your career path, setting goals, and doing the work.

I’ll cover tips I learned over my career on everything from interviewing to building your personal brand. I’ll discuss perm positions, consulting, contracting, working for Microsoft or partners, hot fields, in-demand skills, social media, networking, presenting, blogging, salary negotiating, dealing with recruiters, certifications, speaking at major conferences, resume tips, and keys to a high-paying career.

Your first step to enhancing your career will be to attend this session! Let me be your career coach!

3 things you'll get out of this session

Provide practical career strategies across interviewing, networking, personal branding, and skill development. Explain different career paths—perm roles, consulting, contracting, Microsoft, and partner opportunities. Equip attendees to build a high-earning tech career through visibility, specialization, and consistent action.