Background:
I'm a recent BS graduate who's found myself in an extraordinary situation. I've fallen into something of an entry-level Oracle DBA role straight out of the college box. At my small company where the only 2 database people around have each been at it for over half the time I've been breathing, it's difficult to see the path between where I am and where they are.
From what I've read, many successful DBAs emerge from systems admin or developer roles, and I feel as though I've cheated myself - I've jumped the gun and now have no base in which to root new knowledge. Furthermore, I'm pulled in too many different directions as far as what to learn first. (Must understand B before learning A; but must have a grasp of A before diving into B!)
I often find myself wondering how to get where I want to go. What plan of attack might be the simplest for a beginner to begin? Width before depth or depth before width (i.e. an overview of the entire gamut while glossing over details OR an in-depth dive into RMAN or another specific topic). Then what about how Oracle plays with others like Linux, ASM/disk arrays, hardware, business applications, etc.?
Endless thoughts! Stressful implications!
Question:
Essentially, what resources (free or paid) would provide the most value up front, considering virtually no experience and only vague textbook education? Something that may provide exercises, lectures, etc. An ideal source would include more advanced or applied topics than basic SQL and db architecture without too much jargon.