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Start masterclass Blue Elephant Pack 2025

On March 13, 2025, the second group will kick off the Blue Elephant Pack masterclass once again. An initiative by OptimaData. With the Blue Elephant Pack, we connect experienced PostgreSQL experts with aspiring Postgres professionals, focusing on commitment, knowledge sharing, and coaching. The goal is to strengthen the PostgreSQL community in the Netherlands and encourage collaboration.

Pieter Groenendijk

Recruitment Consultant
Pieter Groenendijk - Recruitment Consultant

Kickoff 2nd group Blue Elephant Pack

On March 13, the 2nd group of Database Administrators, DBAs and Database specialists will start with the masterclass Blue Elephant Pack. After the huge success of the first Blue Elephant masterclass Postgres in 2024, we will start with the 2nd group on March 13.

There is still a place for experienced Database Engineers, professionals, who want to strengthen and deepen their PostgreSQL knowledge and experience.

Yes, i'm interested! opent in nieuw tabblad

What is the Blue Elephant Pack?

The goal of The Blue Elephant Pack is to support experienced database administrators in their journey to managing and using PostgreSQL. We believe that by working together, learning from each other’s experiences, and sharing knowledge, we can build a strong and resilient community that thrives on innovation and growth.

The Blue Elephant Pack is part of and complementary to the only PostgreSQL usergroup in the Netherlands and one of the largest PUGs in Europe: PostgreSQL Usergroup NL. The participants of the Blue Elephant Pack are also part of the PostgreSQL Usergroup NL.

What does it entail?

The Blue Elephant Pack offers a unique buddy program for experienced database administrators who are new to fairly new to the use, design and management of PostgreSQL. The program includes:

Self-paced Theory Course: Participants get access to a self-paced theory course to learn the basics of PostgreSQL.
Biweekly Sessions and handson training: Classroom Training (masterclass) by 2 experienced PostgreSQL trainers from 8 evenings. Participants meet twice a month at the OptimaData office, where they can learn from each other and from their buddies in addition to the masterclass on the basis of real-world practical cases and use cases.
Slack channel: A Slack channel for participants to support each other (on a daily basis), ask questions and share knowledge outside of regular sessions.
(optional) Closing Visit to pgConf EU: Part of the program is a visit to pgConf EU in Riga, where participants will have the opportunity to learn more about PostgreSQL and to network with other professionals in the field.

Post-Program Support: Support and guidance to participants after they have completed the program, such as career counseling, mentoring programs, or opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
No end of program: The intention is that after the first period of training, learning, development and practice, each “completed” group remains part of the slack channel, mentoring, remain a buddy or act as a buddy and keep access to the resource library (repository). In fact, the group will grow and the participants will grow in their role in the group and beyond.

Why would you want to join?

Blue Elephant Pack PostgreSQL gecertificeerdLearn from experts and peers:Access the expertise of experienced database administrators and learn from their real-world experiences.
Accelerate your learning curve:
By joining the buddy program, you can accelerate your learning curve and quickly become familiar with PostgreSQL.
Build valuable relationships:
By being part of The Blue Elephant Pack, you’ll build valuable relationships with like-minded professionals who strive for growth and innovation.
Join a thriving community:
Join this group of inquisitive and hungry database professionals who support and encourage each other to improve their skills and knowledge.

Added value of OptimaData

OptimaData works with industry partners to gather feedback on the skills and knowledge that are most valuable in today’s job market and specifically in the database world. We adapt the program accordingly to ensure that it remains relevant to the needs of employers and clients.

Through OptimaData’s initiative and involvement, the program provides a wide range of resources, opportunities, and support to participants, enhancing their learning experience and future career opportunities.

Expertise and Experience: OptimaData brings its expertise and experience in the field of databases and PostgreSQL specifically. This could include providing expert speakers for presentations, providing advice and guidance during online sessions, and sharing industry best practices.
Network and Connections: OptimaData has valuable connections within the industry, such as potential employers, other consulting firms, or organizations looking for database experts. This gives the participants access to opportunities for internships, projects, or even full-time jobs/assignments during or after completing the program.
Project opportunities: OptimaData can provide project opportunities to program participants, allowing them to gain hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced professionals. This provides a valuable opportunity for participants to apply their skills in real-world project environments.
Certification Support: OptimaData can provide support in obtaining certifications within PostgreSQL or related fields. This can range from providing study materials and exam preparation to paying exam fees for qualified candidates.
Career guidance: OptimaData offers career guidance to participants, including assistance with CV preparation, job interviewing, and career advice. This can facilitate participants’ transition into the professional field and increase their chances of success.

First group

May 23, 2024 was the kickoff with the first group of participants of the Blue Elephant Pack. This group successfully completed the masterclass with certification on 23 September 2024 and a number of them subsequently visited the PGConfEU in Athens together. Most participants have been hands-on active with PostgreSQL since the masterclass in their current or even new assignment, and see the Blue Elephant Pack as an enrichment of their expertise.

Ik heb er voor gekozen om in deze “snelkookpan” te gaan zitten. Een mooie afwisseling van database en development onderwerpen. Beiden trainers zijn ervaren mannen! Naast de powerpoint slides, goede voorbeelden. Ik was leergierig wat ik van beide mannen kon leren. Die verwachtingen zijn wel uitgekomen! Veel onderwerpen die aangereikt zijn, heb ik nog eens nagespeeld / uitgeprobeerd of verder uitgewerkt en weer uitgedragen bij de klant. En ik weet de weg te vinden in de PostgreSQL wereld!

Peter Lengkeek

Senior Database Consultant

Strengthening PostgreSQL expertise in the Netherlands

PostgreSQL database beheer door OptimaData

With this initiative, we hope to boost the expertise in the Netherlands in the field of PostgreSQL. And thus make a significant contribution to the PostgreSQL community in the Netherlands. PostgreSQL is the largest and most popular open source database platform today. And again DBMS of the year in 2024! We have seen an increasing growth in migrations to Postgres in the last 2 years. There is a great and increasing need for qualified PostgreSQL experts who can help and support companies and organizations in the Netherlands in this transition.

We still have room in this 2nd group Blue Elephant Pack so if you want to join, feel free to contact us!

If it comes too soon for you, or if it just doesn’t fit into your schedule, please contact us and we will put you on the list for group 3.

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