I’ve been employed as a database architect at multiple companies, and this all exceedingly good advice.

I went down the route of specializing in Postgres and PLSQL. It was extraordinarily helpful to deeply study the DB internals and master that one corner of technology. Databases are quirky creatures, and things become much easier when you know which tools are at your disposal.

When I was a DB architect, I didn’t do much programming. I spent a lot of time helping others with SQL, resolving disputes, and debugging storage problems. It was definitely the most reward yet most stressful job I’ve had.