Those who want to become SQL Developers can take an SQL bootcamp and other relevant classes to gain the right skills and training for the job. A comprehensive, career-oriented bootcamp is a great choice for prospective SQL Developers, as this kind of intensive class will teach students everything they need to know to get started with SQL development. SQL Developers also often need to know a few relevant programming languages and have familiarity with Business Intelligence (BI) software to customize databases to a business’s needs. Read on to learn more about the kinds of skills SQL Developers need and what classes can provide relevant training.
What is an SQL Developer?
An SQL Developer designs, develops, and maintains large-scale databases for a business or organization. SQL Developers are responsible for tasks such as creating database structures; writing, analyzing, and optimizing SQL queries to retrieve data and enhance performance; and making sure databases are up-to-date, backed up, and secure. To do this job, one needs to not only know SQL and database design but also be familiar with major relational database management systems, like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle. In addition, SQL Developers often need to know other programming languages and Business Intelligence (BI) processes and tools.
SQL Developers work in all industries and are frequently employed by companies that handle large amounts of data and information, like the tech industry, education, healthcare, finance, and retail. Depending on the position, some employers in industries like healthcare and finance are looking for SQL Developers who have experience working with their data and platforms in particular. An SQL Developer will most often find themselves working on a larger team of IT professionals, meaning they need to work collaboratively and have good communication skills. SQL Developers need to collaborate with software developers and data analysts and communicate with those in other departments like marketing or operations about how to implement data requirements. Additionally, SQL Developers may need to communicate with other stakeholders, third-party vendors, and clients as part of their role.
What Skills Will I Need to Learn to Become an SQL Developer?
SQL Developers will need to be proficient in SQL and database management systems. Those just getting started with SQL can learn one relational database management system such as Microsoft’s SQL Server or an open-source option like PostgreSQL. Learning how to use one relational database management system will provide students with basic foundational knowledge that can be used to learn other dialects. Many of the most prominent database management systems are relational, though well-rounded SQL Developers will also know non-relational database management approaches like NoSQL. Additionally, it will be useful for prospective SQL Developers to learn how to use some of the popular tools that aid in managing and developing databases, like DBeaver or Adminer.
Most SQL Developers will also need to bring their SQL skills together with a thorough knowledge of business and data. SQL Developers spend much of their time developing databases for a business or organization so that data can be stored, retrieved, and analyzed. SQL Developers need to know how to program databases according to their employer’s needs and enable their employer to make important decisions based on their data. This will involve needing to know additional programming languages like Python, Java, Ruby, or C# and becoming familiar with common data visualization software used for Business Intelligence, like Power BI or Tableau.
In addition to knowing how to use various tools, scripting languages, and systems, SQL Developers need soft skills like problem-solving, attention to detail, teamwork, and strong written and verbal communication skills. These skills can be learned over time, rather than in a class, and it is essential to use one's job and teamwork to practice them. That being said, it is common for SQL Developers to collaborate and communicate with their team members through a version control system such as Git or Mercurial. Version control allows teams to track changes made by team members to the code in a database and is a common mode of collaboration for SQL Developers.
What Courses Should I Enroll in to Become an SQL Developer?
SQL Bootcamp
For those wanting to become SQL Developers, an SQL bootcamp is a great option. A bootcamp is an accelerated class that aims to teach students comprehensive knowledge about one skill set or topic over a short amount of time. An SQL bootcamp will often teach novice SQL learners both beginning and more advanced skills so students can learn everything in a single course instead of taking several separate ones. Students in an SQL bootcamp can expect to learn a variety of topics from making SQL queries to performance optimization and tuning. Some bootcamps will incorporate additional skills for database administration, data analysis with BI software, or even how to use other programming languages like Python with SQL.
Additionally, students should expect to learn at least one dialect of a database management system and some basic data manipulation in an SQL bootcamp. Most bootcamps will teach either open-source relational database management systems like PostgreSQL or gear their training to prospective SQL Developers working within Oracle or Microsoft’s environments. Even for those who need to learn MySQL or SQL Server in particular, starting with one dialect of SQL should allow them to learn the foundations of SQL and then later adapt to the syntax differences in other dialects if needed.
In addition to SQL foundations, in-person and live online bootcamps will offer students hands-on guidance and may offer career-support services. Students in an instructor-led bootcamp can expect to receive expert instruction and guidance throughout the course so that there is someone available to answer questions, provide further examples, or troubleshoot issues that may arise. Additionally, many bootcamps are career-oriented, but in-person and live online options are most likely to offer explicit support to students looking for jobs after completing the course. Career support can include help with building a portfolio or updating a student’s LinkedIn profile. It can also include career mentorship, job market navigation advice, and access to job boards.
Bootcamps are usually intensive, so they are best for those who want to learn a skill both comprehensively and quickly. For those with busy schedules, look for an in-person or live online bootcamp with part-time options or an on-demand bootcamp to find the class that best fits your availability. An alternative to a standard accelerated SQL bootcamp would be an individual beginner SQL class or a series of classes that teach the same skills over a longer period. These non-intensive classes are great for both beginners and those who want to learn more advanced SQL skills, and one can find instructor-led as well as on-demand options that meet these needs.
Python Class
SQL Developers are often expected to know various programming languages, as these help with building and developing databases. Depending on an employer’s needs, this could include Python, C#, Java, R, Ruby, or other languages. Python is one of the most common programming languages to learn alongside SQL, and it is considered an easy language to learn for both beginners and more experienced SQL Developers. Knowing both SQL and Python allows SQL Developers to better develop databases for a business or organization. Python is particularly useful for using and integrating third-party software related to data visualization and analysis, though it is a flexible and versatile language that can be used for other development needs as well.
There are a variety of classes students can take to learn Python, including in-person and online classes, bootcamps, and certificate programs. Many general Python classes not only teach the basics of programming in this language but also guide students through hands-on practice with Python for tasks like web or software development, web crawling, data mining, or data visualization. Additionally, one can find Python and SQL on-demand classes that allow students to learn both at once. This style of class could be especially useful for prospective SQL Developers who want to check multiple boxes by learning these two languages together.
Business Intelligence (BI) Software Class
SQL Developers can serve many roles within a business and, depending on the specific requirements of a position, they may be tasked with data visualization and analysis. Many SQL Developer jobs require or recommend that applicants have some familiarity with BI practices, principles, and software. Knowing the basics of BI software allows SQL Developers to develop a more functional database so that a business can make data-driven decisions. Additionally, SQL Developers might need to conduct data analysis themselves, making familiarity with BI software useful in such cases.
Tableau and Power BI are two commonly learned and used software programs. Both are subscription-based software suites that offer tools for analyzing, visualizing, and reporting on a business’s data. Students can take individual classes in Tableau, Power BI, or other BI software to gain proficiency. There are also general BI classes that teach BI principles, explore the role of a Business Analyst, or even incorporate SQL training alongside BI software. Having experience with BI software can enhance an SQL Developer’s marketability, allowing them to apply for jobs without needing to learn the tools on the job, making a BI class a great option to consider.
Version Control System Class
SQL Developers rarely work alone. Instead, many work on larger teams with other developers or IT professionals and must communicate and collaborate with them about the company’s data needs. This is where learning a version control system such as Git or Mercurial becomes useful. A version control system helps SQL Developers collaborate with team members and allows the team to track changes made to scripts and code.
Git is the most commonly taught version control system, and it is easy for students to find low-cost or free courses that provide familiarity with Git and GitHub. Courses specific to Git (or other version control systems) typically begin with an overview of version control before teaching how to use the tool for one's specific needs. Version control is also commonly taught in web development classes, as it is particularly useful for web developers, so prospective SQL Developers who want to build web development skills for increased marketability can consider these classes as well.
Learn the Skills to Become an SQL Developer at Noble Desktop
Noble Desktop provides high-quality classes taught by expert instructors who can prepare you to become an SQL Developer. Whether you want to transition from another job into a career as an SQL Developer or upskill by learning SQL, Noble offers classes, bootcamps, and certificate programs available in both full-time and part-time formats. Those with no experience in SQL will want to start with a beginning-level class or bootcamp, while those seeking comprehensive, career-oriented training should consider a bootcamp or a certificate program.
Noble offers two SQL bootcamps that provide comprehensive training: the SQL Bootcamp and SQL Server Bootcamp. Both offer expert instruction in extracting information from databases and turning that information into actionable insights, with minor differences in the dialect of SQL students will learn. The SQL Bootcamp teaches PostgreSQL, can be taken by Mac or PC users, and is useful for those following the SQL Developer career path or pursuing data science or data analytics roles. The SQL Server Bootcamp is specific to Microsoft’s database management system, which is commonly used by businesses, and requires a PC. The core concepts taught in both bootcamps are the same, so students can easily learn other SQL dialects afterward if needed.
Noble also offers standalone SQL classes for beginners (SQL Level 1), intermediate learners (SQL Level 2), and advanced learners (SQL Level 3). These are a great option for those who want to start learning SQL without enrolling in an intensive class or full bootcamp. Noble’s SQL Bootcamp is also included in multiple data-related career certificate programs such as the Data Analytics Certificate and the Data Science Certificate. Both certificate programs are comprehensive and designed to provide students with the skills needed to begin careers as Data Analysts or Data Scientists upon completion.