SQL Certificates Minneapolis, MN

SQL stands for structured query language. It is also called Sequel. It is a domain-specific language that allows programmers, developers, analysts, and other data professionals to manage and manipulate data that is stored in relational database management systems. SQL shines when it is applied to data that incorporates relationships between entities and variables. This essential tool can access the power and versatility of relational databases like Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Sybase, and Ingres. It’s not like general-purpose coding languages like Python and C++ that tell systems how to accomplish a task. SQL tells computers what to do, not how to perform a task.

SQL commands are used to query databases to update, retrieve, or delete data. The data in a relational database is indexed in tables. Every table receives a unique name; every row is structured to be a record, and every column represents a field. SQL commands are not case-sensitive; they are predefined keywords, and they can be combined in the execution of a single query.

Why Become Certified in SQL?

SQL is a highly sought-after technical skill that will be a strong asset to your professional tool kit. It has many uses in different industries. Once you’re certified in SQL, you’ll have the ability to work in just about any industry, including finance, healthcare, and tech. There’s a lot of data being collected, exchanged, and manipulated by companies of all sizes, and there’s a large need for people who know how to manage that data. You’ll be able to take positions in data science, web development, and business analysis.

An SQL certification isn’t always a requirement for gaining employment or even experiencing career growth, but there are still quite a few perks that come along with being SQL certified. Certification can make room for fresh career opportunities and allow for more professional growth. Having certification often results in a pay increase, more opportunities for leadership roles, and a niche career path. Certification increases your proficiency with SQL and deepens your skills with something that has practical applications. When you’re looking to stand out as a hiring candidate, a certification could be just the thing that makes you stand a full head above the crowd.

Although there isn’t an official SQL certification to pursue, there are vendor-specific and platform-specific certifications you can pursue, like the Microsoft SQL Certification and Oracle Certified MySQL Developer. Organizations tend to favor a specific platform or vendor, so becoming certified through that entity will go over well with your employer. These certifications and others validate your expertise and demonstrate your commitment to your professional growth.

What You’ll Learn While Becoming SQL Certified

In a data-driven world, the quality and accessibility of data is a big deal. It’s what helps companies in a wide range of industries stay competitive and meet the needs of their consumers. There are a variety of technical skills that SQL professionals need to have to carry out complex data tasks and fulfill their job duties. Some of these skills include understanding databases, being familiar with programming languages, and being proficient in Microsoft Excel. All of these skills come into use when leveraging the power of SQL in practical ways.

SQL Flavors

There are several major database management systems, and knowing the flavor of SQL that applies to each of them gives you more flexibility in your career. There’s no need to be fluent in MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, and PostgreSQL, but having a working knowledge of more than one is a big advantage.

Microsoft Excel

Visualizing the data is often part of the job. One popular tool for data visualization is Microsoft Excel. If you’re using Pivot Tables in Excel, you’ll be writing SQL code. This tool will help you neatly arrange data into subcategories and categories for an easier and more efficient analysis.

Business Intelligence Software

Many different types of business intelligence software help analysts access databases externally. Software like Tableau and Power BI can integrate with databases with the help of SQL. Sometimes a database has to be created to meet the needs of a project or database schema needs to be modified.

Database Design

You must understand database design principles to have a high-performing database. It’s important to know how to build well-structured, normalized databases that ensure data integrity.

Programming Languages

Strong programming fundamentals are a necessity as a data professional. You need to be proficient in at least two programming languages. Developers need to use their programming skills to code websites and applications.

SQL Industries in Minneapolis

Large volumes of data are being generated daily by organizations in almost every sector. Organizations are using SQL and other data tools to drive their business forward and make data-driven decisions. SQL is such a versatile and powerful tool for solving real-world data challenges.

In the healthcare industry, you’ll find SQL to be very useful in managing large volumes of various types of data. Not only do healthcare companies like UnitedHealth Group have use for SQL, but also medical research companies. SQL queries can be used to help identify health anomalies and disease patterns, track treatment outcomes, and conduct various health studies. SQL-accessible databases can be used to store patient medical records, keep track of medical procedures, and analyze clinical data. With improving the quality of healthcare at the forefront of many healthcare industry companies, patient outcomes can greatly improve. It’s even instrumental in enhancing some aspects of an organization’s infrastructure.

The marketing industry uses SQL for many tasks, including targeting audiences, tracking website conversions, measuring advertising campaign success, and segmenting customers. SQL is a marketing team’s tool of choice for monitoring and analyzing a campaign’s performance and effectiveness. The ability to query a customer database to gain valuable insights that push organizations toward their business goals is invaluable in this industry. The stakeholders and other decision-makers use these insights to run the business and attempt to meet the needs and expectations of audiences and clients. Other critical uses of SQL in this industry include guiding marketing decisions, analyzing customer acquisition costs, and conducting customer journey analyses. SQL makes for better marketers, better outcomes, and more satisfied consumers.

The tech industry is one of the biggest consumers of SQL. Minnesota-based CrowdStrike is rooted in cloud technology, cybersecurity, and information technology to help drive business. This company and many others like it use SQL to maintain and access databases to drive business and prioritize safety. Whether tech companies are building applications, websites, databases, or improving on existing technologies, SQL does a lot of the heavy lifting. SQL is a big part of password protection, online retail/ecommerce, and subscription-based services. Although back-end development, software engineering, and analytics lean heaviest on this stalwart data tool, there are countless applications where SQL shines. It’s a mature and sophisticated tool that has been getting the job done for quite some time, even with its different flavors.

Even the agriculture industry is empowered by SQL. Companies like John Deere and CHS are using SQL to help feed the planet by equipping farmers with the tools they need to sustainably optimize their land and growing practices. Coders, engineers, and tech experts are a big part of the innovation that is pushing agriculture forward and allowing for growers and those who supply growers with the information they need to make better decisions and keep track of food from seed to table, fertilization, weather patterns, farm equipment usage, and maintain profitability. Business intelligence software tailored to the needs of agriculturalists is a vital part of bridging the gap between growers, suppliers, and consumers.

SQL Careers in Minneapolis

Minnesota is home to many Fortune 500 companies. The vast majority of them require data professionals who have a deep understanding of SQL and how to leverage it to unlock the insights that their digital data holds. It’s possible to find work as a Data Analyst, SQL Developer, Database Architect, or Business Intelligence Analyst. Each of these job roles and other data professionals plays a key role in data-driven decision-making that has become an integral part of moving businesses forward.

As a Database Architect in Minnesota, you’ll find yourself designing, creating, and managing large-scale databases. The skills required for this role include data modeling, information management, and being knowledgeable in database technologies. Minneapolis-based companies like Best Buy rely on accurate and up-to-date information to keep businesses running efficiently, and Database Architects are a big part of making it a daily reality. In this role, you can look forward to meeting with stakeholders to understand the data management needs of the organization you’re working with, design scalable, secure, and efficient database systems, monitor and optimize database performance, and provide technical guidance and support. This career is growing faster than average, which makes this a great time to get started on this career path. Minneapolis Database Architects can earn between $107,000 and $142,000 a year.

Working as a Data Scientist in Minneapolis puts you in a position to work in a wide range of industries. You could find yourself working for General Mills, collecting, analyzing, and organizing large sets of data. The work you do as a Data Scientist is critical to making data-driven decisions that help organizations like General Mills or Target meet their business goals and attend to the expectations of their customers. In this role, you’ll be tasked with analyzing data trends and patterns to generate reports that contain actionable insights for stakeholders and decision-makers. Tools like SQL, algorithms, data models, and data visualization software are key to fulfilling this role and succeeding as a Data Scientist. Other skills Data Scientists have to include knowing programming languages like Python and R, machine learning, linear algebra, calculus, and statistics. It’s possible to earn a salary between $138,000 and $169,000 in Minneapolis, and with this profession growing much faster than average, you will likely experience greater job security than other professions.

A Business Intelligence Analyst or BI Analyst uses data to help organizations make data-driven decisions that will make impactful changes. The key roles of a BI Analyst include breaking down and analyzing critical business data like revenue and customer engagement metrics. Minneapolis-based companies like 3M use those in this role to interpret data and identify patterns and trends that can target areas to make improvements and share their findings in ways that are easily digestible. BI Analysts make recommendations that can help an organization meet its goals. Understanding databases and SQL is a big part of succeeding in this career. The salary range for a Minneapolis BI Analyst is between $86,000 and $109,000.

Should You Pursue a Certificate or Certification

Pursuing a certificate or certification in SQL can be a worthwhile endeavor; however, you should be aware that a certification and a certificate are not the same thing. You can earn a certificate by completing a training course or certificate program. It could be a singular class or a series of classes. Completing the course demonstrates that you understand the material and you’re rewarded with a certificate. Certifications are earned by taking a standardized exam to demonstrate your proficiency in SQL or SQL-adjacent material. Certifications can serve as an entry point into an SQL specialization, demonstrate that you’re capable of taking on more responsibility at work, increase your earning potential, or broaden your career options. You may also find that in some situations, a certificate can also help you achieve some of these things; however, earning a certification typically inspires more confidence in your SQL expertise.

If you’re just getting started with SQL and data science, you’ll have an easier start if you choose to pursue a certificate first. There are many beginner-friendly SQL certificate courses available in various formats. There are also certificate courses designed for professionals who are already working in data science and interested in upskilling. It should be noted that there are certificate courses designed to prepare students for taking a certification exam. If you choose this option, you’ll receive a certificate when you complete the course, and the certification will come after you pass the certification exam. If you’re not ready to earn a certificate or certification in SQL, consider Tableau courses in Minneapolis that may be better geared toward your career goals.

Top SQL Certificate Programs in Minneapolis

There are many great reasons to enroll in a SQL certificate program in Minneapolis. You can earn higher wages, take on leadership roles, and experience greater career growth with a certificate added to your resume. Here are some certificate programs to consider that can get you started in the field of data science or a SQL-related career.

Intro to Data Analytics and Data Science

This course is designed for beginners, professionals, and career changers. During this Skillspire course, students will learn data analysis methodologies using a variety of tools like Excel, Power BI, SQL, Python, statistics, and ChatGPT AI. The larger focus of this class is on learning how to use SQL for data analysis. Through quizzes and hands-on exercises, students will be prepared to show their data analysis skills through a capstone project. This course is designed to give students a foundational understanding of data analytics and how to best apply it to real-world data problem-solving.

In addition to being taught by an expert with many years of experience in data science and statistics, this course also offers help with designing compelling resumes and practical guidance on having successful job interviews. Scholarships are available to students who demonstrate eligibility.

SQL Bootcamp

When you attend this Noble Desktop bootcamp you’ll learn how to query databases using SQL, join tables, aggregate data, and filter results. While this class is taught using PostgreSQL, you’ll learn techniques that can be applied to MySQL and SQL Server as well. At the center of the insights found within the data stored in databases lies the key to driving business forward through data-driven solutions and decision-making. This bootcamp also covers more advanced techniques like aggregate functions, subqueries, and using functions with parameters. Using the free DBeaver app and PostgreSQL, you’ll explore the inner workings of a relational database and execute SQL queries.

This bootcamp is offered online and in-person in New York City, and there are multiple scheduling options available. You’ll also have the ability to retake the course for free within one year if you need to reinforce what you learned or get a better understanding of certain concepts. Not only will you be taught by expert instructors, but you’ll also have access to one 1-on-1 bonus training where you can review any class concepts or projects or get help applying your new skills to an existing project of your own. All class sessions are recorded and can be accessed for one month following the class date.

SQL Querying—Combo

For those who are interested in receiving a foundational education in SQL, this Certstaffix Training certificate course is an option. Enrollees who attend this course will learn both basic and advanced SQL techniques and tools. This live instructor-led online course covers databases, writing SELECT queries, built-in functions and expressions, subqueries, joining tables, advanced queries like CTE and recursive queries, and isolating aggregate query logic. Students will complete this course with a deep understanding of SQL and how to apply it to real-world data challenges effectively and efficiently.

Enrollees will receive printed courseware, have access to a virtual computer, and have the option to retake the course free of charge for up to six months after completing the SQL course. A virtual computer will be assigned to each student containing all of the files and exercises needed to complete the course.

Introduction to SQL

Those who want to learn the fundamentals of SQL for database management and data manipulation should consider this Knowledge Academy certificate course. There are no prerequisites for enrolling in this course, and it is beginner-friendly. Students will receive hands-on training in how to use SQL to manage, maintain, and export large databases. Course topics include normalization, constraints, data types, types of SQL commands and statements, clauses and aggregate functions, joins, views, and triggers.

All attendees of this training will receive courseware, refreshments, and a digital delegate pack. This class is offered multiple times a year, and it is available in different formats, including live online and in-person.

Data Visualization and Analytics Boot Camp

This bootcamp offered by the University of Minnesota College of Continuing and Professional Studies takes a student-first approach to live online instruction. Students will receive collaborative, hands-on training with real-world data assets. This program allows students to customize a portion of their learning by focusing on the career path of interest with a capstone project. Students will learn the tools that will allow them to collect, organize, analyze, and visualize big data. Topics covered in this bootcamp include Microsoft Excel, Python data analytics, data visualization, web visualizations, and machine learning. Enrollees will also have the opportunity to explore advanced topics.

This bootcamp is a part-time program with classes held three times a week in the evenings. The bootcamp is taught by expert instructors who offer 1-on-1 guidance to students as they move throughout the program. Also included with this bootcamp are 24/7 learning assistance and access to a 1-on-1 tutor. Students will also have access to the free career resources center and the opportunity to build an impressive portfolio during the bootcamp that can be used to help in their job search.

Business Analytics Bootcamp

Students who are looking for a beginner-friendly bootcamp on data analytics and SQL can appreciate this course from the University of Minnesota in collaboration with IBM. This course teaches students how to make data-driven decisions using hands-on exercises and real-world datasets. Course topics include business analytics, hypothesis testing, data visualization, descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive statistics, and linear and logistic regression.

Although this is an online bootcamp, this course allows its students to attend in-person masterclasses taught by UMN faculty, access industry-specific training, and gain entry into the UMN Alumni Association.