Learn More About SQL Classes in Virginia
Structured Query Language (SQL) is a programming language used for communicating with relational database management systems. It was created in the 1970s by IBM researchers Donald Chamberlin and Raymond Boyce and has grown incredibly popular as more and more companies rely on the data collected in large databases. Stack Overflow’s 2024 Developer Survey shows that SQL is the fourth most commonly used programming language. It has many different types, or “flavors, ” including SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, and Oracle. While each flavor subscribes to the same syntax, they have different functions available to address specific data types.
What Can You Do with SQL Training?
With SQL training, you’ll be able to work with data from relational databases, performing queries, aggregating functions, manipulating data, and building tables. Understanding SQL will allow you to analyze data effectively so that you can obtain high-quality results. In an Indeed article titled “18 Key Data Analyst Skills To Get You Hired in 2024, ” the author rates SQL as the number one technical skill needed for working in data analysis. He comments, “SQL is a valuable tool for data analysts, so knowledge of its functionality is key.”
What Will I Learn in a SQL Class?
Most SQL classes start by introducing you to the unique syntax associated with this language. You’ll learn how to use a variety of different commands such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE to accomplish specific tasks. A class will also cover queries, which are statements that tell a database to perform a specific action. Queries can be used to filter data based on specific conditions. In addition, an SQL class will cover a variety of more advanced skills such as using joins to combine data from multiple sources and using aggregate functions to apply mathematical operations. In most classes, you’ll work on a variety of real-world projects to help you master your new skills. Finally, when you learn SQL, you’ll develop several soft skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving.
How Hard is It to Learn SQL?
A lot of people find it easier to learn SQL than some other programming languages because of this language’s relative simplicity and the fact that many of its keywords mean the same thing as they do in English. In an article titled “10 Uses of SQL (With Definition, Benefits and Examples), ” Indeed states, “Even professionals who have little to no coding background could learn the basics of SQL as a result of its simple syntax.” The more time you devote to practice, the easier you’re likely to find the learning process. Practice helps solidify new concepts and identify areas where you need additional review.
How Long Does It Take to Learn SQL?
Everyone learns SQL at a different pace; however, many people say that it’s possible to learn the basics within a few weeks, while mastery is likely to take months. If you’re already fluent in another programming language, you’re likely to learn more quickly. Having data analytics skills can also be helpful. If you want to speed up the learning process, you can try enrolling in a formal SQL class, where you’ll be guided through a comprehensive curriculum by an expert. Many people find that the feedback and accountability that come with a class help them learn more quickly.
Should I Learn SQL in Person or Online?
If you’re trying to decide between an in-person and online SQL class, you’ll need to consider the unique advantages and disadvantages of these two types of classes. In-person classes take place face-to-face. Some people find this format more engaging and interactive and say that it’s an easier way to learn new technical skills. Proponents of in-person learning also like that it’s easy to interact and network with other students, and that they can get immediate feedback and answers to questions. A disadvantage is that students have to commute to the classroom and can only choose from class options nearby.
Online learning may include more class options since there is no commute. This means that you can enroll in a class in another city or state. If you choose to take a live online class, you’ll still get a real-time lecture, the opportunity to ask questions and get immediate feedback, and the ability to interact with other students. A disadvantage is that you’ll have to provide your own equipment and software, and you may face more distractions, depending on where you decide to learn from. Another online class format is an on-demand class. The biggest advantage of taking an on-demand class is the flexibility—you can learn at your own pace, stopping and starting whenever you want to. The biggest disadvantage is that on-demand classes are not live, so you won’t be able to communicate with the instructor in real time.
Can I Learn SQL Free Online?
Free resources can be a valuable part of the SQL learning process. You’ll find a wide variety of options online. For instance, YouTube has many short, free tutorials focused on SQL such as those listed on the Noble Desktop channel. One popular Noble option is Intro to SQL, which provides an overview of what this language is and how it is used. If you’re serious about mastering this language, however, you’ll probably find that free resources are not comprehensive enough. Instead, most people decide to enroll in a formal class where they will be guided by an expert and can be confident that they are learning all the skills that they will need.
What Should I Learn Alongside SQL?
SQL is used in the field of data analytics, so if you’re learning this language it can be beneficial to learn additional data analytics skills. For instance, you might want to take a statistics class, since statistics is an integral part of this field. There are also several other programming languages commonly used in data analytics such as Java, R, and C#, and it can be helpful to learn one of these. Many people say that after you’ve learned one programming language, learning another is easier. Finally, you might want to consider learning about data analytics platforms such as Power BI, which are also common tools for individuals who work with data.
Industries That Use SQL
According to a recent report by Virginia Works, the top five industries in this state are health care and social assistance; professional, scientific, and technical services; retail trade; accommodation and food services; and manufacturing. All of these industries utilize databases, meaning that they all offer opportunities in SQL. The tech field also offers many SQL opportunities. According to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Virginia has a thriving tech sector. It states, “Thousands of tech firms and tech industry leaders have been attracted to Virginia by its combination of diverse, world-class talent, exceptional quality of life, attractive business climate, and competitive costs.” According to this organization, Virginia has the highest concentration of tech talent in the country, with 330,000 people working in tech occupations.
SQL Job Titles and Salaries
Data Scientist
Data Scientists collect, organize, and analyze data. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS) is a federal agency that publishes U.S. labor market data. It predicts 36 percent growth in data science jobs over the next decade, with more than 20,000 job openings each year. It says, “Employment growth for data scientists is expected to stem from an increased demand for data-driven decisions.” In Virginia, the average yearly salary for a Data Scientist is $131,000, according to Indeed.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts analyze financial information to help businesses make better decisions. Between 2023 and 2033, the BLS predicts 9 percent job growth in this field, with more than 30,000 job openings each year on average. It says, “These workers will be needed to evaluate investment opportunities when new businesses are established, or as existing businesses expand.” The average Financial Analyst salary in Virginia is $87,000 per year, according to Indeed.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers develop, test, and maintain software. The BLS predicts that over the next ten years, jobs in this field will grow by 17 percent. It says, “Increased demand for software developers, software quality assurance analysts, and testers will stem from the continued expansion of software development for artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and other automation applications.” In Virginia, the average salary for a Software Engineer is $104,000, according to data provided by Indeed.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators design, build, create, and maintain databases. They are also responsible for database security. Between 2023 and 2033, the BLS projects 9 percent job growth for this field, with 9,500 new jobs each year on average. It finds that the highest-paid industries for Database Administrators are computer systems, finance and insurance, management, and information. It also reports that Virginia has one of the highest concentrations of database administration jobs. According to Indeed, the average yearly salary for a Virginia Database Administrator is $111,000.
SQL Classes Near Me
Schools in Virginia’s Community Colleges offer SQL classes. For instance, Northern Virginia Community College has a Structured Query Language Course, which runs both in-person and virtually. Students learn about commands, functions, and operators for extracting data from databases.
Noble Desktop is a coding and design school that was founded in 1990. It offers in-person classes at its New York City campus, in addition to classes in a live online format. If you want to learn SQL, it offers an SQL Bootcamp. This is a multi-day class where you’ll learn how to write queries, join tables, and aggregate data. You’ll also learn how to filter data and group it. The course covers PostgreSQL and the free DBeaver app. It comes with a certificate of completion and a one-on-one training session. You’ll also have the option of doing a free retake within one year.
Another Noble Desktop option is the SQL Server Bootcamp. This course is a combination of Noble’s SQL Level 1,2, and 3 classes. You’ll learn how to write SQL queries, filter data, and group it. You’ll also learn advanced techniques including using aggregate functions, subqueries, and functions with parameters and stored procedures. The course also covers Microsoft SQL Server and SQL Server Management Studio. In addition, you’ll receive a one-on-one training session. Noble Desktop is licensed by the New York State Education Department.
You can also learn SQL as part of a longer, more comprehensive data analytics class. For instance, Noble Desktop runs a multi-week Data Analytics Certificate, which is designed to give you the skills you’ll need to work in data or business analytics. In this course, you’ll learn to use SQL, in addition to many other data analysis, data visualization, and statistical analysis skills. You’ll also work on several real-world data analysis projects, where you can practice gathering, wrangling, analyzing, and visualizing data. This course comes with eight one-on-one mentoring sessions.
Another SQL training option is to take a live online class through Certstaffix Training. This school was founded in 2008 and offers computer and business skills training classes. SQL Querying – Basic is a beginner-level class that covers programming databases, differentiating data types, writing select queries using modifiers like BETWEEN and NOT, using SQL’s built-in functions, and merging and altering tables. Certstaffix also offers SQL Querying – Advanced, which covers more complex skills like using scripts such as CROSS APPLY, OUTER APPLY, and MERGE statements. Certstaffix offers students the option of a free retake within six months and provides a certificate of completion.
SkillSpire also offers live online SQL training. Intro to Data Analytics provides immersive SQL training paired with instruction in Python and Microsoft Power BI. Students who take this class learn how to build relational databases using SQL and how to collect, analyze, and visualize this data. They will work on practical projects and build databases using real-world data. They will also learn to create their own databases and program dashboards.
General Assembly also runs SQL training classes. For instance, the SQL Bootcamp is a workshop that covers a wide range of different SQL skills. Students learn about SQL vocabulary, how to create basic queries, and how to apply SQL aggregate functions. They also learn to use CAST and advanced SQL commands and to use JOINS and apply UNION to tables and columns.
SQL Corporate Training
SQL expertise can be beneficial to many different types of companies. Noble Desktop makes gaining that expertise easy with its onsite and virtual SQL corporate training classes. Experienced instructors can customize a curriculum that meets your needs and offer a variety of flexible scheduling options. Participants also receive support materials to help reinforce what they learn in class.
Alternatively, you can purchase vouchers for Noble Desktop’s regular group classes and let employees enroll individually. There is a discount with bulk voucher purchases. To get more information about corporate training options or to schedule a consultation, contact Noble Desktop.