What Classes to Take to Become a SQL Developer

Those wanting to become an SQL Developer can take an SQL bootcamp and other relevant classes to get 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 Server SQL, 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 or flavors. 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 one 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 so that their employer can 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, like Git or Mercurial. Version control will allow one to track any changes team members make to code in a database and it will be 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 one topic over a short amount of time. An SQL bootcamp will often teach novice SQL learners both beginning and more advanced skills so that students only need to take one class rather than a few different classes. Students in an SQL bootcamp can expect to learn a variety of things 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 flavor of 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 bootcamp to prospective SQL Developers working within Oracle or Microsoft’s environments. Even for those who need to learn MySQL or Server SQL, in particular, starting with one flavor or dialect of SQL should allow them to learn the foundations of SQL and then later learn the syntax differences in other flavors, 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 at all points so that there is someone there to answer questions, provide further examples, or troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Additionally, many bootcamps, in general, are career-oriented but in-person and live online options are most likely to offer explicit help and support to students looking for jobs after completing the course. Career support can look like help with building a portfolio or updating a student’s LinkedIn profile. It can also look like career mentorship meetings, advice for navigating the job market, 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 so that you can find the class that will work best for your schedule. An alternative to a standard accelerated SQL bootcamp would be an individual beginner SQL class or series of classes that would teach the same skills but over a longer time. 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 options as well as on-demand classes that will fulfill these needs. 

Python Class

SQL Developers are often expected to know various programming languages as these will 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 together will allow 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 one can use 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 will not only teach the basics of programming in this language but also guide students through hands-on practice with using Python for things like web or software development, web crawling, data mining, or data visualization. Additionally, one can find Python and SQL on-demand classes that will 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 at once 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 will 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 do some data analysis themselves meaning that familiarity with BI software will be useful in this case. 

Tableau and Power BI are two commonly learned and used software programs. Both are software suites one can access with a monthly subscription and both 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 which will teach proficiency in that particular software. There are also general BI classes that will teach the principles of BI, might include information about the role of a Business Analyst, or even incorporate modules that teach SQL alongside BI software. It can aid an SQL Developer’s marketability to apply for jobs already having experience working with BI software rather than needing to learn it on the job, making a BI class a great option to consider. 

Version Control System Class

SQL Developers rarely work alone. Instead, many will be working on a larger team 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 like Git or Mercurial becomes useful. A version control system will aid an SQL Developer in collaborating with other team members and will allow a team to track any changes made to the scripts they are writing. 

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. Often, courses specific to Git (or other singular version control systems) will provide an overview of version control before teaching how to use that specific version control for one’s needs. Version control is also often taught in web development classes, as it is particularly useful for Web Developers, so prospective SQL Developers who want to learn some web development skills for marketability can consider taking one of 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 that 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 with full-time and part-time scheduling options. Those with no experience with SQL will want to start by taking a beginning-level class or bootcamp and those looking for comprehensive, career-oriented SQL training should consider a bootcamp or a certificate program. 

Noble offers two SQL bootcamps that will 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 flavor of SQL students will learn in each bootcamp. The SQL Bootcamp teaches PostgreSQL, can be taken by those with a Mac or a PC, and is useful for those following the SQL Developer career path or going into data science or data analytics careers. The SQL Server Bootcamp is specific to Microsoft’s database management system which is often used by businesses and requires students to have a PC. The core concepts students learn in each bootcamp will be the same, so students should be able to learn other flavors of SQL, as needed, after completing either bootcamp.

Noble also offers singular SQL classes for beginners (SQL Level 1), intermediate learners (SQL Level 2), and advanced learners (SQL Level 3). These classes are a great option for those who want to get started learning SQL but who want to avoid taking an intensive SQL class or enrolling in a bootcamp. Noble’s SQL Bootcamp is also part of multiple data-related career-oriented certificate programs, including the Data Analytics Certificate and the Data Science Certificate. Both certificate programs are comprehensive and are intended to provide students with all of the skills they will need to get started as a Data Analyst or Data Scientist upon completion.