SQL, short for structured query language, is a coding language used to store and process information in a relational database. SQL statements can be used to retrieve, store, update, remove, and search information contained in a database, as well as to optimize database performance. An important aspect of receiving professional SQL training to set yourself up for a career change is learning what kinds of fields and industries that training will help you find work in. Each industry has different requirements and expectations for prospective employees, and you should consider these expectations when you start your training. This is true for students who have an idea of what kind of work they want to do and for students who aren’t yet sure what path they want to take after learning SQL skills.

What is SQL?

SQL, or Structured Query Language, is a standard language used to communicate with relational databases. Organizations across industries rely on SQL to access and work with the data contained in their databases. Important business information about products, customers, or orders is just some data an organization may store in a database. Among its many uses, SQL has applications for searching, updating, and maintaining databases. It can also insert or delete records from databases and change the database's actual structure by creating or deleting tables and objects.

SQL operates on local intranet or internet systems and can be used on laptops, PCs, servers, and some mobile devices. Even though SQL is considered to be a relatively simple programming language, it is a powerful tool for helping users retrieve the specific information they need within a large database. Those working with SQL don’t need coding skills and can instead use basic keywords such as “update” or “select” to perform data queries.

Some of the most-used relational database management systems that use SQL are Microsoft SQL Server, Ingres, Access, and Oracle. 

Read more about what SQL is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with SQL Skills?

For anyone who works with data, SQL knowledge is a must. Many fields and disciplines use this language to communicate with relational databases. SQL’s flexibility is designed to help you use statements based on English to query a database in multiple ways. Because SQL is the most-used database language, nearly every organization that has to store relational data relies on SQL, including major corporations such as Amazon, Google, and Uber. In addition, websites such as Facebook use SQL to store back-end data and process data.

SQL has a wide range of built-in functions that are useful for data analytics:

• SQL COUNT can count how many rows are in a table
• SQL MAX provides a way to select the highest value for a given column
• SQL MIN lets users choose the minimum value for a column
• SQL SUM totals the values in a column
• SQL AVG can calculate the average within table columns

In addition, SQL has other useful applications for handling large volumes of data:

• It can add, update, or delete records within a database
• SQL can create new databases
• SQL users can add new tables to an existing database
• SQL can create views or stored procedures in a database
• It can establish permissions on views, tables, and procedures.

Common Industries That Use SQL

SQL plays a vital role in any industry where people must communicate with relational databases. For this reason, it’s a popular tool in a range of data-related jobs. Professionals such as Data Scientists, Data Analysts, Software Engineers, and Database Architects all rely on this programming language for daily tasks. The following sections will briefly explore the role SQL plays in these professions, as well as the job outlook and duties for these professionals.

Data Science

One of the main tasks a Data Scientist does is analyze data. However, before they can begin the analytics process, they must extract data from databases. SQL has become the standard for database systems. This is why a significant number of database platforms, such as Spark and Hadoop, are modeled on SQL. This language has a range of applications for processing structured data and maintaining relational database systems. 

If you’re interested in becoming a Data Scientist, SQL knowledge is essential. Data Scientists use SQL to handle structured data from within a relational database. To query this data, they must be well-versed in SQL. Large platforms like Hadoop even have an extension to query SQL commands to manipulate data via HiveQL. Data Scientists also use SQL to create test environments to experiment with data. When performing data analytics on the data stored in a relational database like Oracle or MySQL, SQL is a requirement. It’s also needed to perform tasks like data preparation and wrangling.

Data Scientists are paid well for their work. The average pay for a Data Analyst is $100,000, which is well above the national average pay rate for all professions. In addition, the job outlook for this profession remains quite strong. Over the course of the next decade, this field is expected to grow by 36%. Over 13,000 jobs are projected to be added every year until 2031.

Database Architecture

Database Architect work with programming languages like SQL to create specific software for organizations or businesses. These professionals are involved with the development, design, and implementation of these computer programs, as well as their maintenance, so that the information within them can be stored and organized. Database Architects also create and implement software for various users’ needs. 

A database management system’s architecture dictates how the system will be designed. Some are centralized, whereas others are decentralized or hierarchical; in addition, some are single-tier, and others are multi-tier. Data Architects are involved with evaluating an organization’s current data architecture to make sure the database remains secure. They also perform tasks like translating various organization requirements into data streams, data warehouses, and databases. Additionally, Data Architects evaluate and define the data framework with regard to reference data, metadata, security, and master data. These professionals do far more than create SQL tables; they create principles and standards based on business requirements.

Database Architects make an average yearly salary of $100,000. The projected job growth of this profession over the next ten years is also strong, with an anticipated 9% expansion. This is over the national average. More than 11,000 job openings are expected in the U.S. in data architecture from 2021 to 2031.

Data Analytics

Data Analysts analyze raw data to spot trends, patterns, and outliers. They then create data visualizations based on their findings, which can be shared with other internal or external stakeholders. The insights found during the data analytics process are valuable for organizations because they can inform their decision-making process. 

Data Analysts rely on a range of tools and techniques when working with data. They use Excel to organize data, Tableau to visualize it, and programming languages like Python or SQL to analyze it. In particular, SQL is important to these data professionals because it allows them to query data to gain insights. When presented with millions or billions of data cells, organizations must find ways to efficiently leverage this information. SQL can help Data Analysts perform tasks like testing the number of purchases that happened in a given area and pull this information in only seconds. Data Analysts earn approximately $70,000 a year.

Software Engineering

Software Engineers create applications and computer systems that can solve real-world problems. Also known as Software Developers, these professionals are also tasked with designing the software that’s used in computers and applications. Software Engineers also manage the data that’s stored in relational database systems. SQL allows them to perform data tasks like querying and updating the data, as well as reorganizing it as necessary. In addition, this language has applications for modifying the schema of databases to control how accessible the data are. 

When they access relational databases, Software Engineers rely on SQL’s fast data retrieval speed and connectivity. In addition, this language’s “sharding” feature. This helps them separate databases into smaller, faster, and more manageable components. Because of these features, SQL remains one of the best options for Software Engineers to use when communicating with databases.

Software Engineers with SQL knowledge are currently in high demand and are well-compensated for their work. On average, Software Engineers earn $110,000 annually. The job outlook for this profession is quite strong as well. Over the course of the next decade, this field is expected to experience a 25% growth, which is well above the national average. In 2021, there were more than 1.5 million software engineering jobs. Nearly 165,000 job openings are projected every year until 2021 for those in software engineering.

Learn SQL Skills with Noble Desktop

When learning SQL for a career, many people choose instructor-led classes, which provide personalized assistance and in-the-moment feedback on their code. If you’re interested in learning the basics of SQL or receiving more advanced instruction, Noble Desktop has multiple course offerings in SQL. Classes are available in the live-online environment as well as in-person in New York City. 

Those new to using SQL can enroll in Noble’s SQL Level 1, a beginner-friendly class designed to teach students the basics of working with this language. Throughout this instructor-led, one-day course, students build a foundation in SQL by learning about rows, columns, tables, and basic filtering. By course completion, participants will have a solid understanding of database architecture and will be able to write basic SQL queries for Microsoft SQL Server.

If you’re looking to learn more advanced SQL concepts, Noble also offers an SQL Bootcamp led by expert instructors. Those enrolled in this 18-hour course receive hands-on instruction on core SQL skills, such as how to write queries, filter and group data, and combine information from various tables using join statements. Participants in this small class also gain experience working with PostgreSQL as well as the free DBeaver app. All students have the option of a free retake of the course if they wish to brush up on their SQL skills. Prospective students can also learn more about SQL with Noble’s learning resources.

Key Takeaways

• SQL is one of the most popular languages for communicating with relational databases. 
• Those with SQL knowledge have a range of professional opportunities in data science and analytics, data architecture, and software engineering. 
• Data Scientists use SQL to extract information from databases so it can be analyzed. Data Analysts use it to quickly perform data queries. Database Architects rely on SQL to design particular types of software for their organization. In addition, Software Engineers use this language because of its fast data retrieval speed and connectivity.
• If you’re interested in learning more about SQL, Noble Desktop has in-person and live online classes that provide comprehensive training with this programming language.