Now that you’ve put all the effort into learning something as complex as SQL, you’re probably wondering what kind of career to pursue. Proficiency in SQL can open a lot of doors, and a wider range of professions now need to know more about it as SQL becomes even more common.
As our virtual world expands, databases are being used in more fields and industries; many companies would not be able to function without them, and most of them use SQL to manage their databases. Recent reporting suggests that SQL is one of the most popular programming languages being utilized today. Read on to get a snapshot of some of the careers that use SQL regularly.
1. Data Scientist
This profession helps companies analyze large amounts of data to find trends and help find solutions to whatever problems the company may be facing. This career is hugely in demand at the moment. Aside from SQL, a successful data scientist also needs to have foundational skills in topics like Python, statistics, and Excel.
2. Business Analyst
These professionals are similar to data scientists in that they also help businesses gain insight into their current processes so they can make them more efficient, but they perform a more specific task called a gap analysis. This process uses SQL to locate disparate data sequences to identify specific areas that need improvement.
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3. Quality Assurance (QA) Testing
As a QA Tester, you’ll be responsible for checking new products for glitches and other defects. These can be things like mobile apps and video games depending on your interests and areas of expertise. The responsibilities of this profession include performing test scripts, analyzing results, and both documenting and communicating detailed information about your findings. QA Testers use SQL to quickly access relevant data so they can compare different versions of software to solve potential problems.
4. Software Engineering
As a software engineer, you’ll get to exercise your creative side by developing all kinds of computer programs and applications. Almost all careers in this industry require some level of SQL proficiency. You might also find that you’ll earn a higher salary than engineers who don’t know how to use SQL.
5. Research
Whether you research a university, the government, or a private agency, knowledge of SQL will help you organize all of the data you collect and make the analysis process easier as well. SQL also allows you to make predictions and keep track of trends in your data with ease.
6. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Specialist
AWS is one of the most widely used cloud services in the world today, and many of them contain SQL services. If you enjoy working with SQL and cloud technology interests you as well, this career could be the perfect intersection.
7. SQL Server Writer
Proficiency in SQL can lead you to agencies likeMSSQLTips and SQLServerCentral who often hire people to write articles about SQL so that other people can learn more about how it can enhance their businesses. These jobs are ideal for those who need to work from home and have a particular need for a flexible schedule.
8. Microsoft Certified Trainer
If you enjoy teaching and want to pass your SQL knowledge along to others, you could look into becoming a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT). This job allows you to teach others about Microsoft. You can also become certified in several different SQL Server skills that will boost your resume and help you become a more well-rounded instructor.
9. Database Administrator
A Database Administrators (DBA) is responsible for designing and maintaining databases for a variety of applications, usually using SQL to do so. With maintenance comes the management of security, automation methods for increased efficiency, and knowledge of different approaches for data recovery.
10. Journalist
It might surprise you to learn that SQL can be useful for careers that don’t necessarily require a lot of technical expertise, but that’s not always the case. Journalists often need to quickly sort through a great deal of information. Those who are comfortable using SQL can do so in a fraction of the time it would take other journalists. Therefore, journalists who know SQL are more in demand than those who don’t; the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists even named SQL one of the most essential tools that a journalist should learn.
Learn SQL With Career Centers
Ready to learn more about SQL and boost your resume? Check out the SQL classes available at Career Centers. These courses are all led by expert instructors and can be taken live online or in-person at the Career Centers campus in Manhattan. There is a Level I, Level II, and a Level III course available. Each course is eight hours long and can be taken on weekdays, evenings, or weekends to work with your schedule. Level I is open to beginners while Levels II and III require participants to complete the previous course before registering.
If you’re interested in taking all three of these courses, check out the SQL Bootcamp offered by Career Centers. This is a three-day class that covers the same material at a reduced cost. All courses also offer free retakes within one year so students can be sure to solidify their knowledge and feel confident with their new skills.