Top Skills For 2019: SQL
If you’ve been around the technology industry any time at all, you’ve definitely heard of SQL. In fact, it’s so popular and widespread, you may have even heard about it if you have no tech experience at all.
With more than half of the world’s population using the internet, it’s good to have some web skills. But knowing this widely used programming language is one of the most desirable skills one can have in their professional toolbox.
So, why is knowing SQL one of the most important skills of 2019? Let’s take a look.
What is SQL?
SQL, or Structured Query Language, is used to view or change databases. It was first developed at IBM in the 1970s as a way to retrieve and manipulate data found in a relational database management system. Overtime, SQL has become the standard way to query and manipulate data in relational databases and a language that every developer should know how to read and how to code.
SQL is an English-like language, which makes it relatively easy for any English-speaking person to learn. In the simplest terms, everything you do in SQL is based on four basic operations: INSERT, SELECT, UPDATE, and DELETE. You will use these commands as you learn SQL to work with rows of data which are stored within tables inside a database (or organized collection of data).
Why does it matter in 2019?
SQL has been around for nearly 50 years, but it is still relevant today. Data is behind almost every decision we make and an extremely valuable asset, which perhaps makes SQL one of the most important languages you can learn in your career.
SQL is the most commonly used database language.
Despite a lot of NoSQL languages that have popped in up recently, SQL is still the primary language for managing data contained in relational database management systems. It powers the most commonly used database engines including Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, Redis, and others. Knowing how to write SQL queries will allow you to walk into almost any organization and immediately add value by helping them access and understand their data.
Employers want candidates that know SQL.
SQL skills are applicable in almost any application or database development, administration or support role. Even those outside the IT field can benefit from learning how to write SQL. Employers are looking for people who can access, update, organize and clean up data. SQL skills immediately make you a more self-sufficient employee. As someone who knows SQL, you will be valuable to employers and peers. Moreover, you can access information to find answers to important questions.
You can earn great money by knowing SQL.
CNBC listed SQL knowledge on its “5 skills that will lead to a high paying in demand job”. According to Payscale.com, the average SQL developer makes just over $72,000 per year. Indeed.com reports the average salary for SQL developer jobs on their site at $85,422. Even entry level SQL developers can make over $60,000 per year on average!
What can you do with it?
Learning SQL could lead to a job as a data analyst, business analyst, database administrator, quality assurance analyst, software engineer, systems administrator, developer, and many others. It’s also a good skill for people who make data driven decisions, such as product managers and marketers.
It is important to get the right training to help you fully understand the basic structure of relational databases. It’s equally important to know how to read and write SQL statements and use advanced data manipulation techniques. Learn more about SQL and how it can impact your career in ed2go’s SQL Series or jump right into to one of our SQL developer courses.
