While you can learn SQL (Structured Query Language) on your own, for most people, it is extremely helpful to take a few classes. So why not try out an SQL course in NYC? Even well-seasoned experts in the language can benefit from a refresher or advanced course, as these courses often provide a new perspective.
Whether you are sold on taking a course or are still on the fence, we highly recommend looking through the best online SQL classes in NYC listed below. Location is almost as important as the quality of the course, and who doesn’t love New York City?
What Is SQL?
For those who don’t quite understand it, SQL can be a bit confusing. Simply put, SQL is a database programming language that was designed to communicate with databases. Coders use SQL to write queries that create, manipulate, manage, and delete data.
It is often debated whether SQL should be taught at all anymore, as it is considered somewhat outdated. However, the beauty of SQL is that it can be used to communicate with almost any other coding language. This means that anyone with SQL training can work more seamlessly with other programming languages that a company may use. So, even though it is an old language, it is far from outdated.
Who Uses SQL?
The easiest response is coders. Almost everyone who uses SQL or its relevant database management systems is a coder. Everyone from community college board members to data analysis professionals will use SQL as it is a versatile language that is easy to learn.
Many self-taught programmers also use SQL. Displaying SQL skills on a resume is a great way to show potential employers that you have what it takes to oversee their company’s database management system. Using your portfolio to show your projects made with SQL programming is a good way to show potential employers your skills.
Careers for SQL Professionals
There are many careers available for SQL programming professionals. With positions for beginners as well as experts, there truly is a job for everyone with this skill. Some of the most common positions include programmers, software engineers, web architects, database developers, and systems analysts.
While all of these positions will be offered by a multitude of companies, there is also a growing community of SQL programmers who choose to work freelance. This type of work may not be suitable for everyone, but for many, it is a huge relief to be able to choose who you make contracts with, what hours you will work, and what specific tasks you want to take on.
SQL Salary and Job Outlook
So, how much can you make as an SQL programmer? Well, the pay won’t really be based on whether you are an expert in SQL, but rather the jobs that this useful skill will open you up to. Some companies will offer a higher salary to a candidate who is fluent in SQL versus one who is not.
Working as a programmer, you can expect to earn anywhere between $50,000 to $140,000 annually, though the average is around $86,500, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unfortunately, its employment prediction for computer programmers is a bit grim, with an expected nine percent drop in employment over the next decade. This is all the more reason to start learning programming language skills now that will help you beat out your competition in the future.
The Best SQL Classes in NYC
These SQL classes in New York City are offered at a variety of levels and each focuses on different skills. Whether you still need to learn SQL fundamentals or are ready to learn advanced concepts, at least one of the courses below will be right for you. Each one covers SQL concepts that every programmer should know.
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Course: Introduction to SQL for Data Analytics
Level: Beginner
Duration: 5 weeks
Cost: $699
This Introduction to SQL for Data Analytics course is provided through the Borough of Manhattan Community College. This beginner-level course meets once a week for five weeks and teaches a solid educational base for students hoping to use SQL in the field of data analytics. Since the course is offered through a community college, the cost is a bit lower than a four-year school, at $699.
During your time in this course, you are guaranteed to learn how to store and query large sets of data. You will get a career-centered education that is designed to prepare you for work as a database professional. If you are still interested in learning more, there are plenty of advanced courses you can take through this community college after you have completed this prerequisite class.
Baruch College
Course: Database Management with Microsoft SQL Server
Level: Intermediate
Duration: 5 weeks
Cost: $605
Baruch College, one of the schools within City University of New York’s schools, offers this Database Management with Microsoft SQL Server course for $605. The course is aimed at those who intend to work in database management, but unlike the course detailed above, this one is intermediate. To sign up, it requires that students already have a foundation in SQL.
This course is held once a week for five consecutive weeks. Baruch College provides students with enterprise-quality software to use while studying, which gives a feel for the business world they are planning to enter. By the time you finish this course, you can expect to have learned all about Transact-SQL, database design, diagramming, creation, and recovery/backup.
ONLC Training Centers
Course: Querying Data with Transact-SQL
Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Duration: 3 to 5 days
Cost: $2,795
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ONLC Training Centers is well-known for offering training courses and sessions for groups of employees, but also has classes for individuals. In this Querying Data with Transact-SQL course, you can either spend three days learning the basics or five days studying advanced concepts, after which you will earn a certificate.
This course is recommended for anyone with a beginner to intermediate level of Transact-SQL knowledge, so it is up to you to determine if this is the right course to take. If you know a bit about Transact-SQL, you should have no issue in this class but it may be a bit more challenging for those with no foundation in the field.
General Assembly
Course: SQL Bootcamp Series
Level: Beginner
Duration: 2 days
Cost: $375
General Assembly is known nationwide for its fantastic tech bootcamps, so it is no surprise that their SQL Bootcamp Series is one of the best in New York City. This course is designed for beginners or more advanced professionals who want a bit of a refresher in SQL. It costs $375 and takes place in two daylong sessions.
During this course, you will learn everything a beginner needs to know about using SQL. While you will start with very basic concepts and will quickly move into more advanced territory. This is not to say you will become an expert after finishing the course, but you will be well on your way to a thriving career in SQL programming.
Practical Programming
Course: SQL Bootcamp
Level: Beginner
Duration: 18 hours
Cost: $975
Practical Programming, a partner of computer training school Noble Desktop, offers this fantastic SQL Bootcamp. The bootcamp takes 18 hours to complete over the course of three days. It is designed for beginners and focuses primarily on the fundamental concepts of SQL. However, it can also make for a nice refresher class for experts if you feel you are out of practice with SQL.
The course is broken down into five subjects: foundations, querying, adding data, combining tables, and advanced topics. By the end of this course, you will be ready to take on an intermediate-level SQL programming job.
Should I Take an SQL Course in NYC?
Still wondering if you should be taking an SQL course in NYC? We get it. Deciding these things can take time. But, we definitely think you should go for it. The more SQL courses you take, the more you will improve, and the better your career prospects will become. So, if you want to advance your career, take one of the SQL courses in NYC listed above.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.