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If you’ve looked at openings for data science positions recently, you’ve likely noticed that quite a few (if not most or all) require experience with structured query language, otherwise known as SQL. Data professionals use SQL to manage data points, and knowing SQL allows you to access and modify data in relational databases.
But how do you go about learning SQL? It’s not something you can get a degree in, but it is essential for most data jobs. Thankfully, a crop of bootcamps has arisen to fill this void. Here’s our shortlist of the best SQL bootcamps to help you grow your skillset.
What Is an SQL Bootcamp?
SQL bootcamps are intensive programs that prepare you for a job working with SQL. Many tech positions—including data science roles and web development roles—often list SQL as a required or preferred skill, and one way to set yourself apart from other candidates is to master SQL. These SQL bootcamps can take you through core concepts in a short period, usually less than a year. You can learn in person or online at your own pace.
What Makes a Good SQL Bootcamp? Our Criteria Explained
We combed through SQL bootcamps currently available and shortlisted the best ones. Our criteria were determined by our team of subject matter experts and career coaches who have been in the programming space for years. To create this list of the 8 best SQL bootcamps, we looked at the syllabus quality and teaching medium, the experience of instructors, project components, affordability, certification, and overall rating.
Remember, the relevance of these factors will differ from person to person. You have to identify the bootcamp that aligns with your learning needs, budget, time commitments, and other relevant factors.
Consider the following factors we used to evaluate various SQL bootcamps:
Syllabus
SQL is not a new programming language, so you must ensure your chosen bootcamp reflects the most updated information in their syllabus. So if a SQL bootcamp teaches outdated database skills and functionalities, it’s better to skip that bootcamp. Skim through short database courses to understand what you need to cover.
Quality and Experience of Instructors
Your goal should be to find a bootcamp with an instructor or instructors who match your teaching style and have ample experience in the industry. Scour through faculty profiles and sift through some videos to gauge whether their teaching style suits you.
Practical Projects
Any good SQL bootcamp will go beyond theory. All of the bootcamps featured on our list include real-world challenges and the application of knowledge through hands-on projects and practical assignments. A strong project component will give you a peek into the tasks you might encounter at an entry-level job. You will also get to build a portfolio to enhance your job applications.
Certifications
SQL certifications validate your knowledge and indicate to potential employers that you have the discipline to follow through on upskilling. SQL bootcamps that prep students for certifications will help you save time further down your learning path.
Ratings
Reviews and ratings about the courses you are considering will help you filter your options further. Check legitimate review websites like Trustpilot, Course Report, and SwitchUp to read what bootcamp graduates are highlighting about their experience. You can also look up reviews on tech forums on Slack and Reddit.
Affordability
The most expensive bootcamp aren’t necessarily the best. Consider bootcamps that offer job guarantees which refund the fee if you don’t land a job. Most bootcamps also have flexible payment options and scholarships.
Flexible Learning Options
Choose an SQL bootcamp that has a teaching medium that works for you. This could be in-person with fixed timings or online and self-paced with pre-recorded classes. Some online bootcamps also have live classes if you want the classroom experience without the commute. No matter your schedule, you’ll find a flexible option that is an excellent fit for you.
8 Best SQL Bootcamps
Here’s our list of the best SQL bootcamps. We cover everything you need to know about pricing, the bootcamp’s focus, and more.
Springboard
The Springboard Data Science Bootcamp is a flexible, online course that is ideal for professionals looking to upskill or transition to data science roles. You can complete it in 6-7 months by committing 15-20 hours per week.
Springboard’s comprehensive data science syllabus has been developed in partnership with DataCamp, and covers a range of essential concepts, including problem identification, data science methods, and data wrangling. Beyond SQL, the course also focuses on Python, data storytelling, and machine learning. The SQL section of the bootcamp is integral. You’ll learn to navigate relational database management systems using SQL to understand data.
At Springboard, a career coach will help you with your job search and career goals. They will also advise you on interview preparation, personal brand building, and salary negotiation.
PRICE
$9,900
RATING
FEATURES
- 1-on-1 mentorship
- Real-world application with 28 projects
- Pre-work module for complete beginners
- Personalized career support
JOB GUARANTEE
Yes
W3Schools
This live online SQL bootcamp from W3Schools is 3 weeks long. Classes are held across different time zones three evenings per week, and each class is 2 hours long. The bootcamp covers structuring and extracting data for analysis from databases, and you’ll also learn how to interact with data through querying and writing scripts. The classes will cover the relevance of SQL in both frontend and backend development so that by the time you’re done, you will have a solid knowledge base of the entire software development cycle. Through capstone projects, you will experience how to collaborate and develop real-world applications.
PRICE
$495
RATING
FEATURES
- No 1-on-1 mentorship
- 18 hours of live instruction
- Graduates receive a “Certified SQL Developer” certificate
- Personalized mentorship and career services
- Access to alum community and resources
JOB GUARANTEE
No
Zero To Mastery
The goal of the Zero to Mastery SQL bootcamp is to convert beginners with no prior experience with databases into experts. The course has a repository of lectures and videos, so you can study at your own pace.
The bootcamp covers multiple databases, such as PostgreSQL, SQL, MySQL, Redis, and more. You will also learn how machine learning comes into play during big data projects. The bootcamp also focuses on the business challenges of database administration, i.e., how database problems interact with market decisions based on user data.
By the end of the bootcamp, you can apply for the roles of SQL developers, backend developers, database administrators, and business analysts. Students use real-world data to generate insights as part of the project component. The bootcamp also focuses on how you can collaborate with sales representatives, marketing teams, and product managers with your data analysis.
PRICE
$39/month, $279/year
RATING
FEATURES
- No 1-on-1 mentorship
- Pre-recorded lectures
- 14 modules with over 200 lectures
- Experienced instructors who work as software developers and engineers
- Lifetime access to videos and lectures
JOB GUARANTEE
No
BrainStation
BrainStation’s comprehensive online data science and analytics bootcamp can be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis. You can do full-time classes online, or on-campus in New York, London, Vancouver, or Toronto. Regardless of the medium, your schedule will include a morning kickoff session, where you will review previous classes’ content. The main lecture will consist of activities, projects, and coding demos. After a brief pause for lunch, you will have another lecture session accompanied by a lab challenge (individual and group).
The SQL module is an essential part of this bootcamp. You’ll learn to write advanced scripts and dig through data to highlight patterns within large data sets.
PRICE
$16,500
RATING
FEATURES
- 1-on-1 coaching
- Choice between online or in-person (for both part-time/full-time programs)
- Access to a network of hiring partners
- Career services with resume workshops and SQL interview support from Day 1
JOB GUARANTEE
No
Udemy
Udemy has a repository of online SQL courses for you to try out. Each goes over a wide range of advanced concepts at various difficulty levels. Microsoft SQL, PostgreSQL, and general programming basics of SQL are some topics you can explore. Some courses are short, with just about 50 (or fewer) lectures. Others are longer, with over 600 lectures.
PRICE
Free, paid (starting from $15)
RATING
FEATURES
- No 1-on-1 mentorship
- Pre-recorded lectures
- Self-paced learning
- Multiple language options
- Mix of quizzes, exercises, and practice tests
JOB GUARANTEE
No
Udacity
This SQL Nanodegree Program from Udacity is for beginners with only basic computer skills. You can complete this course in under two months if you invest five to ten hours a week. The SQL program consists of two courses.
The first course is an introduction to SQL, which culminates in students completing a project on shrinking forest areas around the globe. You will learn to write core SQL commands to define and manipulate data tables, and the course also covers data cleaning and query optimization.
The second course goes over relational and non-relational database systems. You will learn how to build data structures and relational data models, with the module culminating in a project on news aggregator. You can track your progress throughout the program and run your code to check outputs.
PRICE
$272
RATING
FEATURES
- No 1-on-1 mentorship
- Customized study plans
- Real-world projects
- On-demand career support
- Personalized feedback on projects
JOB GUARANTEE
No
Coding Dojo
The Software Development Bootcamp from Coding Dojo covers advanced SQL concepts. You can pick the duration and medium of instruction. The online full-time program is 16 weeks long, and students must commit 70 to 90 hours weekly to complete it within this time. For those looking for part-time options, you can opt for the online accelerated program, which will last anywhere between 18 to 34 weeks. You’ll have to commit 10-15 hours per week for this module.
You’ll get an introduction to MySQL within the Python stack, including database design, entity relationship diagrams, and basic MySQL queries and functions. The course also covers how to use MySQL with Flask and Java Spring. Midway through the course, you will learn how to write and interpret queries using MySQL for advanced SQL analysis.
PRICE
$9,995-$16,995
RATING
FEATURES
- No 1-on-1 mentorship
- 1 project per stack
- 24/7 cohort access
- Office hours
- Lifetime career coaching services
JOB GUARANTEE
No
General Assembly
The Data Analytics Immersive Program from General Assembly is 12 weeks long and ideal for beginners. This online bootcamp conducts classes in real-time, and you’ll also have the option to attend the bootcamp in person at one of General Assembly’s campuses around the globe. Students who want a blended option can participate in the “Connected Classroom” program. You will get access to GA’s tutors worldwide remotely and the chance to learn from local instructors in a more hands-on manner.
The course teaches SQL usage to generate statistical models. Through this data analytics program, you’ll explore the role of SQL across each step of the data analysis process.
PRICE
$16,450
RATING
FEATURES
- No 1-on-1 mentorship
- Online live classes
- Personalized career advice
- Portfolio-building support
- Access to alums community
JOB GUARANTEE
No
Making the Most out of an SQL Bootcamp
Arm yourself with this information to make the most out of your SQL bootcamp:
How Do SQL Bootcamps Work?
Since SQL bootcamps include projects with real-world applications, you’ll gain hands-on experience. These SQL bootcamps help you build your portfolio and sharpen in-demand skills for SQL jobs.
Are There Any Prerequisites for an SQL Bootcamp?
Some bootcamps accept beginners. Others require students to have some programming experience and understanding of statistical concepts before enrollment.
What Should You Expect To Learn During a SQL Bootcamp?
You will learn how to structure and analyze data from databases using SQL. You can then write SQL scripts that can automate numerous data tasks.
The following are some of the topics covered in a SQL bootcamp:
- What is SQL, and why is it used
- Different kinds of SQL (Postgres v. SQL server, etc.)
- Database tables and navigators
- SQL Query Editors
- Writing SQL statements
- Data Types
- Relational database concepts
- Advanced Query Techniques
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What Kinds of Jobs Can You Get After an SQL Bootcamp?
You can get the following jobs after an SQL bootcamp:
Web Developer Positions
Being able to form SQL queries is a vital part of a web developer’s job. You will become an indispensable web developer or full-stack developer when you can efficiently perform CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) commands using SQL.
Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst Roles
As a business intelligence analyst, you will examine complex data sets to identify opportunities for expansion and improvement in business metrics and strategy. This requires a gap analysis of data. When you know SQL, you’ll be able to scour through data better to deliver recommendations based on patterns. Combining SQL with business intelligence tools will make you competitive for business intelligence analyst roles.
Data Roles
Data scientist, data analyst, and database admin roles are popular choices after completing an SQL bootcamp. The scope for SQL within data is unlimited. You can land data engineer jobs when you pair SQL with other skill sets like Python or ETL.
Software Engineering Jobs
As a software engineer, you will develop software solutions for business goals and consumer needs. These can include apps, network systems, games, and other software products. To build these, you need to master programming languages and SQL. You can get a high-paying software engineering job when you know how to efficiently extract and manipulate data using SQL along with other software engineering skills.
FAQs About SQL Bootcamps
Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about SQL bootcamps:
Is an SQL Bootcamp Worth It?
SQL bootcamps are worth it if you choose the right one. Scour through SQL bootcamps to identify the ones that match your learning goals. The one with a job guarantee, interview prep support, and project-based modules will be an excellent investment.
Is SQL Still Relevant?
SQL is one of the most commonly used programming languages in data science roles. It is a required skill under most data roles. You will benefit from sharpening your SQL skills to prepare for a career in tech in 2023 and beyond.
How Long Does SQL Training Take?
SQL training can take up to a year with the right resources and academic support.
Are There Any Good Free SQL Bootcamps or Resources?
Yes, you can supplement your learning journey with the following free SQL bootcamps and resources:
- Stanford’s Databases course, which covers relational databases and SQL
- PostgreSQL exercises to apply your SQL knowledge
- SQLBolt
- Programming With Mosh’s SQL course on YouTube (3 hours)
- Benn Brumm’s SQL cheat sheets and downloadable resources
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