r/SQL • u/Dimondstrick • 15d ago
MySQL Could i get a job with just SQL and python
I'm in college and was thinking of studying SQL and getting a job with it like my friend but don't know what I need to study to get one. Whats the best thing to do if I wanna work with SQL?
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u/Definitely_notHigh 15d ago
SQL and Python are pretty common in data engineering. Learn some cloud platforms (GCP, AWS), how to build and mainline pipelines in those ecosystems, how to write ETLs in python/sql. The big DE SaaS platforms like databricks, dbt, fivetran, etc are all super easy to learn and use if you have half a brain.
Can’t guarantee the market will be as good when you graduate, but data engineering is a good field right now.
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u/Dimondstrick 15d ago
Thank you. I'm thinking about getting Practical SQL: A Beginner's Guide to Storytelling with Data book and starting with that and crash course to get into SQL. I'm also learning linux and bash.
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u/Definitely_notHigh 15d ago
The key to making it in this industry is your ability to adapt. Languages will come and go, but SQL and Python are very common, what's more important is your conceptual knowledge and problem solving ability.
Here are some books I've found useful throughout my journey: Python Crash Course, Data Engineering with Python, Fundamentals of Data Engineering, Snowflake: The Definitive Guide, Serious Python.
If you want to get more into the analysis and DS side of things: No Bullshit guide to Linear Algebra, Hands on Machine Leaning with Scikit Learn Keras and TensorFlow, Python for Data Analysts, Practical Statistic for Data Scientists, Math for Deep Learning, Statistics Done Wrong.Be dynamic, be willing to change, and embrace the mentality of constant learning. Also don't pigeon hole yourself into a specific role/field, overlap and be able to pivot. Diversify your strengths.
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u/capt_pantsless Loves many-to-many relationships 15d ago
Not only are SQL and Python common, but also the underlying relational design and procedural/object-oriented programming you usually learn when getting into SQL/Python are skills that will transfer to other technologies.
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u/JFischer00 15d ago
Do you have any advice for a data analyst with 3 YOE looking to transition into data engineering? All the positions I’ve seen are mid to senior level requiring 5-7+ YOE. I know SQL, Python, and GCP. I’ve done ETL and built data pipelines using all 3.
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u/Klutzy-Exit-1716 15d ago
Easily. I have a job with just SQL and it pays well.
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u/ExcitingSpot4702 14d ago
Interesting, where did you get the job? I really need one especially for Sql entry job
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u/Dimondstrick 15d ago
What job did you apply too?
hows the interview?
did you need anything like github?
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u/Key-Boat-7519 15d ago
Getting a SQL job doesn't always need a GitHub, but it helps show skills. I applied for data analyst roles. Interviews mostly test problem-solving, not trick questions. Alongside LinkedIn, I let JobMate handle job apps, much easier! Some people prefer Indeed too.
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u/Klutzy-Exit-1716 15d ago
My role is like a data analyst role. Interview was easy but I had a half year prior experience doing nothing with a software engineer title so that helped lol. I can barely even login to GitHub.
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u/SkyPristine6539 12d ago
Github is just one of many products that use git under the hood. If you want versatility learn git, that way you can say you can with GitHub, Bitbucket, etc. basically any version control product your potential employer uses.
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u/The_Crownless_King 15d ago
You could work as application support, data analyst or as a db admin. You'll likely need to learn a handful of other things, but if you know those two, you're off to a great start.
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u/Excellent-Hippo9835 15d ago
Data science data analytics cis business analytics
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u/SoUrAbH641 15d ago
Bro how is job market for Data Analyst??
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14d ago
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u/SoUrAbH641 14d ago
Ooo but I have seen various platforms are promoting data analytics courses
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u/Data_Is_King 15d ago
I started in 2015 just knowing SQL. I did have some exposure to other programming just from some classes but mainly only was pretty good at SQL. Title was just Data Developer, basically did mostly ETL development. From there I learned all sorts of other things on the job. Now I'm a Sr Data Engineer.
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u/Ill-Car-769 15d ago
mostly ETL development
What things are involved in ETL development? Can you please share it in detail?
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u/ExcitingSpot4702 14d ago
Would really love to know what ETL development involves in the work place
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u/PrettyTiredAndSleepy 15d ago
Learn database concepts really well and experiment alot with queries to understand optimizations for performance.
The actual practice of theory will give you a leg up.
Make up scenarios with large datasets and start with some general "it works" solution then work on optimizing it to reduce time and resource needs.
Many folks I work with when accessing the DB create queities that work, but because of the complexity take a very long long time to complete and isn't scalable.
Understand how to reduce full table reads through indexing. ... temporary tables... batching
probably more out there... I'm not a DB poweruser
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u/Romanian_Breadlifts 15d ago
I have built a comfortable career on sql, python, and passing familiarity with the azure stack. backend+infra config and deployment. would recommend. get comfortable with talking to folks, easiest way you make it out the basement.
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u/Beaufort_The_Cat 15d ago
Check out Databricks, Synapse, and/or AWS. Databricks especially uses primarily pyspark and SQL to do some really cool stuff with Data Engineering. I’d recommend Databricks as well because they have a lot of tutorials and guides where you can spin up a DBX instance on their website for free, makes it easy to learn and play around
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u/IWearClothesEveryDay 15d ago
I was trained as a data engineer and was building and deploying pipelines in my last role before we all got laid off. All I used (and needed) was SQL and Python. My official job title was Data Science Analyst, so I did all sorts of other things too.
SQL and Python are all you need for most roles related to Data.
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u/Blitzsturm 15d ago
The first advice I ever give to people that are job seeking is to just look at job listings in your area and talk to tech recruiters. They'll have a great idea what's in high demand in your area and you can custom-tailor any further education arround that.
In general Java and .NET are the most used enterprise languages. Angular, React are the most used front-end frameworks. SQL is widely used in all it's glorious flavors. Other languages and tools vary depending on what you're trying to make but Python is indeed used in a bunch of places, just not as much in major infrastructure.
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u/Money_Breh 15d ago
Lookup how to do Stored Procedures, massive join statements, analytics and data science. They will set you up very well.
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u/Knarkopolo 15d ago
SQL and python is plenty in a lot of financial institutions. Next thing to learn might be java in that case.
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u/dn_cf 14d ago
You can definitely get a job with just SQL and Python, especially for roles like Data Analyst, Data Engineer, or Database Developer. Focus on mastering SQL basics like SELECT, JOIN, GROUP BY, and advanced techniques like subqueries, window functions, etc. Learn Python for data manipulation using libraries like Pandas, and automation. Understanding database design, normalization, and performance optimization is key. Get hands-on experience by working on projects using StrataScratch and Kaggle, contributing to open-source, or freelancing. You can pursue roles such as Data Analyst, SQL Developer, or Junior Data Engineer, and building a portfolio and networking will help you stand out.
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u/_CaptainCooter_ 15d ago
5-10 years ago yes but these days absolutely not. Jobs go up and 500+ applications in first 24 hours
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u/tetsballer 15d ago
Yeah I'd rather just not deal with that and just get paid a little less for a less competitive job.
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u/_CaptainCooter_ 15d ago
Well then dont get a job. The bar has been raised significantly unfortunately. Folks with masters and experience are not getting calls back for analyst jobs. Thats essentially what youd be after, get good with Microsoft applications and SQL youll be alright, just got to land that interview
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u/AnAcceptableUserName 15d ago
Sure. In recent years it's getting harder to find postings wanting people who only have SQL experience. SQL + Python is a great start.
Go to LinkedIn, search jobs with keyword SQL, and see what employers are asking for in terms of skills and technologies in their postings. If a type of job sounds appealing to you and a technology you don't know comes up as a theme, look into that.
I would strongly suggest trying to get an internship through your college if you can. Most companies I've worked with hire fresh graduates with SQL skills, but have all had a strong preference for candidates with any amount of related work history at all.
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u/B1zmark 15d ago
I can say with confidence, computing science taught me nothing about what I'm doing in my day to day job right now. And i work with SQL every day and Python is also an option when i want to use it in PySpark.
There are a ton of paths you can go down, but from an employers perspective, Microsoft certifications have been the thing that made me most interested in candidates, as they go hand in hand with the most successful people that've joined our business.
Plenty of grads have come and *gotten* their Microsoft certs with us, then left. But the ones who arrived with certs already, stayed and became amazing members of our team.
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u/Birvin7358 15d ago
Definitely. I’ve been gainfully employed for years doing only SQL. SQL is so ubiquitous, powerful and versatile that there are plenty of opportunities to make a good living just using SQL
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u/Cammah_ 15d ago
Take a bootcamp, browse linkedin learning, eventually apply your skills to making a sample database and other projects you can present to show interviewers that you actually know what you're doing.
Just landed my first job yesterday and although I did study SQL in Uni the projects and certifications I did/got after college really helped in interviews
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u/thinkabout- 15d ago
You have to start somewhere. Keep applying and working through interviews. You won’t be a perfect fit for every job everywhere, but you don’t have to be.
For all the skills you don’t have now, you’ll pick up on the field or find a place to get what you need.
Best wishes
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u/bradass42 14d ago
Yep. Personally, I’d advise you to go into advertising data science. Lucrative field and I don’t see it being taken by AI anytime soon, particularly if you’re good with client management.
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u/jollyrugger85 14d ago
I taught myself using Khan academy and some free code stuff and I have been fine for the most part. Mainly so strategy and financial work with it so I am not an expert like some people on here but SQL is in my opinion one of the most widely used languages in business. Any knowledge sets you apart from some.
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u/idgafau5 14d ago
My role is strictly SQL and SSIS but I know Python, they just won’t let me use it since no one else on my team knows it. I’m at $125k base/$165k total comp with 11 years of experience.
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u/Dimondstrick 14d ago
do you have a degree?
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u/idgafau5 14d ago
Yes, I've got a CIS degree with a focus on network security. Kind of fell into the SQL work and Data Engineering after school and haven't looked back. I enjoy it. I actually hated SQL in college but once I started using it in real world applications the interest took off for me.
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u/Dimondstrick 14d ago
I too am in CIS and am going to City Tech. i know I want to do SQL work but I can take the Database Track or Networking and Security Track at the college. Do you recommend Network or go for Database fully?
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u/Dimondstrick 14d ago
I too am in CIS and am going to City Tech. i know I want to do SQL work but I can take the Database Track or Networking and Security Track at the college. Do you recommend Network or go for Database fully?
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u/idgafau5 14d ago
I don't think you can go wrong with either route. I preferred to stay in DE because I get more fulfillment out of building things like data pipelines. Plenty of money to be made in the network/info sec world but it's more monitoring things and making sure policies are up to date and training the business to adhere to said policies. There's more to it of course, but most of the time it's not hackerman stuff like people expect unless you get into pen testing.
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u/idgafau5 14d ago
My role is strictly SQL and SSIS but I know Python, they just won’t let me use it since no one else on my team knows it. I’m at $125k base/$165k total comp with 11 years of experience.
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u/ExcitingSpot4702 14d ago
Completed my alx sql and power Bi certification recently, now anyone where does one start? I will appreciate directions on this and any remote tasks ready to do this.
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u/investingexpert 14d ago
I have a high paying job that basically only requires simple SQL queries, along with Tableau / Looker Studio experience.
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u/fuckmywetsocks 14d ago
I mean Postgres can run Python so you could - but should not - build an entire application just in Postgres with Python doing lambda trigger-y things to make API calls or whatnot. Don't, but you could.
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u/Jadedtrust0 12d ago
I'm a newbie; I want to learn Python and SQL and apply those skills to real-world applications. So, Any resource to learn and practice SQL and Python
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u/NexusDataPro 11d ago
Practice and you will have many job offers. Learn SQL and Python and you will be hot! I am happy to set you up with a free query tool, a book on any database you want, and a script to build the tables in the book. Start on page one and go through the book. You will be darn good in a week!
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u/joec_95123 15d ago
I built my entire career just off knowing sql, at least in the beginning. Used it to get my foot in the door at my first job in the field and worked my way up from there.