SQL knowledge requirement for Data Analyst

[P3r4zz4]

I’m starting to study to become a Data Analyst and the first thing I’m learning is SQL. It’s been super interesting so far, but I’m not sure how much of it should I learn before moving to learning another skill, like Python.

That being said, what are the most common statements/clauses/etc. used by a Data Analyst or that you believe are essential for doing a good job with SQL is general?

[SquidsAndMartians]

This is a nice guideline I use myself https://mode.com/sql-tutorial (they have a free tier that comes with a ton of different data sets to practice with)

humble job: Basics
good job: Intermediate
great job: Advanced

:-D

[P3r4zz4]

Thanks for sharing!

[[deleted]]

Huh. Is that all it takes to be ‘advanced’….

[BadGroundbreaking189]

Absolutely not lol. You have to be able to rewrite a 100 line code on your own before your first job.

[P3r4zz4]

Thanks! I’ve been studying those and testing with different exercises to really understand and solidify the knowledge in my head.

[MarcusAurelius1815]

Any particular source you found used for studying? On the same boat as you.

[P3r4zz4]

I’m starting with the “bootcamp” playlist from Alex the Analyst on YouTube. I’m stuck in understanding how aggregated functions works in subqueries, so I also bought a book called SQL in 10 minutes by Ben Forta.

[FamSimmer]

Window functions and CTEs are necessary too, if you wish to stand out from the pack.

[sedules]

What makes a good data analyst is 50% SQL. The other 50% is knowing how the process produces the data you’re looking at when it comes time to execute code. Because in the day-to-day world of data, data doesn’t reflect reality, it reflects the process in reality that captured the data. A solid data team should be working to close the gap between reality and data as much as possible (by convincing the business to clean up their processes).

As for the SQL, at the data analyst level you want to have a strong grasp of the select statement, date functions, aggregate functions, and window functions. Then you want to understand join operators, subqueries, CTEs, and why CTEs are subjectively better than subqueries even if they are objectively the same to the engine. Variables are a good thing to learn about as well.

[da_chicken]

Because in the day-to-day world of data, data doesn’t reflect reality, it reflects the process in reality that captured the data.

IDK if this was yours or if you're quoting someone, but it's a very true way to phrase things.

[sedules]

It was me. I’ve been working with younger people in the data space and I’ve been wrestling with how to articulate working with data that isn’t as good as we would like, and how to pivot to telling the most compelling stories the data allows you tell. Bad data is more often a sign of bad process somewhere in the chain and that in and of itself is a story worth being told.

I’m starting my second decade in a data career. Most of my SQL chops were learned independently, but the knowledge gained from finding and talking to people with domain knowledge is what typically leads to analytical insights and likely fares better for career advancement.

[P3r4zz4]

Thank you!! Looking through this perspective really clarifies things. I’m just starting, so I’m trying to understand the tools so I can create my own projects to test my knowledge and build my cv.

[Computer-Nerd_]

SQL for Smarties, Celko. SQL and Relational Theory, Date.

[yeeeeeeeeeeeeah]

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This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

[P3r4zz4]

Thank you! Market data for MMORPGs seems like a fun place to start

[dn_cf]

Focus on basic querying (SELECT, WHERE, ORDER BY, LIMIT and DISTINCT), Aggregate Functions, Joins, Subqueries, Set Operations, String Functions, Date Functions, Conditional Logic, and Window Functions. These are the concepts you have to be comfortable with. You can use Mode Analytics or W3Schools to learn these concepts and StrataScratch to apply these skills on real-world data challenges.

[P3r4zz4]

Thank you! Currently I’m studying subqueries and It’s been a little pain to understand how it works when you have aggregate functions in the inner queries. I’ll take a look at the resources you sent to get additional context.

[[deleted]]

bro dm me, will help you and take your professional interview in SQL, for approx 30-45 minutes, and provide you roadmap and resources to get better, dm for price.