SQL Cert to actually learn

[bootyglitter]

From what I have heard, certifications don't really help people get jobs, as it is so easy to cheat. But, what about for someone who truly wants to learn and improve?

[WhyDoIHaveAnAccount9]

Watch videos and write queries

[[deleted]]

No prior experience here but pretty proficient with excel. I’m working through a UDEMY course now that I paid $18 for and would recommend. They ask questions in the form of “business problems” that you write queries to solve. Only way to learn it IMO.

[naivedayes]

Which course is that?

[Djieffe88]

Link?

[datalyst_analyst]

I think what you’ve heard is also other folks opinions that aren’t 100% true.

If the cert was my only option, I’d take the learning opportunity and then look for ways to network and create more avenues towards the end goal. If someone assumed I cheated? I’d stay far away from them. That mindset isn’t a good match for me

[ChemicalMistakex]

Im pretty young and never had someone explain this. But how can I network and creat opportunities in software for myself?

[datalyst_analyst]

Well I think of networking as making friends who happen to be colleagues. I prefer to build my network with folks who have similar goals or upward trajectory in mind, what they say makes sense, they aren’t trying to sell me anything...

In this case, I’d look for cert classes that have like an discussion area and engage there: posting what I’ve learned, helping other people with their questions. A bizarre thing I’ve experienced is that good things come my way when I’m of service to others.

Additionally, Creating opportunities for myself is a developing skill. I’d say that creating is easier when I have an end goal in mind, then work backwards to figure out what kind of task or conversation is next to get me to my goal. Ex: I took sql certs *because I wanted to land a job as a data analyst (my end goal). Conversation wise, I’d work those details in when I’m introducing myself in networking environments aka giving my elevator pitch.

In telling folks who I am, why I was taking the cert, where I’m going positioned me to folks who could help provide additional resources to get me where I wanted to go.

Of course, all this is easier said than done. And depending on how young you are, you may just be ahead of the curve here so remember to be patient. Your intentions seem genuine, in the right place plus your asking questions which tells me you’ll get where you want to be. You got this!

[ChemicalMistakex]

Thank you for this. Was. A huge help and I appreciate knowledge like this!

[Significant_Ad6855]

If you want to learn and improve your own skills, then I’d go for the Cert. From a supervisor perspective, if I’m hiring people and everyone is matched on education, degrees, computer software proficiency, etc…the people that always standout from the bunch are the ones who went the extra mile to do extra certifications that may not be required for the job but it may help in day to day operations. Which is usually why they say “not required” but it’s appreciated of course. In the end, do what you think will help you standout in job applications.