My one tip to learn SQL faster for a data analyst career

In this video I share insider tips on how to learn SQL the right way, and set yourself up for success in your data analysis career. My high-level advice is to focus on data handling (i.e. what the code is doing and why you'd need it) while you're learning the syntax.

Accordingly if you're looking for the best SQL courses, make sure to filter out the ones that focus solely on syntax, like a dry old textbook, and fail to explain the context in which you'd actually use code. The best way to do this is to look for a course with a "real business problem solving" component.

-- WHAT IS DATA LAUNCHPAD? --
Data Launchpad is an online school that helps you successfully launch your data analysis career (and data science).
We bring the boring to life and make the complex simple, specialising in SQL, data analysis, data science, statistics, and visualisation.
Learn the fundamentals right, then land the best data-driven jobs.

-- THE VIDEO --
The main point in this video is that instead of the bootcamp approach to learning SQL (i.e. starting by memorising every little bit of syntax), budding data analysts should learn first and foremost about data handling, with SQL as their main tool.
The difference is subtle but important, with the main result that:
1. You will learn SQL itself faster.
2. You will learn the more transferable and necessary skill of data handling.

[lance]

This has got to be the best advice ever. I just recently started SQL and noticed everything focused on syntax and I was so lost with it. I shifted to building and using Mysql and actual scenarios from starting to build tables to in depth data pulling etc instead of focusing on what EVERYTHING meant. I am being self taught and this helped me a huge amount. Thank you!

[xA]

Task-oriented learning helps people learn faster and retain the knowledge while developing specific skills. This video is the most important that aspiring data professionals shoukd watch and the advice to heed.

[newenglandnomad]

This is super true. I lived in Japan for 3 years and there was never a reason to learn many words that aren't used in conversation, like tree or van. I learned what was useful.

[gianglearning]

In my opinion, if I knew SQL's basic syntax and how they work, then I apply what I learned within a specific context, I can remember them longer. But anyway, I think your advice also is really useful, use SQL with a context better than only know the syntax. Thank you ^^

[usoppgostoso]

I’m beginner at coding and have been learning SQL for a week now and this is just what I was looking for. Unlike with other programming languages I studied so far, I’ve been having trouble applying the knowledge. The courses I found don’t teach at all how to do so. Glad to have found this video.

[MK-ygzf]

This has to be the best starting advice for any data analyst out there. Subsribed.

[KeysIdaho]

I like the idea of not learning SQL by rote memory, but by understanding they way the data could talk among itself, and how to make that happen. Without knowing the end result, all the syntax is meaningless. By the way- tickled at how you add an R to the end of the word "data" because of your accent. Charming. Thanks for the video.

[momohtimothy]

wow, exactly the advice i needed. been overwhelmed lately my syntax

[adnanebekkaoui]

Great approach, 100% agree,
I do remember when I was working as a management controller, with Excel functions for example, you could know by heart all the sophisticated functions in there, but if you don't have a good grasp of your data, what needs to be done, map the path and visualize the results, you won't make it far with those functions.

[maried]

Thank you so much for this piece of advice because I was so hyper focused on the Syntax and remembering them all. I have downloaded your free course to follow with a real life example. Thank you so much

[divyamehta]

Max.I really loved the point you stressed on Data Handling.
But I request you to give depth on topics like.
1) What to learn in SQL apart from Crud operations & Data types.What to do with demons like " Store procedures".
2) Which is the best platform to bring all data from various platform to one place .Is it Excel power pivot Data model or any other thing.
3) What topics to learn in Python?

[SickCrisp]

I’m just gonna say it because everyone is already thinking it… that door handle is too high.

But in all seriousness, this is fantastic advice for anyone beginning to code regardless of reason. When you have bad breath, you don’t need to understand the chemicals in toothpaste, how a toothbrush works, or why you need to brush for roughly two minutes. You just need to begin by brushing your teeth.

[elainejel]

Thank you so much, I need to learn sql now and I'll try to follow your advice

[mwichesimpemba]

This is got to be the best advice ever doing this

[ruslansuleimanov]

It's a really good advice, couldn't agree more with everything said in the video. Could you possibly give any directions to how and where one could be learning SQL/data-handling based on the real tasks? Especially more intermediate and advanced stuff since the basics are quite easy to learn and comprehend even if not put into a very specific context. Thanks!

[erikbalanza]

Thanks for this perspective, I'm on my 2nd day learning SQL, yesterday I felt like I was doing great with some basic syntax, today I feel extremely overwhelmed trying retain it all.

Watching your video was just a reminder not to beat myself up too much, studying because I have an opportunity for a data integration analyst position pending acquiring the certifications required.

I will look for your Udemy courses as well, thanks for the content

[NoArmsJames]

This is fantastic! I really hope that you come back and start making more videos, and offer courses on your website. I could really use that

[tobymartin]

Loving the channel, I'm currently in a bootcamp and this is great content for me

[Murtaza]

I have started a course on Udemy about SQL & Power BI as I want a career shift to Business Intelligence. It started with SQL from beginner to intermediate level and I am facing the same problem - I am learning the syntax/language, but I do not know how to apply it on datasets to gain benefit from it so that I can make visualizations. I keep on learning new syntax but it doesn't seem very beneficial. I also forget syntax again n again.

[jb-rcku]

This is precisely the problem I have had with learning SQL, what are we using it for and what problems are we solving. How do you suggest going about learning it?