Learn relational databases

Are you interested in building a robust career in a fast-growing information technology (IT) field? Building up your proficiency with relational databases is a great way to develop an in-demand skill set, boost your résumé, and put yourself in a good position for career success.

Learn more about what relational databases are, how to choose a learning path that works best for you, and what career options may be available to professionals with this skill set.

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What are relational databases?

Relational databases are a method of organizing data into tables, rows, and columns to more easily understand relationships between data points. This not only enhances data integrity and security but also speeds up access to critical information, which can potentially lead to increased productivity and better business decisions. Relational database skills are highly sought after by many employers.

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Choosing the right relational databases program for you

Learning about relational databases requires time, dedication, and the right learning pathway. Consider what knowledge and experience you already bring to the table in order to select a relational database training option that will help build your skills and meet your professional goals.

Here are a few of the main methods for building up your skills with relational databases:

Courses

Beginners with limited experience in coding or databases may consider an introductory course to get up to speed on the fundamentals. Some more in-depth courses explore specific topics like indexes, transactions, constraints, and triggers.

Certifications

During a relational database certification program, you may complete coursework and take exams to build and validate your knowledge. Many certification programs offer a credential you can use to enhance your résumé and value in the job market.

Executive education programs

Executive education programs may teach the basics of using SQL to manipulate data, with a focus on using that data to discover meaningful business insights and improve decision-making.

Degrees

If you want to become a data engineer, a data scientist, or a database architect, or otherwise build a long-term career in the IT industry, you can learn about relational databases through coursework offered in a computer science, information technology, or engineering degree program.

Jobs in relational databases

Learning how to build and work with relational databases can help you excel in multiple IT-related roles. Here are three positions that having experience with relational databases may help you qualify for, with each role's required education as well as salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Database architect

Database architects design systems to store data and make it readily available to authorized stakeholders. In this role, you may build databases according to user needs, develop backup and restoration procedures to prevent data loss, and modify database structures to ensure efficiency.

Required education: Bachelor's degree in information technology, engineering, computer science, business, or a related field
Median annual salary (May 2023): $134,700

Data scientist

Data scientists analyze data to extract insights. Your responsibilities may include taking inventory of current data and deciding which is most useful for a particular project, creating and testing analytical models and algorithms, and using data visualization and storytelling tools to present findings and recommend solutions.

Required education: Bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering, business, or a related field
Median annual salary (May 2023): $108,020

Information security analyst

Information security analysts design and execute policies that protect critical data and systems. This role may require monitoring for and investigating security breaches, installing and maintaining security software, identifying and patching vulnerabilities, developing security standards, and training staff on security protocol.

Required education: Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related field
Median annual salary (May 2023): $120,360

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Frequently asked questions about relational databases

Why should I learn relational databases?

Designing and managing relational databases is a skill with broad applicability, and many organizations use data to make business decisions, maintain compliance, improve customer service, execute sales, and improve operational efficiency. This makes relational database skills highly sought after and valuable in the job market.

How long does it take to learn relational databases?

You can complete a relational database training course in about four weeks if you are willing to dedicate two to three hours a day to your studies. However, it may take a year or more to master intermediate and advanced concepts like joins, subqueries, complex functions, and database optimization, especially if you don't have prior coding knowledge.

How hard is it to learn relational databases?

Learning relational databases and SQL can be somewhat challenging for beginners. Many learners need extensive time and study to grasp the concept of structuring data and building relationships between tables, columns, and rows using foreign and primary keys and normalization. This process will likely be easier if you have some knowledge of coding, but complex datasets can still present a challenge, even for experienced professionals.