Making the Move from Data Scientist to SQL Developer

The data science industry offers fields and specializations that correspond to every stage of the data science lifecycle, from data collection to analysis to visualization. Business investment in big data also means that data scientists must be skilled in data analysis, visualization, storage, and management. The SQL programming language communicates through relational databases and is widely regarded as the primary means of managing data. It is also a necessary skill for both data scientists and database developers. Data scientists interested in data storage and back-end development can quickly move to SQL developer with training in several relational database management systems.

What Do SQL Developers Do?

SQL Developers use the SQL programming language to design and manage relational databases. Consequently, SQL developers must know the vagaries of working with databases. SQL developer training includes writing queries, creating tables, and organizing data in database management systems appropriate for different data types. 

SQL developers are often called on to check an older system's efficacy, ensuring data integrity and the safety and security of stored data. SQL Developers exist in any industry that requires new database design and the maintenance of existing systems still in use for data collection and storage. Developers may be brought in as consultants or salaried, full-time staff. And while some SQL developers work on their own, many work as part of a data science team. 

SQL developers are similar to data architects. SQL developers are tasked with access management, incorporating data governance protocols into a system, and engineering data pipelines for database migration and data transfers. SQL developers also work on developing mobile applications and websites. SQL developers interested in building back-end database management systems for digital platforms, benefit from training in web design and development. SQL developers skilled in JavaScript or even diverse database management systems can also pursue a career in data engineering.

Making a Move from Data Scientist to SQL Developer

Data science students and professionals with training in the SQL programming language are well-prepared to make the move from Data Scientist to SQL Developer. For data scientists, the SQL programming language is primarily used to access data stored in a management system. However, SQL is strongly associated with database management, so data science training tends to prioritize programming languages like R or Python, which are popular in data analytics. Therefore, while many data scientists understand how to use SQL databases for basic querying and data access, they may not have the SQL training required to design extensive database management systems.

So, a Data Scientist’s first step in moving from Data Scientist to SQL developer is to learn how the SQL programing language is used to construct a database. Learning SQL for database design and development includes studying the different types of database management tools available, from open source systems to enterprise models. Data scientists should also understand trends in database management such as the creation of multi-database systems like data warehouses and data lakes. Developers can earn professional certifications for many database management tools. So, aspiring SQL developers can specialize in a database management system like Microsoft SQL Server.

Demand for SQL Developers in Data Science 

Increasing industry investment in big data has grown the demand for SQL developers and database managers. The 2021 edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook categorizes SQL Developers as Database Administrators and Architects and projects an 4% increase in demand for this position from 2024 to 2034, primarily attributed to significant investment in cloud storage. More companies are integrating cloud storage into their big database management systems with SQL. From Amazon Web Services to Microsoft Azure, cloud providers make it easier for data science teams to collaborate on projects and access large data stores simultaneously. 

Companies planning data migration projects or designing integrated systems for traditional data storage and cloud-based systems are in need of SQL developers. SQL programming is a popular skill for professional developers, IT professionals, and database administrators. According to the 2021 Stack Overflow Developer Survey, SQL is the fourth most commonly used programming language, and the top three databases for developers are all SQL database management systems. Learning SQL is essential when moving from a career in data science to one as a developer.

Want to Learn More About SQL?

SQL is a versatile programming language. Whether you are interested in becoming a developer or a Data Scientist, Noble Desktop can help get you there. Data science classes include multiple bootcamps that cover training in the SQL programming language. For example, both the SQL Bootcamp and the SQL Server Bootcamp include in-depth training on querying with SQL and managing a variety of relational database management systems. Live online SQL classes are also included in multiple certificate programs for aspiring data scientists and analysts.