Radhika Mahtani – How I Got Into Data Analysis with SQL
Dive:Coder - SQL Databases Description: Can code using SQL and manage SQL databases Level: Level 1 Level Requirements: Can code using SQL and manage SQL databases at a basic level Certified On:
Jun 14, 2019
Editor’s Note: On all dive certifications, we try to edit the writing as little as possible to preserve authenticity, personality, and writing style. We typically fix spelling errors, but minimally modify grammar and sentence structure (just enough to ensure readability).
1. When and Why Did You Decide to Pursue This Dive At This Level? What was your inspiration and motivation?
I started pursuing this dive last year during the month of January 2018. My husband suggested I learn what SQL [Structured Query Language] is, and how it is generally used for data analysis. While looking for material to study over the internet to further enhance my skills and develop my understanding on how best to create, extract, validate data, and modify vast amounts of data within a short period of time, I came across SQL and chose an online study course via W3Schools and began practising SQL on a daily basis. I downloaded sample data, which was freely available over the internet and made use of the same to query, update, manipulate, modify, & extract large amounts of data quickly and efficiently–rather than using old school, basic excel sheets to retrieve required sets of data, I was able to save considerable amounts of time by using SQL!
2. How Long Did It Take For You To Accomplish This Dive At This Level From The Day You Decided To Pursue It, And Why Did It Take That Long?
It took my around a year to accomplish this dive. I am currently learning advanced techniques in SQL to push on to the next level of this dive. It took me one year to accomplish this dive as I am currently pursuing other online certification courses: one from Harvard University (Data Analytics course), and other courses at other schools like the basics of Python programming; AWS – Amazon Web Services; and Ruby on Rails.
3. What Was The Hardest Part About Achieving This Particular Dive Level?
SQL is an easy language to learn but the hard part is that it does take continuous practice to develop it into a useful workplace skill. Further, when it comes to the basic use of its syntax in correct format, querying your data the wrong way or writing incorrect commands and using incorrect symbols can affect your data, causing performance limitations within your databases.
4. What Was The Easiest Part About Achieving This Particular Dive Level?
It's easy to learn the basics.
5. What Is Your Advice For Someone Who Is Pursuing This Dive And Level?
Learning SQL is fun and can add to your skills since querying data at work is a common workplace skill. Therefore, learning how to do so will make it easier to understand how vast amounts of data affect businesses and their future goals. SQL can be used to summarize and present data via graphical representation in order to better understand how a project, a product, a service, or a business in general is turning out. SQL also helps you keep a keen eye on various data sets, such as: your customer base, sales, projections, current purchasing trends, etc. SQL also helps companies and business organisations manage their databases in a more efficient manner. Plus, with so many companies relying on big data analytics to drive their business, any employee with SQL skills is sought after by employers who depend on data analysis for their growth.
6. What Are Some Of The Best Resources You Recommend to Those Pursuing This Dive At This Level, And Why Do You Recommend Them? Please Include Relevant Weblinks, If Applicable.
Resource 2: SQL.ORG - A bunch of tutorials you may find helpful.
Resource 3: -
Resource 4: -
Resource 5: -
7. Tell Us A Story Of One Of Your Adventures While Pursuing This Dive (At This Level).
I chose to complete a six-part series via W3Schools consisting of a hundred+ questions within each part of the series for querying data related to employee databases. I set a period of seven days for completion of the project and I proudly managed to complete it in its entirety in a period of just five days. Feedback regarding my answers showed that I had achieved 92% success: I successfully learned to query data correctly to a good extent. This was a fun way to exercise my skills and further get a hang of different SQL commands, master the syntax, and query challenging data sets!
8. What Evidence Did You Submit to Prove You Met the Requirements for This Dive and Level?
I am a Break Diving staff member, and have helped on a number of SQL queries here at the company. I also earned this badge at HackerRank, after completing all of the required challenges:
9. Will You Be Pursuing The Next Level For This Dive? If Yes, Why? If Not, Why Not?
Hello this is working. Hello HelloYes I am currently learning the advanced querying techniques in SQL and also learning how to effectively use window functions and common table expression [CTE] while querying data, these techniques would boost my data analysis skills and take it to a higher level.
10. What is the Break Diver's Creed?
No Rules. No Excuses. No Regrets.
Certificate photo:
And having made this post, and provided adequate evidence to the dive committee, Radhika M is now hereby certified by Break Diving, Inc. as: Coder - SQL Databases - Level 1. Congratulations ! Thank you for being an inspiration to others!
Certificate number:
15
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