Learn to Ask Better Questions of Data
Data is everywhere, but knowing how to retrieve the right information from a database is an important skill for anyone working with data. Learn to approach SQL as a problem-solving tool rather than a collection of commands to memorize.
- Structured SQL learning pathway
- Practical industry projects
- PostgreSQL practical environment
- Study Buddies and collaborative learning
- Portfolio development
Data Is Only Useful When You Can Retrieve and Understand It
Organizations collect information from customers, employees, transactions, products, operations, and other business activities.
Much of this information is stored in databases.
With SQL, you communicate with these databases, retrieve the information you need, combine related records, and perform analysis.
In this Study Group, you will learn to approach SQL as a problem-solving tool rather than a collection of commands to memorize.
Retrieve data
Use SELECT statements to retrieve specific columns and records from database tables.
Filter and sort
Apply WHERE conditions, comparison operators, logical operators, DISTINCT, and ORDER BY.
Aggregate and group
Use COUNT, SUM, AVG, MIN, MAX, GROUP BY, and HAVING to summarize information.
Combine tables
Use INNER JOIN, LEFT JOIN, RIGHT JOIN, and FULL JOIN to combine related tables.
Advanced querying
Use subqueries, Common Table Expressions (CTEs), and window functions.
Business analysis
Translate business questions into SQL queries and communicate findings from the results.
Build Practical SQL Skills, One Query at a Time
Database Fundamentals
Understand databases, tables, records, columns, primary keys, foreign keys, and relational database structures.
Retrieving Data
Use SELECT statements to retrieve specific columns and records from database tables.
Filtering and Sorting
Apply WHERE conditions, comparison operators, logical operators, DISTINCT, and ORDER BY.
Aggregation and Grouping
Use COUNT, SUM, AVG, MIN, MAX, GROUP BY, and HAVING to summarize information.
Conditional Analysis
Apply CASE statements to create categories, classifications, and conditional calculations.
Working with Multiple Tables
Use INNER JOIN, LEFT JOIN, RIGHT JOIN, and FULL JOIN to combine information from related tables.
Advanced Querying
Use subqueries, CTEs, and window functions to solve more complex analytical problems.
Date and Time Analysis
Extract, compare, group, and analyze dates to investigate business activities over time.
Data Cleaning
Identify and handle duplicates, missing values, inconsistent text, and other data quality issues using SQL.
Query Optimization
Understand how to write more efficient and readable queries.
Business Analysis
Translate business questions into SQL queries and communicate findings.
Learn SQL Through Real-World Data Problems
You will not spend the entire learning period watching lessons and memorizing commands.
You will work with datasets, investigate business questions, write queries, interpret results, and document your solutions.
- 01What business problem are we trying to solve?
- 02What information do we need?
- 03Which database tables contain that information?
- 04What conditions should we apply?
- 05Do we need to combine multiple tables?
- 06Which calculations or aggregations are necessary?
- 07What does the query result tell us?
- 08How can we communicate the findings?
Document, present, and analyze with SQL.
Every project follows a documentation structure designed to demonstrate your ability to use SQL to solve problems — not just write code.
RetailRetail Sales Analytics
Analyze transactions across regions, products, and customers to surface insights.
E-commerceCustomer Behavior Analysis
Investigate churn, repeat purchases, and customer lifetime patterns.
LogisticsOperations Reporting
Track delivery performance, delays, and route efficiency with window functions.
From database fundamentals to practical analysis.
Understand relational databases and how information is organized across tables.
Retrieve specific information using SELECT statements.
Filter records using WHERE conditions.
Sort results to make information easier to interpret.
Summarize data using aggregate functions.
Group and filter aggregated results.
Apply conditional logic using CASE statements.
Combine related tables using joins.
Write queries using subqueries and CTEs.
Apply window functions to analytical problems.
Perform date and string operations.
Identify and address data quality issues.
Translate business questions into SQL queries.
Document and present your SQL projects.
Learn Independently, Collaborate & Build Together.
The SQL Study Group uses a three-semester structure to develop technical competence, collaboration skills, and practical problem-solving experience.
Individual Learning
Build your personal foundation.
- Understanding database fundamentals
- Writing basic and intermediate queries
- Completing individual assessments
- Solving practical SQL exercises
- Documenting individual learning progress
TeamBud Collaboration
Solve SQL challenges as a team.
- Collaborative query writing
- Breaking down business questions
- Reviewing and debugging queries
- Combining different approaches
- Documenting team solutions
PairBud Collaboration
Strengthen accountability and technical confidence.
- Collaborative analytical projects
- Query review and improvement
- Explaining SQL logic
- Interpreting query results
- Documenting and presenting project outcomes
Learn Together, Ask Questions & Improve Every Week.
The weekly review is an opportunity to connect with Coach Timothy, coaches, and other Study Buddies.
You are encouraged to join with your PC, participate actively, ask questions, share your challenges, and receive technical guidance.
What did we learn during the week?
Which queries or concepts confused learners?
What questions came up during practice?
Who developed an interesting query or solution?
What did you find difficult, and why?
Which concepts need more explanation or practice?
What are we learning and working on next?
Explore the SQL Curriculum.
The curriculum is arranged progressively, starting with database fundamentals and moving towards practical querying, advanced SQL techniques, and business analysis.
- What is a database?
- What is a relational database?
- Tables, rows, and columns
- Database schemas
- Primary keys
- Foreign keys
- Relationships between tables
- Introduction to relational database management systems
What You Should Be Able to Do
The goal is not simply to finish the curriculum. It is to develop the confidence to approach a database, understand the information available, write meaningful queries, and solve practical problems.
Ready to Start Working with Data?
Develop the skills to retrieve, transform, and analyze information using SQL.
Learn through structured lessons, practical exercises, assessments, Study Buddies, and industry-inspired projects.
Whether you are starting your data journey or strengthening your existing analytical skills, the SQL Study Group provides a structured environment to practise, ask questions, collaborate, and grow.
Build your SQL foundation. Practise with real-world problems.