Hey guys. I'm currently looking for jobs and it seems that there is a real need for people with SQL Server experience. How should I go about LEARNING SQL and related DATABASE systems? Do I need to go back to schoo? Is a free online tutorial enough? Thanks in advance for your comments.

-FlipDatabases, SQL, MySQL, etc. are definitely not on the top of the easy list when it COMES to setting up and maintaining. Depending on what the jobs entail may determine what kind of experience you may need.

If you're simply maintaining and/or submitting information into the SQL database learning about it online and/or through books *may* be enough.

However, I'd imagine that most jobs that are looking for those familiar with databases / SQL are going to want either some form of education or personal experience. I'm personally a fan of personal experience and one of the best ways of doing that (if you've got the means) would be to setup your own SQL database practice with maintaining it, creating entries, deleting entries, interfacing it with other scripts, programs, and other databases.

If you've got your own website, setup a forum, NEWSLETTER, shopping cart, etc. that relies on database to handle users and entries.

So creating/maintaining a database in my website would be the best bet? Even over going to school?

Either way, that sounds like really good advice. Anything is better than forking out thousands to go back to school. I appreciate your help.Well depends on your learning style and what you can get your hands on. Personally I learn better hands on then reading a book and many times even over school.

If you're able to setup your own SQL database and use it on your wesbsite I think it would be a great form of learning, you could even top it off with reading a book SQL book at the same time.

Maintaining a database may not also be your forte, so experimenting and reading about it first could also save you a lot of money if you come to find out it's something you don't like doing.