Career development

[englishkid19]

Hi all,
After working exclusively on excel and vba for 18 months, i feel as though i have reached a point where i am relatively proficient and can generate scripts to automate tasks for reporting and data analysis . I am no way an expert but can generally get most things automated, from a career perspective i would like to know what language or bit of software would be a logical "next step" so to speak .
I have an understanding of relational databases but have no working experience of Quertying them ( SQL ) and have a limited knowledge of Access.. . where would one point me in the future ( im in a business information team ).

Thanks

 

[RoryA]

If you have anything to do with data reporting, I think learning SQL (at least to a basic degree) is a must.

 

[englishkid19]

Can you recommend a book ? i know people dont like them these days but i think its useful..

 

[RoryA]

I picked up SQL through working with Access years ago so most of my books are more about Access than SQL per se - I am a big fan of books for learning generally.

This seems like it might be a good one though: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Data-Analysis-Using-SQL-Excel/dp/0470099518/ref=sr_1_17

 

[Richard Schollar]

I think this book is pretty useful and it has an appendix containing essentially an SQL primer:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Excel-Advan...9215&sr=1-2&keywords=excel+report+development

 

[SydneyGeek]

I'll second Richard's suggestion.
If you want a book just on SQL, this is both easy to read and comprehensive: Simply SQL: Rudy Limeback: 9780980455250: Amazon.com: Books

Denis