I’m seeing both SQL and Excel listed on every job post, along with AWS for some reason. If I only have time to master one before I start applying to US-based roles, which one is the "dealbreaker" skill? I’m worried that if I only know Excel, I’ll be passed over for someone who can write database queries.
3 answers
Excel is the baseline—everyone expects you to know it. SQL is the differentiator that actually gets you hired. In the US, if a job description lists SQL, it’s usually a "must-have," not a "nice-to-have." Interestingly, many modern data roles also list AWS because companies are hosting their SQL databases on Amazon RDS or Redshift. So, while you need to be an Excel wizard for day-to-day reporting, mastering SQL is what moves you from a $50k administrative role to a $75k analyst role. If you can show you know how to query data directly from a cloud environment, you’re ahead of 80% of applicants.
Sharon, do you think it's worth learning the specific AWS database tools, or is standard PostgreSQL knowledge enough for most American entry-level jobs?
I ignored SQL for a year and only got low-paying temp jobs. Once I added SQL and a bit of AWS exposure, I got a permanent role at a fintech startup.
Sandra's experience is very common. Michelle Garcia, definitely prioritize SQL. As Sharon mentioned, it’s the bridge between basic office work and a real "tech" career path in the United States.
Timothy, standard SQL is 90% of the battle. However, knowing the basics of how AWS handles data—like the difference between S3 (unstructured) and Redshift (structured)—is a huge bonus. In an interview, if you can say "I know how to write the SQL, and I'm comfortable pulling that data from an AWS environment," you sound like a much more professional candidate who understands the modern tech stack used in most US corporations.