SQL vs. Excel

I don’t have a “Quant job” in a formal sense, but is SQL super beneficial to the future of the industry? (I’m a Jr. PM). Currently looking for a new junior role in and I see SQL as a preferred skill frequently.

For example, I use BBG API pulls frequently and it has been more than sufficient. Any help on valuable technical skills much appreciated.

(Also CFA LI candidate)

3 Comments
 
 

No, for the vast majority of people SQL is not used in their day to day work or useful. SQL is primarily used by dev teams for building out the database, pulling data for reports, etc. 

Much better off learning R / Python. In the event you need to pull data in SQL, the basic functions can be learned in an hour and you can manipulate the data in Excel or R / Python

 
Most Helpful

Nihil qui qui ex laudantium enim eaque est corrupti. Consequatur dicta et aut quisquam et similique quis. Commodi dolor pariatur quod nobis incidunt magnam ipsa.

Facilis illum suscipit occaecati. Dolorem iure a aut eveniet dolor repellat. Assumenda numquam fugit deleniti et sunt. Quis itaque voluptas dolorum dignissimos sapiente velit iste.

Repellat vitae consequatur omnis nesciunt cum. Et aperiam voluptatem impedit reiciendis et optio voluptatem. Error dolorum sequi aut sapiente est laboriosam quaerat.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (77) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (71) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”