Intern Reflection: Building SQL Learning from the Ground Up
This post was written by Nandita Soma Shekar, a Digital Skills Trainer Intern in the 2024/25 academic year. During her internship, Nandita designed and delivered the first-ever SQL courses offered by the Digital Skills team at the University of Edinburgh, creating both live and self-paced learning experiences for students and staff.
When I joined the Digital Skills team as an intern, I thought it would be a great opportunity to share my passion for technology and teaching. What I didn’t expect was just how meaningful and transformative the experience would be — for both me and the learners I worked with.
As the first SQL trainer on the team, I had the exciting challenge of building a complete learning pathway from scratch. There was no existing material to start from, so I was able to design everything with a clean slate, keeping our diverse audience of students and staff in mind. My goal from day one was to make SQL approachable, practical, and even fun for those who might feel intimidated by data or coding.
Creating Courses That Empower Learners
I began by developing a beginner-friendly course, introducing participants to the core concepts of SQL. For many, this was their very first experience working with databases. It was incredibly rewarding to watch learners go from unsure and hesitant to confidently writing queries and exploring data on their own.
Encouraged by the positive response and excellent feedback, I went on to design a second course that bridged the gap between beginner and intermediate levels. This course gave participants the tools to take their skills further — from filtering and aggregating data to working with multiple tables and solving real-world problems.
To make the sessions interactive and engaging, I incorporated:
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- Live polls and quizzes to keep learners actively involved
- Common errors and pitfalls so participants could learn from mistakes and debug with confidence
- Hands-on exercises drawn from relatable, practical scenarios
I wanted every learner to leave feeling not just knowledgeable, but also empowered to use SQL in their own research, work, interviews or studies.
Expanding Access Through Self-Paced Learning
One of my proudest achievements was developing a comprehensive self-paced Articulate course that covered everything from beginner to intermediate SQL.
This gave learners who couldn’t attend live sessions the flexibility to study at their own pace while still receiving a structured, high-quality learning experience.
It was exciting to know that the course could have a lasting impact even beyond my internship, continuing to support future learners across the university.
Engaging Beyond the Classroom
Beyond teaching, I had the chance to work on a team-wide initiative I co-organised the Prompt-Off AI Challenge for ISG staff alongside two fellow interns.
This event brought together creativity, technology, and friendly competition — and it was incredibly rewarding to see colleagues engaging with EDINA in a fun and collaborative way.
It was a reminder that learning doesn’t just happen in formal courses — it thrives in communities where people can share ideas and explore new technologies together.
For me, this was a highlight of my internship because it allowed me to build skills beyond teaching, such as teamwork, event planning, and creative problem-solving, all while contributing to a vibrant and supportive learning culture within the team.
Gratitude for an Amazing Team
None of this would have been possible without the incredible people I had the privilege to work with.
A special thank you to my manager, Andrew Kirk, whose guidance and encouragement shaped my journey. Andrew believed in my vision for the SQL courses, supported me through every challenge, and always offered the best advice and mentorship. His motivation pushed me to grow, and I’ll always be grateful for his patience and leadership.
I’d also like to thank Andy Todd, who was there for me right from the very beginning — from interviewing me and onboarding me to setting the foundation for my internship. Throughout my time here, Andy was always around to help, offering valuable advice and insights whenever I needed them. His support and encouragement gave me the confidence to take bold steps, explore new ideas, and keep improving.
Special thanks also go to Ricarda Fillhardt, who was instrumental in making these courses a success, from scheduling and marketing to providing valuable feedback along the way. Her help ensured that the courses reached as many learners as possible.
And of course, the entire Digital Skills team, who welcomed me so warmly and created a collaborative, supportive environment. You all made this internship a truly special experience.
Looking Back
This internship has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my time at university. It gave me the chance to step outside my coursework and apply my skills in a real-world setting, while also learning how to design and deliver something that could have a tangible impact on others.
Over the past few months, I’ve grown not only as a trainer, but also as a communicator, collaborator, and problem-solver. I’ve learned how to break down complex concepts into simple, accessible lessons and how to create learning experiences that meet people where they are — regardless of their background or prior experience.
While I’m now moving forward in my career as a software engineer, this internship has given me valuable skills that will stay with me. From public speaking and presenting ideas clearly to understanding how people engage with technology, these are lessons that go far beyond SQL or course design.
Most importantly, this experience reminded me how powerful digital skills can be in empowering others — opening doors to research opportunities, career growth, and innovation.
As I take the next step in my journey, I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned here and excited to keep building technology that makes a difference in the real world.
Nandita Soma Shekar (Digital Skills Trainer)
