Learn SQL and database systems.
Most major business applications are somehow involved with a database. The various hot languages and applications come and go, but databases live on. 20 years ago there was a big demand for database experts, today there is a demand for database experts, and for as far as anyone can see there will be a demand for database experts.
Different database systems often have their own host language, but almost all of them can be accessed via SQL. Its a default language, and you're expected to know it if you are working with databases.
That IS good advice. I know that an MCSE is not for me (I do Linux and OpenBSD as much as I can). I have found that the ability to do SQL has really paid off in my consulting. I do some database work as part of ZillNet and it is a distinct advantage.
Different database systems often have their own host language, but almost all of them can be accessed via SQL. Its a default language, and you're expected to know it if you are working with databases.
Amen to all that.
After all the pretty user interfaces are designed, someone wil say, "Can we get a count of page hits grouped by five-minute intervals" or something like that.
SQL has fed my family fo 20 years, through C and Informix to ASP and SQL Server.
You are absolutely right.
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