Get a copy of SQL Dev Edition, or at least a copy of SQL Express, and start playing with it at home. Build some databases for your own use.

I have a "ProofOfConcept" database on my computer at home, where I run scripts that I find on web pages like this one, to find out what they do, why they do it, etc.

Ask questions here. Ask questions of the SQL team at work. "Hey, guys, I'm building a database on my computer at home, and I ran into a problem ...." allows them to show off their expertise, and gives you a common interest with them. Both will build affinity (friendliness), so long as you don't overdo it. Ask their opinion when you run into a controversial subject on this web page. (Ask about identity columns and mention the name "Joe Celko". Then ask about "GUIDs". Look it up after the argument has resulted in at least two lynchings.)

But, most importantly, do get access to an SQL server of some sort, even if it's Express on your home computer, and do stuff with it. Try running and restoring a backup. Try building a database of something you're interested in. Test out concepts you run into on this page. Find more pages to read. Do the tutorials on MSDN.

Then you'll know what you're getting into (at least more than you might know now).