FirstRand Services - 2025 Customer Recognition Awards: SAS Analytics Explorers Advocate
SAS_Innovate
SAS Moderator

FirstRand Services Private Limited

 

Contact: Rupesh Depak Bagul

Country:  India

 

Award Category: SAS Analytics Explorers Advocate

 

How has SAS Analytics Explorers benefited your career?

As a member of SAS Analytics Explorers, I’ve found that it has significantly enhanced my career in several ways:

1) Skill Development: By participating in the community, I’ve gained access to a wealth of resources and training materials that have helped me sharpen my analytics skills. This continuous learning has kept me ahead in the rapidly evolving field of data analytics.

2) Networking Opportunities: Engaging with other professionals in the SAS Analytics Explorers community has expanded my professional network. These connections have led to new job opportunities, collaborations, and insights into industry trends.

3) Problem-Solving: The community is a great place to share challenges and solutions. I’ve benefited from the collective knowledge of other members, which has helped me tackle complex problems more efficiently.

4) Recognition and Credibility: Active participation and contributions to the community have earned me recognition among my peers. This has enhanced my professional credibility and opened doors to speaking engagements, publications, or leadership roles.

5) Staying Updated: The community keeps me informed about the latest updates and features in SAS software, ensuring that I am always using the most advanced tools available.

Overall, being part of SAS Analytics Explorers has provided me with invaluable resources, connections, and opportunities that have propelled my career forward.

 

What is your favorite challenge you've completed in the program?

One of my favorite challenges in the SAS Analytics Explorers program was the Data Visualization Challenge. It pushed me to creatively present complex data in a way that was both insightful and visually appealing. I had to think critically about how to best communicate the story behind the data, which significantly improved my data storytelling skills. Plus, seeing the innovative approaches from other participants was incredibly inspiring and educational.

 

How have you shared the program with others at your organization?

I’ve actively promoted the SAS Analytics Explorers program within my organization through several initiatives:

1) Internal Newsletters: I’ve written articles for our internal newsletters, highlighting success stories and key learnings from the program. This has sparked interest and encouraged more team members to join.

2) Mentorship: I’ve taken on a mentorship role, guiding colleagues who are new to the program. By sharing my experiences and providing support, I’ve helped them navigate the resources and challenges effectively.

These efforts have not only increased participation in the SAS Analytics Explorers program but also fostered a culture of continuous learning and innovation within our organization.

 

What SAS products do you use?

I use a variety of SAS products to meet different analytical needs:

1) SAS Enterprise Guide (EG): This is my go-to for creating and automating complex data analysis tasks. Its user-friendly interface and powerful capabilities make it ideal for both quick analyses and more detailed projects.

2) SAS Viya: I leverage SAS Viya for its advanced analytics and cloud capabilities. It allows me to perform high-performance analytics and collaborate seamlessly with team members, regardless of their location.

3) SAS Data Integration (DI): SAS DI is essential for managing and transforming large datasets. It helps me ensure data quality and consistency, which is crucial for accurate analysis and reporting.

These tools collectively enhance my ability to deliver insightful and reliable analytics.