Prepare your career as a data analyst

[anming]

It is an attractive and essential question of how to turn your learning and credential into an interesting career and well-paid job.  In past months I talked with my friends, read the posts on different websites and communities and try to figure out relevant solutions. As a preliminary summary, I prepare this post, which may mix some errors and misunderstandings. If you find something wrong or impropriate please correct. If you have further suggestions and valuable views please advise. If you have a success story please share. If it can integrate many friendly contributions it may turn out an instructive essay for beginners and I am willing to eventually turn it into an article. 

I think 4 steps to shape your profile and prepare a career targeting data analysis.

1. Basis for data analysis.

There are three levels of SAS programs to build your profiles: Base SAS for program specialist, Advanced SAS credentials and SAS for data science and analysis. Advanced SAS credentials include skills in SAS Macros, SQL and advanced programming techniques and efficiency. SAS for data science and analysis will focus on statistic analysis and modelling. Last not least, math knowledge on probability and statistics. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills will be an important plus.

2. Skills for practical analysis. 

Skills in visual tools are critical since you need to communicate with other technical divisions and management. some suggested training on Tabeaun and Spotfire, and name a few others.

3. Big data and machining learning

For lots of opening jobs, it is required skills in big data and machine learning. Certainly, SAS advances in these fields are preferred. Meanwhile, Python or R is demanded.

4. Building your experience

Lots of job descriptions require experience, it is a challenge for beginners to accumulate them. Join the SAS community and listen to the success stories may be a start point. Some administrative have suggested publishing an article in the SAS library. Volunteers in the local nonprofit societies involving in database construction and management can be another practical way. To target a remoting partial-time job could also ease the difficulties to fix the first job. 

Any comments and supplements? 

[Reeza]

My thoughts on the portfolio

https://medium.com/@fkhurshed/https-medium-com-fkhurshed-ds-build-a-portfolio-they-say-1d015fbb3f89

I would add spelling, grammar and punctuation 😉

[anming]

Thanks Reeza!

[SASKiwi]

IMHO, there are three employee attributes employers look at when hiring. These are:

• Knowledge and skills
• Work experience
• Personal attributes

You have concentrated mostly on the first attribute, but the second two are equally important. Of course if you are just starting your career, your work experience will be very limited. However any work experience counts, not just in the field you are applying for. So any work you have done in holiday jobs, volunteering and internships is important. Regarding your personal attributes, an employer wants to know if you will fit in well with his/her team, and easily communicate, collaborate and cooperate with others. Any signs they see that you have problems in this area will mean less chance of being hired. This is where work references can become very important. My take-home message is that knowledge and skills only count for about one-third of your hiring potential.

[anming]

Strongly agree. For these two items, each has a unique story. It is critical to display your other work experience and abilities to work both independently and collaboratively. Personal characters and communication skills are also essential.