sas cert

[dionwisn]

Hello board members, 

Im new to the sas community and would like some insight regarding the sas certification process. Im currently stuck in career path that offers little growth potential but would like to bolster my skill sets by adding a sas certification. Some insight into my career goals and backgroud -  My objective is to migrate into data mining via a hospital or retailing firm without having to complete additional schooling. Q1. What certfications are currently in high demand, and which ones are recommended in order to become certified in big data analytics?

Q2. Can one study the texts and materials provided online without actually taking professional coursework? 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

Blessings 

Dion 

[Reeza]

Does your current position use SAS? Do you have programming experience in SAS or another language already?

Honestly, I don't look for certification, it's a nice to have, but it wouldn't get you an interview over another candidate.  HR may take a different view. 

[dionwisn]

Hi, 
My current position does not use big data. My goal is to use this along with my MBA to bridge into IT, healthcare, and the like. Are you advising to not get the cert with the sole purpose or using it as an entry into a new career path? 

[Reeza]

Big data is relative. Are you working with SAS at all? Or another programming language?

[dionwisn]

I am not working with big data. im interested in leveraging my experience with this cert to begin a new career path. 
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[Reeza]

Will a certification alone get you hired. At a junior level, perhaps, but experience outweighs certification. 

The question becomes how do you convey experiece with just a certification. 

Good Luck. 

[Reeza]

The learning path illustrated here may be of interest. 

http://blogs.sas.com/content/academic/2016/10/20/learn-sas-on-your-own-time-with-these-simple-steps/