Decoding the World of SAS Certifications with Ariel Mbekwe
Ariel Mbekwe is a data engineer with a solid academic foundation in mathematics and computer science. Having earned a master’s degree in applied mathematics, Ariel made a strategic shift to the data field, seeking practical applications and solutions to real-world problems. In a recent interview, he shed light on his journey, which includes successfully passing six SAS certifications.
Laying the Groundwork with SAS Base Programming Certification
Ariel's journey kicked off with the SAS Base Programming Specialist Certification, a foundational step that he considers crucial. "SAS base programming is the foundation," he notes, emphasizing the importance of understanding SAS's core principles. Ariel recommends this certification as a starting point, explaining that it unravels the basic workings of SAS, providing a necessary grounding for future efforts.
Delving Deeper into the SAS Advanced Programming Professional
Following the SAS Base Programming Specialist Certification, Ariel pursued the SAS Advanced Programming Professional Certification. This step, according to him, offers a more profound understanding of programming intricacies. Ariel suggests that without these two certifications – base and advanced programming – individuals may encounter challenges when working with SAS. He recommends the advanced programming certification to gain a comprehensive grasp of SAS programming, enabling individuals to handle complex tasks with confidence.
Tailoring Certifications to Your Career Path
As Ariel progressed, he diversified his certifications based on his career path. For those interested in analytics, he suggests exploring certifications in statistics, machine learning, forecasting, and deep learning. Alternatively, for those leaning towards data management, certifications related to data management become essential. Ariel's advice is straightforward: choose certifications based on your passion and career goals. SAS provides a versatile platform, and aligning your certification path with your chosen field enhances your expertise.
Ariel Mbekwe's journey through SAS certifications highlights a practical approach to navigating the data landscape. With six SAS certifications under his belt, Ariel's story serves as a guide for those looking to carve a niche in the dynamic world of data and analytics. His emphasis on building a solid foundation with SAS base programming, progressing to SAS advanced programming, and tailoring certifications to one's career path offers a roadmap for success in the SAS certification journey. So, as you embark on your certification journey, consider Ariel's pragmatic advice and use it as a blueprint for your own path in the ever-evolving field of data engineering and artificial intelligence.
