Learning Legends | From numbers to human connections
Series: Learning Legends – Real People. Real Stories. Real Learning.
From Spain to Austria - From Intern to Legend
When you meet Alejandro Arzola de León, you quickly realize that his journey is as inspiring as his teaching style. Originally from Spain, Alejandro now calls Austria home, after a path that took him through Germany and into the heart of SAS training. “I started as an intern and I have been growing up here, so I’d say it’s beautiful. Now I’m fully dedicated to teach SAS and I feel myself completely developed in a professional way,” Alejandro shares.
His background in mathematics and physics isn’t just a footnote—it’s the foundation of his analytical approach. Today, Alejandro is an Analytical Training Consultant, spending his days running training sessions for customers, mostly in analytics and programming. He’s fluent in Spanish and English, and is preparing to add German to his teaching repertoire.
Passion, Curiosity, and Flexibility
What gets Alejandro up with a smile each morning? “Knowing and being aware that my analytical knowledge is being applied and is meaningful to our data-driven world,” he says.
For him, SAS is more than a tool—it’s the culmination of years of preparation, like “spending your life preparing to become a pilot and finally getting the chance to fly in a top airline.”
Alejandro’s passion is matched by his curiosity. He’s always learning, whether it’s astrophysics (he once met Stephen Hawking!) or mastering new business concepts through a master’s in risk management. This curiosity drives him to explore new solutions and turn customer questions into opportunities for growth.
Bridging theory and practice
Alejandro’s biggest challenge? Stepping out of the academic bubble and translating complex analytical concepts into practical solutions for customers. “It’s not only about the knowledge itself, but also the ability to understand the needs of the customer and communicate this in a clear way,” he explains. Flexibility is key—sometimes, he customizes courses on the fly to meet the unique needs of each group.
He’s learned that improvisation techniques are just as important as technical expertise. “If you are not flexible, you will become flexible,” Alejandro laughs. His role is not just about delivering standardized content, but about adapting and learning from every customer interaction.
Human connection and real-world value
What surprised Alejandro most about his role? The human side. “Coming from a strong mathematical background, I expected my work to be mainly coding behind a screen. What surprised me most was how much impact comes from interacting with clients, understanding needs, and adapting explanations,” he says.
Alejandro’s unique selling point is his ability to connect analytical thinking with real-world business applications. He’s not just teaching code—he’s helping learners see the value of analytics in banking, risk management, and beyond. He loves hearing back from students who’ve solved real problems using what they learned in his courses.
AI, guided learning, and advice for SAS learners
Alejandro sees education changing fast, with AI making information instantly accessible. But he believes trainers must bring real value and context to their explanations. “If you as a trainer don’t bring real value and context, you can easily get lost in the education field,” he warns. The role of trainers is shifting from traditional teaching to guiding learners—helping them find what to learn, how to structure their path, and where to find trustworthy information.
His advice for new SAS learners? “Keep yourself constantly updated with the latest analytical and technological trends. Learn SAS not only as a tool, but as an investment in a skill that keeps opening professional doors.”
Alejandro’s story reminds us that behind every great course is a passionate, curious, and flexible human—ready to help you unlock your potential.
Join an in-person SAS training, explore the Analytics Leadership Program, or connect with our trainers to discover your own path. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your expertise, SAS offers the tools, community, and inspiration to help you succeed.
