USER STORIES
Transforming knowledge into success, with a little help from SAS Skill Builder for Students
When Anja Vrečer came across SAS tools for the first time she found them intriguing and easy to use, using resources provided via SAS Skill Builder for Students she was able to successfully prepare for SAS Certification in just one month.
TOP 3 LESSONS
- With a positive mindset you can overcome almost any challenge.
- The best teams are created with individuals who thrive on making unique contributions.
- Work hard to achieve your goals, but don’t forget to take time to unwind.
THE JOURNEY
Undergraduate degree
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Computer and Information Science, Bachelor’s degree.
Master's degree
University of Copenhagen, studying Master’s degree in Computer Science.
SAS Skill Builder for Students
I had the opportunity to visit the SAS office where I was introduced to SAS Programming, within no time I was signed-up and using SAS Skill Builder for Students, the self-paced video tutorials enabled me to successfully prepare for SAS certification in one month.
SEE THE BENEFITS
ON LEARNING SAS®
The tutorial videos are very well-filmed and thorough so if you follow them and solve the given problems, you cover everything you need to know to pass the exam.
#1
SAS is rated one of the top skills to have in today's analytics job market.
ON SAS SKILL BUILDER FOR STUDENTS
An easy to follow, user friendly platform that provided well structured training material. Whenever I needed assistance understanding any of the concepts, the support provided was very helpful. What's more, it was completely free, even the software and support service.
Judging by the career opportunities available for SAS certified professionals, I felt this was an opportunity not to be missed.
MY STORY
Q: How did you come across with SAS?
I was looking for a job and wrote an email to a Business Club at my university. They forwarded my CV to SAS, and later they sent me an invitation to the SAS workshop, which I accepted.
Read more of Anja's story
Q: What was your motivation to take SAS Certification?
I found the tools that were shown in the SAS workshop very interesting and intuitive, so I was drawn to learn more about them. During the workshop we were introduced to SAS Skill Builder for Students and how it would enable us to prepare for Certification. Judging by the career opportunities available for SAS certified professionals, I felt this was an opportunity not to be missed.
Q: You learnt everything needed for free, by using the SAS Skill Builder for Students. Can you tell us more about the learning experience? Learning on your own and passing the exam in one month is just amazing!
I think the tutorial videos are very well-filmed and thorough, so if you follow them and solve the given problems, you cover everything and more that is required to pass the certification exam. I like to make my own notes that summarize key points and each section as it is covered, these really helped to consolidate my knowledge and were invaluable when it came to revision.
Q: Do you have tips for other students who may be preparing for SAS Certification?
Working on the practice problems between the tutorial videos was a good way to check if I had learnt everything before moving to the next section. Reviewing the questions helped guide my learning of anything I needed to cover in more detail. I worked on solving problems by myself without looking at the solutions until I was sure I had completed the task. Working through tasks independently is probably the most effective way to learn and retain knowledge of a new skill.
Q: What are your next goals? And what is your dream job? And, how does being SAS certified provide an advantage as you embark on pursuing your dream job?
I still have over a year remaining to complete my university course. In that time I hope to identify which field of computer science I would like to pursue further as a career choice. Data Science certainly appeals to me and it would definitely be a work path I will explore further, I believe that the SAS certification provides a perfect foundation for this.
Q: You claimed your badge and shared it on social media. Do you have any advice for other students on why they should do likewise?
Building up your LinkedIn profile has become an important part of enhancing your chances of employability. Many employers review your LinkedIn profile prior to the interview phase, having a SAS certification badge will ensure you stand out.
I also realized that having the badge includes metadata which enables you to connect with companies looking for individuals with your qualifications.
Q: Do you have any advice or guidance for students considering taking a SAS certification exam?
Don’t put it off for too long, have a goal date in mind to complete the material in SAS Skill Builder for Students. I found that helped to keep me on track. Follow the steps outlined in the video tutorials and go through the practice examples, it will not be as hard as it sounds.
Have a goal date in mind to complete the material in SAS Skill Builder for Students. I found that helped to keep me on track.
TOOLS FOR SUCCESS
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Preparing for Certification
I like to make my own notes that summarize key points and each section as it is covered, these really helped to consolidate my knowledge and were invaluable when it came to revision.
Sharing the SAS Learn Badge
The badge includes metadata which enables you to connect with companies looking for individuals with your qualifications.
Participation in the Curiosity Cup
The opportunity enabled me to gain valuable experience and exposure. The competition also helped me to showcase my skills and build my professional network.