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Why SAS skills are more in demand than ever before

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By Topics | Learn SAS Programming Tips

Wondering why technology is such a big deal and why working with SAS will be in demand forever?

The great blackout of Toronto in 2003 proved that so well. We could barely survive without electricity for a whole day. While breakdowns make us acutely aware of our dependence, technology also has made it super easy to network on LinkedIn, avidly devour tweets on Twitter, and stay connected on Facebook. To handle the increasing reams of data that technology throws out with lightning speed you need a SAS specialist or two.

In the next ten years, the list of sexy jobs will include statistician. You might think I’m joking, but who would’ve guessed that computer engineers would’ve been the sexy job of the 1990s? If you’re still in doubt, check out this video with Google Chief Economist, Hal Varian making the case.

I recently blogged about landing a job as a SAS professional and since it got a lot of attention on LinkedIn and Facebook I decided to follow up with another post about careers.

Some of you asked about job roles. Specific roles are hard to label since every organization has their own role definition based on complex needs. However, here are some common roles you can expect to find as you search. You can also find more SAS specialty roles online.

  • Business analyst
  • Clinical data programmer
  • Data Analyst
  • Data Quality Steward
  • Data Scientist
  • Data warehouse architect
  • Database administrator
  • Database programmer
  • Developer
  • ETL specialist
  • Financial analyst
  • IT Manager
  • Marketing analyst
  • Platform Administrator
  • Programmer
  • Project Manager
  • Quality analyst
  • Report programmer
  • Reporting Analyst
  • Securities analyst
  • Statistician
  • Statistics programmer
  • Systems/network programmer

My #1 tip to landing a job using SAS is to connect with people. It’s one of the best ways to find out about what jobs there are, what skills you may need to polish up, and what gaps there are in your SAS resume that you need to fill with real work. Here are some sites and ideas to get you networking:

  • Facebook is becoming more and more of an all-round connection tool
  • LinkedIn is where a lot of head hunters post their SAS needs
  • Volunteering with SAS User Groups (This in my mind is probably the best way to connect personally. By volunteering with SAS User Groups you demonstrate that you are helpful and you have a skill to share.)

From teaching a class out west in Calgary, my client informed me how understaffed the Canadian West was in SAS jobs and how SAS professionals are in high demand in the energy, natural gas and mining industries. If the idea of western oil sands doesn’t entice you, the proximity to the Rockies might – this wealthy province is one of the most breathtaking places in the world.

 

That’s it from me. I hope you find this post helpful and as always, feel free to leave comments. I’ve recently started a Twitter account so you can follow me there too.

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About Author

Charu Shankar

Technical Training Specialist

Charu Shankar has been a Technical Training Specialist with SAS since 2007. She started as a programmer, and has taught computer languages, business and English Language skills. At SAS, Charu teaches the SAS language, SQL, SAS Enterprise guide and Business Intelligence. She interviews clients to recommend the right SAS training to help them meet their needs. She is helping build a center for special needs kids in this project. http://www.handicareintl.org/pankaja/pankaja.swf

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14 Comments

  1. Rachana Ramilla on

    Hi,
    Myself Rachana have experienced in customer support in banking sector for 8yrs n later did MBA correspondence in Hr. Can you Plz suggest about sas which module much enhance my career in.

  3. Madhuri Desai on

    Hello,
    I do have experience in SAS, i mean in Base SAS Want to continue with the same into analytics.

    Please do suggest good jobs and carrier aspects.

    Thanks

  4. ISHWARSINH CHAUHAN on

    Hiii Charu, I have completed m.sc. in statistics this year. Now I am planning to persue into SAS. Is it fine to do SAS clinical or anything else in SAS can you help me with???? And one more thing do I need to go for further certification for advance SAS after having certificate of base sas. Looking forward to have your reply. Thanks

  5. Palgun on

    Hi, I'm a student of pharm.D (doctor of pharmacy)bstudying in the 6th year of my course, I'm very much interested in clinical SAS program. What will be my CTC after SAS ?

  6. kiran on

    Hi
    I am Intersted to learn sas Iam Completed Btech IT Which module is suitable for me

  7. ganesh on

    hi i am an lecturer in engg colege n r8 now i want to do SAS so would to tel me which module is suitable for me

  8. Gaurang Karmakar on

    Hello Ms. Charu Shankar,

    I'd like to connect t o you on linkedin, as I'm very keen on SAS Statistical Analytics career, but I'm heavily impeded by the lack og proper mentors and guides.

  10. sweety mehta on

    Hi Charu,

    I am a biologist but trying to enter into SAS. Is it advisable to do Base SAS or Clinical SAS. Just with base SAS, can one get job??

  11. sweety mehta on

    Hi Charu,

    I am a biologist but trying to enter into SAS. Is it advisable to do Base SAS or Clinical SAS. Just with base SAS, can one get job??

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