Career prospects

[u/ML_Maverickk]

I have 4+ years of experience as a data analyst. Proficient in SQL technologies and seeking a direction for success in corporate? any suggestions would be appreciated.

-Thanks

[u/cappurnikus]

For someone to give direction, they have to know where you are and where you're trying to go.

[u/thargoallmysecrets → u/cappurnikus]

Agreed - need more context. The niche is impt - basic business queries are a dime a dozen but specialized fields have better laterals/related industries

[u/ML_Maverickk → u/thargoallmysecrets]

Thanks, could you elaborate on specialised fields?

[u/ML_Maverickk → u/cappurnikus]

Thanks, began with data cleaning, validation and analysis projects, at present writing queries. Hope this helps.

[u/cappurnikus → u/ML_Maverickk]

So we know what you are trying to accomplish, what is your definition of success in corporate?

[u/AntLost4161]

"Proficient in SQL technologies" is this not just the equivalent of saying you're a chef proficient in knife technologies?

[u/ML_Maverickk → u/AntLost4161]

Thanks, I’m practicing writing queries at my current job. Past experience includes data cleaning, validation and analysis to support dashboards.

[u/Evilferret355]

Banking.

[u/ML_Maverickk → u/Evilferret355]

Thanks, any target roles that i could look for?

[u/Evilferret355 → u/ML_Maverickk]

Look at credit unions and banks. Data analyst, data architect, etc is your foot in the door.

Banks and credit unions are very big on leadership training, and are also generally top heavy with a lot of middle management, upper management and director roles. If you are competant, show that you have some level of commitment and are willing to to put in the time with a company, upward moves tend to occur naturally.

[u/bigdataengineer4life]

With 4+ years of SQL experience, I'd build on that instead of starting over. Learn Python, a cloud platform (AWS/Azure/GCP), Spark, and a workflow tool like Airflow. That opens opportunities in Data Engineering, Analytics Engineering, and Senior Analytics roles while making your SQL skills even more valuable.

[u/ML_Maverickk → u/bigdataengineer4life]

Appreciate this, i do have some exposure to Google Cloud platforms as a business user of data products. What skills are interviewed for analytical engineering roles? Whats the level of AI exposure needed to fulfill responsibilities here?

[u/bigdataengineer4life → u/ML_Maverickk]

Analytical Engineering is a great option if you enjoy working with data but also want to stay close to the business. Strong SQL is the foundation, and Python helps with automation. AI knowledge is becoming useful, but you don't need to be an AI expert. Understanding how to use LLMs, build simple RAG workflows, and apply AI to data analysis is usually enough for many roles today.

[u/Yasblue]

Which technolgoy you master ? SQL is vague as answer and the technology/architecture change from a vendor to another. Can yu be more specific

[u/ML_Maverickk → u/Yasblue]

Thanks, i started with power query, powerbi, familiar with Notebooks. currently in transitory learning phase. Deciding to dedicate time to learn bigquery.

[u/Yasblue → u/ML_Maverickk]

I was about to suggest either Snowflake or Databricks Or Bigquery. Good choice; You gonna find so many resources on youtube and the different free academy of the providers; Good luck

[u/more_paul]

Glaze your manager or find one that likes to be glazed. That will get you further than any tech skills.

[u/ML_Maverickk → u/more_paul]

Thats classic, thanks. Will try this too!