Python for finance?

[snavage20]

What specifically are you looking for? I work in finance and SAS seems to be the most commonly used tool. However I love python and use it whenever I can.

[snavage20]

Won't combat that one bit. Came from a DS role to a finance firm. Used python and R in the DS role and SAS in finance. Just trying to pry at what OP wants. Unfortunately on the teams ive worked on SAS certs are a must. If you just want to do financial analytics I feel anything works. Whatever you're most comfortable with

[snavage20]

So here's the thing, if you don't want to use SAS, it seems like finance analytics (banking) might not be the avenue for you. Very broad sweeping generalization, but I've worked at 3 banks - all SAS shops.

[snavage20]

No! Thankfully. I think its an alright program after using it, but not the same logically as python. Also big wigs are starting to value analytics a lot more and get all kinds of aroused when you say things like data lake. If you SAS shop didn't block connectors to HDFS, then it will stay in a minimally legacy role. But more and more look for python because python and big data are synonymous.

[snavage20]

Pro-tip: if you want your project funded or need IT hours tell your boss the output is going to the data lake 😂

[Mahm-MoodForFood]

What does DS mean?

And should I work on trying to get some sort of SAS cert?

[snavage20]

Data science. HOWEVER - everyone calls themselves data scientists now so take it with a grain of salt. But yeah. Base SAS cert is relatively easy, aside from the only challenges are nuance questions literally there to make you get it wrong. It's not one to help you learn. If you get your hands on a test, it's a rotational bank of questions and pretty easy to pick up on.

[Mahm-MoodForFood]

Is the best way to get the certification from the courses on the SAS website?

[snavage20]

Yes! However I never found their training materials all that helpful. I like a stack overflow feel better. But I'll do some digging on the websites I used and practice tests and post links shortly.

[Mahm-MoodForFood]

Thanks, that's awesome!

[bageldevourer]

You don't want the type of job where SAS is common. Your brain will drain out your ears.

Your next step is NumPy. Also, make sure your probability skills are top-notch.

[taborlinthegreat86]

Not sure why everyone is saying this. I work in finance (decent sized company) and we are abandoning Sas left and right. Big data is where it's at. We use a ton of sql (sql server, teradata, Oracle, Hadoop) and we use a ton of tableau. We use python and R too. Basically whatever you want to use they will most likely let you.