New role desired, data analyst/data visualisation type - how to get there

[413x]

My current job isn't going anywhere. The time line for potential challenges of interest is just too long and to be honest I don't have faith it will ever get there.
There is also potential that this job will end 12 months from now due to external contract renewal.
I have virtually no social circle, do not like the area, and am only here for said job

In looking for advice on what to do next as in the last couple of years I've gained a lot of skills. But only a few are concrete.

Basically I have a broad understanding of statistics and some programing

Very competent in vba
Partially in sql
Partially in R
And started learning python
Also familiar with Qlikview BI tool.

What I really like is visualisation and creating tools. I'm happy doing most complex code based jobs but really mainly around data as opposed to pure coding.

From looking around a safe job (considering the 12 month time line) would be a vba/sql/BI type role with R/python as desirable

Main issue here is sql as I'm only able to do basics
I'm talking joins, creating tables, creating schema, queries, loading data in


What is the best/quickest way to improve sql? Without any real need for it in my current role, what can I work on (ie project) to help here?
Is the best idea to improve sql over other options?
I have mysql in my laptop and try to do any data work in it (loading in csv, using odbc to link to R, Excel, qlikview, other)

There seem to be a fair few 35k+ London roles which state vba/sql + other.

This might well be effectively a pay cut as I'm on 31 in Peterborough, but I am of the opinion either in going to go crazy where I work due to lack of challenges or find myself redundant come 12 months

 

[413x]

i guess im half way between.
im used to statistics (regressions, univariate, multivariate, random forests etc)
im also known as a bit of a realist in work. as quite often have to tell people what they think they have isnt statistically correct. i know a fair bit around real life stats (ie, 0.05 is an arbitrary figure that is only 'significant' as it it is convention).

i do not consider myself a data scientist. i cant program a neural net, but i have written a basic image analysis program in python. however i do not know R/Python well enough.
this is mainly as i learnt my stats in a GUI not code based application. (a SAS product)

and this is the role im looking for. one where i can develop these.

sql, i can query fine, and if i cant, it doesnt take me long to do it.

i consider myself half way between data scientist and data analyst.
i am certainly not a graph builder


im pretty good with logic, graphics and dash-boarding (some of the simple ones i have made within the first month of me using qlikview went down well).
presenting stats to non stats people is probably one of my valued skills. be it grapics or in person presentations


if i can really get into it, i know the salary expectations can get fairly substantial

 

[413x]

Ooft, don't think I could afford those courses.
The UK one would take 3 years at nearly 3k per year. (assuming cost over 3 years is 8000/3)
If I had that much of could commit to education I probably wouldn't need the qualification itself.

 

[413x]

That's much more reasonable. And might not even need a loan for it (although the loan maybe useful)
And that sounds like a reasonable route + shows drive to improve etc.

If I can get a junior role with OK pay with the opportunities that come with London might not be a bad ideal.

Thanks dowie

 

[413x]

I read that
I have a molecular science degree which sometimes it's enough with work experience but sometimes isn't.
Holes in my maths are things like matrix algebra.
But a whole extra year? That sounds rough. As much for the time as the money.
I would seriously need to consider if 3 years study is worth it vs carrying on with work and free time learning (coursera foe example)

Also would I have the stamina for 3 years?
I was always good but never gifted at maths. Particularly pure and any you can't conceptualise.
Really, my true calling was engineering. Physical/mechanical maths, real world tangible concepts.
However at 30 there's no way really to get there.

 

[413x]

I think personally I'd rather have to do more work (ie catching up) if possible rather than make it 2 years
It's hard to know if I know enough maths from work and reading around problems that doing the foundation course is worth it. Probably worth contacting them if indeed I do get to London.

 

[413x]

Yep I know. If I can't do it I can't.
There are probably too many holes to jump into advanced stats, but paying for a years foundation where I may well know 3/4 of it also seems like a waste.

I'm going to put my cv out with
SQL
VBA
BI tool (qlikview)
And also that I'm new to R/python but won't apply for jobs requiring them.

To be honest I'm not wanting the world salary wise. I'm more looking for something I won't struggle on and more importantly, I can learn on.

I've seen some that appear to fit the requirements.
What I want is a role that is a bit stats and a bit BI.

 

[413x]

yeah there do seem to be a variety of roles out there, hopefully you should be able to find something (plenty of short online courses to help with that too)

thing is though online and part time learning opportunities are increasing, you can always decide to study more at a later date too

Main thing is getting down south.
There's nothing much where I live, and I'm only where I love cause of job. Which I'm not going anywhere in.

If I get that livable wage I can plan from there I guess.