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Seeking Learning Path & Certification Advice in Data Analytics, BI, Data Engineering & Gen AI

BRICE D'MELLO 0 Reputation points
2025-08-28T19:39:28.85+00:00

Hello Microsoft Learn Community,

I’m currently working as a Senior Associate Consultant at Kiya.ai, with over 8+ years of experience in banking technology and application support, specializing in UPI and mobile banking critical transaction systems.

I’m planning a career pivot toward Data Analytics, Business Intelligence, Data Engineering, and Gen AI Analytics. My goal is to build a solid foundation for a future Master’s program at a top global university.

Here’s what I’m looking for guidance on:

  1. Recommendations on a structured learning and certification path, particularly within Microsoft’s ecosystem (e.g., Power BI, Azure Data Engineer, AI/Gen AI tracks).
  2. Certifications you’d prioritize and in what sequence to build credibility and practical skills.
  3. Official learning resources or modules I should follow.
  4. Suggested hands-on project ideas aligned with real-world banking or fintech domains.
  5. Advice on integrating professional experience with new credentials effectively.

Thank you in advance for your insights!

Azure | Azure Training
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  1. John Burkholder 0 Reputation points
    2025-08-28T20:28:09.4966667+00:00

    Hi Brice! That’s an exciting and ambitious pivot—your background in banking tech and critical transaction systems gives you a strong foundation to build on. Here's a structured learning and certification path tailored to your goals, especially within the Microsoft ecosystem, along with project ideas and integration tips:

    1. Structured Learning & Certification Path

    Phase 1: Foundation in Data Analytics & BI

    • Certifications:
      • Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate
        • Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
        • Learning Modules:
          • Power BI Learning Path
            • Azure Fundamentals Learning Path

    Phase 2: Data Engineering & Cloud Integration

    • Certifications:
      • Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate
      • Learning Modules:
        • Design and Implement Data Storage
          • Design and Develop Data Processing

    Phase 3: AI & Gen AI Analytics

    • Certifications:
      • Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
        • Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900)
        • Learning Modules:
          • Introduction to Generative AI
            • Build Generative AI Solutions with Azure OpenAI

    2. Suggested Certification Sequence

    1. AZ-900 – Azure Fundamentals
    2. Power BI Data Analyst Associate
    3. AI-900 – Azure AI Fundamentals
    4. Azure Data Engineer Associate
    5. Azure AI Engineer Associate

    3. Hands-On Project Ideas (Banking/Fintech Domain)

    • Customer Transaction Analysis Dashboard using Power BI
    • Fraud Detection Model using Azure Machine Learning
    • UPI Transaction Volume Forecasting using time-series models
    • Churn Prediction for Mobile Banking Users
    • Gen AI Chatbot for Banking FAQs using Azure OpenAI

    4. Integrating Experience with New Credentials

    • Highlight your domain expertise in banking tech when presenting projects.
    • Use real-world scenarios from your past work to contextualize data problems.
    • Build a portfolio on GitHub or a personal website showcasing your projects.
    • Consider writing LinkedIn articles or blog posts about your learning journey and insights.
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