Shima Kordlou, MSc, PMP

After diving deep into Power BI, I've realized how this tool is a game-changer in the world of data analytics, especially here in Canada. 🇨🇦 From connecting multiple data sources to creating dynamic, interactive dashboards, Power BI has truly empowered me to transform raw data into actionable insights. What excites me the most is the ability to visualize complex datasets in a way that’s not only accessible but also impactful for decision-makers. 📈 Working on real-world projects, I’ve seen firsthand how Power BI can streamline data-driven strategies across various industries. The intuitive interface and powerful features allow for quick adaptation, enabling teams to make informed decisions faster than ever before. But it's not just about the tool—it's about the story the data tells. With Power BI, I’ve been able to uncover trends, identify opportunities, and drive innovation. Whether it's analyzing customer behavior or optimizing operational efficiency, the possibilities are endless. Looking forward to continuing this journey and exploring even more ways to leverage Power BI for data-driven success in Canada’s ever-evolving landscape. 🚀 #PowerBI #DataAnalytics #Canada #DataVisualization #BusinessIntelligence

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Happy Friday! #AgilusWorkSolutions Exciting opportunity for #EnvironmentalRegulatoryManager I in #Calgary Interested candidates are welcome to apply via email to #[email protected] or through the link below. #Remoteposition #SSHEmanagement #environmentalengineering #Affiliatessafetygroups #development #coordination #consultation #implementation  #ProjectSafetyManagementSystem #environmentalperformance #energyefficiency #GreenhouseGasemissions #airquality  #BestAvailableTechniques #OilGasprojectconstruction #safetymanagementprogram #Familiarwithindustry #

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Hi #datafam, I'm excited to share that I'll be speaking at few TUG events this upcoming month with different and interesting topics. And one of them being at the upcoming Toronto TUG on July 10, from 5 PM to 6:30 PM (EST). This virtual event is open to everyone and will feature fantastic speakers covering new feature and interesting topics with practical examples. - Aria Voron will discuss how to master business problem-solving with Tableau and launch your consultancy career. - Ojoswi Basu will dive into the practical use of Tableau’s new Extensions feature and how these tools can enhance your visualizations. - I will be talking a behind-the-scenes look at my recent Viz of the Day, which was part of the #B2VB submission. I'll focus on design choices, data analysis, storytelling, color choices, and share some practical tips using examples from my #MakeoverMonday submissions. It is full of practical tips and techniques. Looking forward to seeing you all there. Thank you! Don't forget to register here: https://lnkd.in/gZ4xGg_y Organizers: Candi Munroe, Adrian Zinovei, Roland Schlichting #DataViz #Data #TableauPublic #DataAnalytics #Viz #VOTD #VizoftheDay #Analytics #Tableau #DataVisualization #DataInsights

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🚀 Excited to Share My Latest Project! 🚀 I’m thrilled to present my Power BI report on the Customer Churn Analysis for the Royal Bank of Canada! 🏦📊 Note: This is a sample dataset. Concepts Covered in This Project: 🌟 Data Modelling 🌟 Creating Measures Using DAX Language 🌟 Crafting Dynamic Reports Offering Valuable Insights 🌟 Using Bookmarks to Add More Visuals 🌟 Data Validation 🌟 Incorporating KPI Indicators 🌟 Utilizing Power BI Services & Publishing Reports Key Metrics Highlighted: 📈 Total Active, Inactive, Card Holders, Non-Card Holders, and Churn % 🔍 Filtering Customer Details by Year, Month, Gender, Exit Status, Geography, and Customer Status 📊 Year-Wise Active and Inactive Customer Analysis (Cluster Bar Chart) 📅 Month-Wise Customer Churn Analysis 👤 Exit Customer Analysis by Gender and Credit Score 💳 Exit Customer Analysis by Card Holding Status Check it out and let me know your thoughts! 🙌 https://lnkd.in/er3tU7Ju #PowerBI #DataAnalysis #CustomerChurn #DataVisualization #Analytics #BusinessIntelligence #RoyalBankofCanada

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Just wrapped up another self-learning Power BI dashboard, and this time, it's all in for the Maven Sales Challenge from Maven Analytics (this is my first entry for any Maven Challenge)! 🌟 Designed specifically for sales managers, this dashboard lets you effortlessly monitor your team's quarterly performance with key metrics like : ✅Wins ✅Win % (Conversion) ✅Sales Values ✅Days to Close ✅Comparison among the Top 5 Agents Check out the full interactive Power BI report is in the link. I will admit, the DAX behind this one-page dashboard was quite the challenge for me. #mavensaleschallenge #powerbi #data #analytics #dataviz #portfolio #maven

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🚀 **The Importance of Knowing Your SQL Data Languages!** As someone working with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), understanding the different sublanguages of SQL is crucial. These sublanguages are the backbone of how we interact with, modify, and manage our databases. Here’s a quick breakdown and the roles they play: 🔹 **DQL (Data Query Language)**: Used primarily for querying and retrieving data.   - **Primary Command**: `SELECT`   - **Roles**: Data Analysts, Business Intelligence Developers, Data Scientists 🔹 **DDL (Data Definition Language)**: Essential for defining and altering database structures.   - **Primary Commands**: `CREATE`, `ALTER`, `DROP`, `TRUNCATE`   - **Roles**: Database Administrators (DBAs), Data Engineers, Developers 🔹 **DML (Data Manipulation Language)**: Focuses on modifying the data itself.   - **Primary Commands**: `INSERT`, `UPDATE`, `DELETE`, `MERGE`   - **Roles**: Application Developers, Data Engineers, ETL Developers 🔹 **DCL (Data Control Language)**: Controls user access and permissions.   - **Primary Commands**: `GRANT`, `REVOKE`   - **Roles**: Security Administrators, DBAs 🔹 **TCL (Transaction Control Language)**: Vital for managing transactions and ensuring data integrity.   - **Primary Commands**: `COMMIT`, `ROLLBACK`, `SAVEPOINT`   - **Roles**: DBAs, Application Developers, Data Engineers **Why does this matter?** 🔍 Knowing these sublanguages helps you write more efficient queries, manage databases effectively, and maintain data integrity—all while understanding the full scope of SQL operations you can perform within SSMS. It also empowers you to handle complex database tasks with confidence and precision. 💡 Whether you're an aspiring database administrator, data analyst, or seasoned developer, mastering these SQL sublanguages is a game-changer in your career. What do you think? Have you leveraged these sublanguages to tackle complex database challenges? Share your experiences below! ⬇️ #SQLServer #DatabaseManagement #DataLanguages #SSMS #DataEngineering #CareerGrowth

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Professional certificates are valuable in your data analytics career journey They help add an extra layer of credibility you need to prove your skills I put together a list of the top 7 Data Analytics Professional Certificates/Certifications P.S.: Do you know the difference between a certificate and a certification?

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In many interviews, I've noticed a trend: candidates excel at answering Power BI questions but struggle with fundamental SQL queries. It’s crucial to recognize that in the real world, very few projects revolve solely around Power BI and Excel. If you're pursuing a Power BI Developer role, there's a 95% chance your project will involve SQL. Power BI and SQL are not just tools; they’re powerful allies. Understanding how to leverage both can set you apart from the competition. The synergy of these tools means that 1 + 1 > 2! Combining SQL with Power BI offers several advantages that enhance data analysis and visualization capabilities: 𝟭. 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: SQL is excellent for querying and managing large datasets. You can efficiently retrieve, filter, and aggregate data before it’s imported into Power BI, ensuring that the reports are based on precise and relevant information. 𝟮. 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴: With SQL, you can create complex data models and relationships. This allows for more sophisticated calculations and metrics in Power BI, enhancing your analytical capabilities. 𝟯. 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: By using SQL to pre-process and aggregate data, you can significantly reduce the amount of data Power BI needs to handle. This can improve performance and responsiveness in your reports. 𝟰. 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: SQL can be used for data cleansing and transformation, ensuring that the data you load into Power BI is accurate and well-structured, which is crucial for effective analysis. 𝟱. 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: SQL allows for custom queries tailored to specific business needs, enabling more flexible reporting in Power BI. You can create views and stored procedures in SQL that Power BI can consume directly. 𝟲. 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: SQL databases often have robust security features. By managing access and permissions at the SQL level, you can control who sees what data in Power BI. 𝟳. 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: As data volume grows, SQL databases can handle larger datasets effectively. Power BI can then connect to these databases, maintaining performance and usability. 𝟴. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Power BI easily integrates with SQL databases, allowing seamless data connections and real-time data updates, which can help in creating live dashboards. #DataAnalytics #DataScience #Data #Analysis #SQL #PowerBI #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #DataEngineering

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Canadian Experience isn't what I thought it would be! I found myself hesitant on applying to big firms and roles, despite having worked for some of the largest global brands. When I first arrived in Canada, I encountered a phrase that puzzled me deeply: Canadian experience - I kept hearing how my experience was somehow not enough. As a result I found myself hesitant on applying to big firms and roles, despite having worked for some of the largest global brands. Initially, I believed Canadian experience referred to work experience gained within Canada. However, I soon learned it's a combination of soft skills and local experiences. This includes understanding workplace culture, mastering interpersonal and prosocial skills, and achieving language fluency (English or French), along with some nuances such as Canadian slang Eh! #BuildingCanadianExperience: Networking and Interactions: Leveraging Past Experience A pivotal moment came when a casual conversation prompted me to reframe my past experiences. Even though I worked in India, my role involved handling North American clients, giving me exposure to the market dynamics. This revelation was transformative, allowing me to market my experience effectively to Canadian employers and boost my confidence. My first breakthrough came during a random networking event where the discussion concluded Canadian experience isn't limited to professional achievements in Canada. I learned how vital it is to actively participate in local events and networking opportunities. These interactions provide invaluable insights and opportunities to assimilate into the community. Small Talk pays off! Consistently updating my knowledge was vital. I read extensively—newspapers, blogs, and industry reports—to stay abreast of trends, regulations, and cultural shifts. This practice not only enriched my understanding but also afforded me engaging conversation starters for networking and interviews. Volunteering and Part-Time Employment: Engaging in volunteer work or part-time employment can facilitate smoother integration. They offer exposure to the local job market's norms and practices, helping you understand how to navigate professional landscapes in Canada. I also sought multiple guides to learn from and that helped me immensely! What one missed the other filled in the gap 😊 Bridging Programs: Participating in bridging programs, where employers interact with professionals, provided me with a deeper understanding of industry expectations and local work culture. Such programs are advantageous for gaining relevant experience and networking. Educational Opportunities: Taking up courses at local universities, such as York University, helped me understand the local laws governing my profession and I made so many meaningful connections and life long friendships. "Take the stage before you are ready because once you are ready the stage might not be there " #CareerJourney #ImmigrantSuccess #WorkCulture #job

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Ontario Hiring Trends Update Recent data suggests a dynamic shift in Ontario's job market. While certain sectors like construction and manufacturing have seen declines, there are burgeoning opportunities in tech, healthcare, and green energy. Despite a rise in unemployment to 7.6%, the demand for skilled professionals remains strong, particularly in roles that support digital transformation and sustainability initiatives. If you're looking to pivot or advance your career, now might be the time to upskill in areas like AI, cybersecurity, or renewable energy technologies. Networking and continuous learning are key in this ever-evolving landscape. Let's connect to discuss how we can navigate these trends together towards mutual growth. #OntarioJobs #CareerOpportunities #TechHiring #GreenEnergy #Networking

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InsightswithSaamarth- When I first landed in #canada, finding a job 💼 was a distant dream, not because I wasn't good enough, but because there was #covid all around. People were being laid off and companies weren't hiring. Then in June 2020, I got my first #interview and I screwed it up within the first 30 seconds, why? Because I didn't understand how to answer questions the Canadian way, I was way too focused on technical stuff and forgot to talk about the cultural aspects, that make a huge difference in North America. Long story short, I got rejected ❌ from 17 companies, some in the early stages, some during the final stages. The bottom line was that I learnt a lot from these failures!! Over the period, I learnt more and finally I cleared interviews and received offers from Extreme Networks, Localcoin ATM and TD In fact, my selection process at Extreme was a grueling 😰 one, I had to give 8 rounds of interviews to get hired 👔 ! But, that shouldn't be your story, I am here to make your #jobsearch easy, so if you are looking for your next #job and you need help, feel free to reach out to me, follow InsightswithSaamarth and book a call📞with me on my topmate.io page (link in comments) #jobseekers #linkedin #india #usa P.S. Once you get a job, you can again feel the wind in your hair 😜

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You should have these key words in your resume if you want to get a data analyst recruiter to notice you: Confidence (in yourself) Passion (for data analytics) Communicative (since asking questions and listening is half the job) Adaptable (to different tools and changing requirements) Collaborative (ability to work with teams and stakeholders) Resilient (in facing and learning from failures) Each of the above words are much more powerful than: SQL, Python, Pandas, scikit-learn, Tableau, Power BI, and Regression. Soft skills get you interviews. What do you think is the most important soft skill for a data analyst? #dataanalytics #softskills #hardskills

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Three weeks ago, I had the pleasure of launching a new website for Owate Consulting, a trusted career consulting company in Canada! Owate Consulting guides professionals to navigate their careers with personalized consulting services. Whether you're just starting your career journey or looking for a change, visit owateconsulting.com, book a free introductory session, and watch your career dreams take flight!  #careerconsulting #canada #jobsearch #webdev

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Last week, I attended virtually the Product Strategy Workshop organized by the Toronto Product Management Association. I have to say that it was a learning and insightful workshop wonderfully led by Angelina Fomina 🌿 . Product Strategy is not a mere step in the process of creating new digital products. As Angelina rightly emphasized, it is a crucial pillar underpinning any product's success. Some of the key takeaways of the session:  🗺 Product Strategy is: ·    A document that encompasses all the exploration done, such as competitor analysis, trends, and markets, to align the team on the direction we want to take. ·     It's a long-term plan outlining a product's development. ·     Clear direction and framework for your product development process ·     Aligns customer needs and business objectives. 🏆 Product Strategies come in various forms, each with unique approaches and benefits. These include feature Strategy, Outcome Strategy, Growth Strategy, Separate Product Strategy, Multi-product Strategy, and Platform Strategy. 💡 Why create a Product Strategy? 2 main reasons: Internal: ·     Focus your teams. ·     The ‘got to place’ for all the stakeholders to understand the product. ·     Align teams with leadership top-down strategy. ·     Align the product with company visions and goals. ·     Reference to guide the entire product development process. ·     Kick-off new products. External ·     Make your product discovery, idea generation and customer understanding work actionable. ·     Offer a unique solution to the customer. ·     Adapt to the market and stay competitive. Follow Angelina Fomina 🌿 for more advice on product management and your career and purpose. Or checkout her website - https://lnkd.in/gsndGBtj for upcoming free workshops like this. #ProductStrategyWorkshop #ProductStrategy #ProductManagement #PM #TorontoProductManagement

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🌟 Navigating the Canadian Job Market: My Weekly Strategy Update 🇨🇦💼 Job hunting in Canada can feel like climbing a steep hill ⛰️, but persistence and the right strategy make all the difference! Here’s how I’m approaching it to stay focused and effective every week: 📅 1. Block Weekends for Quality Job Applications It’s not about sending 50 resumes; it’s about sending the right ones 📄✨. I dedicate my weekends to thoroughly researching roles, tailoring applications, and hitting "submit" with confidence. 📊 2. Update Your Job Tracker & Plan Your Week Got 10 applications in the pipeline? 🎯 Use Monday to Friday for networking! This means: Connecting with recruiters 🤝 Following up on submitted applications ✉️ Building meaningful relationships through LinkedIn conversations 💬 🤝 3. Referrals are Game-Changers Nothing beats a strong referral 💡. Proactively find someone in the company to vouch for you—it significantly increases your chances of landing that interview invite 📞✅. ✨ The Results? Less overwhelm 💆‍♂️ More intentional progress 🚀 Better responses from recruiters 📨 If you’re also job searching, I’d love to hear your strategies—what’s working for you? Let’s share and grow together! 👏💡 My fellow Alumni University Canada West #JobSearch #CareerGrowth #Networking #JobHuntingTips

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In recent years, Canada has become a prime destination for two distinct groups seeking to make the country their permanent home: international students and professionally qualified immigrants. Both paths have been integral to Canada’s immigration strategy, but they follow markedly different trajectories in their contributions to the workforce, society, and the economy. The growing trend of international students converting to permanent residents (PRs) and eventually citizens has transformed the country’s academic institutions into immigration hubs. This pathway, accelerated by policies like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and immigration programs tailored to meet labor demands, provides Canada with young, educated workers who are well-prepared to integrate into the job market. On the other hand, direct immigration programs targeting professionally qualified workers have long been essential in filling immediate gaps in the labor market, particularly in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, technology, and engineering. Find below an interesting evaluation presented for easy access to policymakers, employers and entrepreneurs of this great nation.

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