Im Alteryx Designer Core certified!

Alteryx is an ETL tool which simplifies the data wrangling, blending and modeling process. Due to the nature of my work as an IT business analyst, I started to learn the Designer few months ago and my first priority was to pass the Core exam.

Unlike the other programming language, Alteryx provides a more simplistic workflow based environment, with no coding requirements. I can create a custom workflow by merely dragging and dropping the tools, which represent line of codes in other software. Hence, it is less overwhelming for an IT novice as compared to looking at the coding script.

A sample workflow - you can actually visualize each process too

Coming into Alteryx from a non technology background, I admit that initally I was reluctant to give it a try as the skills and knowledge were beyond my comfort zone. The most struggling part is to familiarize myself with the data science terminologies and learn how to think like a programmer whilst I was trained to have an accountant mindset for the past few years. However, a data automation project had pushed me into picking up Alteryx as I had to get my work done to get paid! 

While working on the project, I began my learning journey by attending a data analytics course offered by my employer and also joining the Alteryx online course. The steep learning curve was absolutely intimidating, especially when you were acquiring an entirely new knowledge. (I miss IFRS when learning Alteryx!) 

Being impatient, I attempted the exam without going through all Interactive Lessons. Although it's an open book test with multiple choice questions, the questions are more tricky than expected, including practical questions which require candidates to build workflow. Furthermore, the 2 hour time allocated is insufficient if you aren't well prepared. 

I failed. Not surprising.

The failure experience was actually discouraging, and the self study route was torturing and lonely. I constantly reminded myself that I couldn't give up, getting certified is part of my job requirements and I can (must) do this! I was very eager to go for a second attempt to quickly pass the exam, but Alteryx sets a policy of a cooling period of 7 days to re-attempt the exam. Although I was annoyed at this policy, I do agree that a cooling period was much needed for me to reflect on my mistakes and spend more time practicing. Haste brings no success in arriving.

I love how they provide us a detailed breakdown on our exam results - it is encouraging to know my strengths, and it also informs me on my weaknesses, which I can work on to improve in next attempt 

Thanks to the "mock exam" experience, I started to not treat this free certification lightly and put in more effort to learn - not solely toon pass the exam, but also to upskill my data analytics knowledge. Apart from completing the Interactive Lessons in Alteryx Community, I started practicing the tools covered in the exam by referring to the One Tool Examples within Designer or visiting the Tool Mastery Index on Community. I found out that the Alteryx Documentation was extremely useful as I learn well by reading or writing, but not listening (I wish Alteryx provides subtitles to their videos!). My experience of failing the exam had also taught me an important lesson - stay calm during the exam - time limit could be daunting, but staying calm under time stress could ensure clarity of mind to pick the correct answer.

Self learning was painful, but all sufferings had their reward. At forth attempt, I finally passed the exam! When the results screen popped out, I felt a sense of relief - no more stress of failing the exam! Obtaining this cert is a recognition of my effort in improving my tech-savvy skills. Also, it spells completion of an individual goal set for my career! 

Fun fact: I passed the exam during 2021 Valentine's day! Best Valentine's gift ever although it's not from my Valentine

片刻，永恆

剛剛看回了以前的舊照，猛然意識到真的回不去了。我每次都告訴自己，離別後總會相逢，甚至很慶幸自己還能和很多昔日好友保持聯繫。但曾經一起經歷的歲月，猶如一去不回頭的青春小鳥，好似就不會再回來了。

曾經抗拒拍照的我，開始很慶幸當初遇見了愛拍照的朋友，從而定格美好的瞬間。我也從一個笑容生硬尷尬的小女孩，到可以由衷地從心底微笑。回顧過往的回憶，不禁為自己的幼稚和莫名的執念感到可笑，也許應對了今日與朋友所聊的話題。

“當你正在經歷時，你會放大一切的情緒，但時間會沖淡一切。過去，成就了現在。是片刻，成了永恆。”

謝謝那些留在我生命的人，也謝謝那些已經離開的人。感恩所擁有，懷抱過去，展望未來，一步一腳印，走下去。

I got a free iPad!

Yes, you didn't read the title wrongly. I had received an Apple iPad 10.2 inch (32 GB) WiFi for free after activating my newly approved credit card! Few months ago, I had submitted my credit card application through CompareHero.my during the Flash Deal period, where successful applicants stand a chance to win an iPad.

First Apple product in my life!

Unlike the traditional method of applying credit card through a sales person when you're wandering around a mall, the online application process is more straightforward and efficient, with lesser paperwork. As an introvert, I prefer the method which eliminates the needs to deal with hard selling sales person. I was required to fill in personal information through webform at CompareHero.my, which subsequently redirected me to the bank website to fill in more details. Within few working days, I received call from the bank to verify my information and request for supporting documents, to be sent via email.

After approximately one month, my application was successfully approved and the card was sent to my home. Unexpectedly, I was informed by CompareHero.my that I am eligible to claim a retractable folding fan as free gift. The required action was to provide my delivery details to CompareHero.my. The fan was delivered to me after one month and I really like it! 

Again, after approximately another month, CompareHero.my emailed to congratulate me on winning an iPad! Instead of responding to the good news ecstatically, I immensely suspected the authenticity of the email as I was aware that scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics and the"durian runtuh" sounded pretty dodgy. I was also warned by my family and boyfriend on the possibility of me being scammed. 

Hence, I decided to perform verification on the authenticity of the email. The action required in order to claim the free iPad stated in the email was highly similar with the instructions to claim my free fan. Also, I called CompareHero.my to confirm the fact that I am the winner of Flash Deal. Even by doing so, I chose not to put high hopes on getting the free iPad, until I received call from logistics company to collect my iPad! The process of collecting iPad from delivery man to unboxing it was exceptionally thrilling and memorable.

Buying a tablet has been always on my wish list, yet I was reluctant to spend on it and decided to prioritize other spendings. Receiving a new tablet for free has saved me a fortune, not to mention iPad is much more costly than any other tablet brands. Besides, it has resolved the problem of me unable to install work related apps in my phone as the device is not supported. Now, I can easily access my work emails, chats and documents through my iPad! I can work from anywhere by carrying the lightweight iPad, which saved myself the hassle. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that my reading time has increased after having an iPad as the experience of reading from a larger screen is more decent. Thus, I am sincerely grateful to win the free iPad!