After you have completed your studies in data science, the next step you would be looking at is data analytics, but often, students are faced with the question of where to begin. Everything you see around is about Python, R, and AI tools, however, there is an underrated option that is explored by quite a few students, SAS—less hyped but well used. So, the main question is, “Can SAS be the best starting point for freshers in 2025?”
The simplest answer is yes, especially if you want to stand on your feet in the shortest time and develop a concrete foundation in analytics. Now, let’s explore why SAS is a concrete step in starting a data career.
Why Is SAS Friendly for Beginners?
SAS software has been developed with neatness, simplicity, and ease of access. Where other open-source tools tend to assume that you already understand programming, SAS guides you step-by-step, even if you have never done coding before. Here is how SAS is beginner-friendly:
- Readable syntax: SAS remarks are simple English sentences that you can understand easily.
- Easy to debug: It points out where exactly you went wrong with your code.
- No steep learning: You do not need to know anything about object-oriented programming or advanced math before you start with it.
Bhrighu’s beginner-level SAS programming course prepares you with hands-on case studies and industry use cases tailored to regulated sectors, where you can get certified in the truly valuable essentials of SAS applications. This will contribute to your confidence while handling enormous amounts of data.
Why Start with SAS as a Fresher?
High Demand in Regulated Industries:
SAS is one of the popular software in the healthcare, banking, and insurance fields. Therefore, if your goal is to bag jobs in these industries, then SAS should be a skill generally required for that purpose. For example, pharma companies hire SAS programmers at a fresher level to assist with trial data.
Real-World Opportunities:
Companies like IQVIA, Novartis, and ICICI Bank recruit freshers with SAS skills. Using Naukri or LinkedIn for searching job opportunities will help you show openings for entry-level SAS candidates, most of them under clinical research and risk analytics. According to recent advertisements, the salary band for a SAS fresher goes from approximately ₹3.5 LPA to ₹6.5 LPA, depending on the job and location.
Less Competition:
Everybody is rushing towards Python, but only a few graduates invest time learning SAS, hence giving them an edge in job interviews.
High Entry-Level Salary:
Because of its association with higher domains, the salary offered to entry-level professionals is quite high, especially for those who are certified.
Defined Salary Path:
It allows you to think analytically, so after discovering the basics with SAS, you can easily move to Python, SQL, or R.
What Jobs Can One Aim for as an SAS Fresher Candidate?
- Clinical SAS Programmer
- Junior Data Analyst
- Risk Analyst (Banking/Insurance)
- Market Research Analyst
- SAS Reporting Executive
These are some of the roles that you might get selected for if you apply, however, many firms hire to train SAS freshers as full-time employees, especially if you are certified through structured programs like Bhrighu’s.
Is SAS Enough?
SAS might not be your career path. But yes, it does teach you the core of:
- Data cleaning
- Descriptive statistics
- Reporting
- Compliance-friendly analytics
Once you feel confident enough, you can take a detour into Python or Tableau, Power BI, machine learning, and many more. Until then, SAS can keep your core SO structured and logical toward jobs in real life.
Conclusion
For a fresher who is seeking to get into the industry quickly, it is undoubtedly a smart and underrated step to begin with SAS. The industry needs training of quality, and SAS tools can gear you towards real-life jobs and away from endless training tutorials.
