Pros
Like many applying to or joining Base 3, I wasn't previously aware of the company given the size compared to other consultancies or even of SAS before I started the application process. However, I was keen to learn transferrable skills and have to say that the in-house SAS training is as advertised. The training on the Advanced Programme will give you industry-leading knowledge of SAS software that does give you a technical advantage over others in the market. As someone who responds far better to being taught rather than self-study, I found the training to be a great asset to the company. There's plenty of help and practice available and I have only positive comments to make about the instructors I had. There is support for SAS certifications to become accredited and plenty of further developmental opportunities to enhance understanding across a range of SAS topics and uses; all of which have business applications. Not only SAS, there is potential to learn a range of other coding languages and technologies, notably MS SQL and Python. The client placements are typically matched up to your skillset, as applicable, and so keen developers might get different roles to a process-driven consultant, depending on the opportunities. There is always support and practice available for client interviews, and also catered training and learning to help ease the transition into a client role.
My client placements have been varied and always challenged and improved me as a consultant. They have included a large-scale data migration from SAS to SQL at a large loan administrator, where I was responsible for running data warehouse batches in a SAS test environment, amongst a host of other roles such as developing front-end reports. I have designed and built a data mart, batch process and reporting capabilities for a startup bank. I have also worked in a financial crime team for a high street bank, where I built reports and completed an historic analysis piece on their data. All of these have included multiple opportunities to learn and develop new skills, learn about different industries and build up transferrable business knowledge. They have each also given rise to plenty of other side projects to keep the work varied and interesting. Personally, I have really enjoyed my placements and always taken a lot out of them, but they are built off the foundation of the training course and being able to apply the training to a business environment is an initially daunting but very rewarding experience.
The support I have received at Base 3 has been great too. With it being a smaller company, there is a much more personal feel to everything and problems or concerns are always dealt with in a friendly and professional manner.
In summary, I'd recommend Base 3 as a great option for recent graduates or someone looking to get into coding and develop key technical skills. The training is exceptional and there are far more development opportunities available that aren't only in SAS. There are many different roles and career paths open to consultants within SAS, data and analytics across a range of different financial (and pharmaceutical) industries.
Cons
Having to be geographically flexible initial was perhaps a little daunting, but worth it for the client work that came from it. Support to help with starting at a new client is on offer.
The periods in between client placement can be challenging, but the in-house training and development plans available are really beneficial. There's always projects or personalised training plans on offer and support for areas which might need more attention.
The nature of consulting and joining a new team for a period and then having to do so again later might not be the easiest for everyone. I have had great support from Base 3 to ensure that not only is my professional development going well but also personal development. They take care to ensure that you aren't struggling whilst out with a client and maintain a good work-life balance.