Microsoft Learn
Query and modify data with Transact-SQL
A structured introduction to SQL Server queries, joins, grouping, and subqueries. Apply it to the retail project.
The learning shelf
Learn with a destination in mind.
Use these official resources alongside a roadmap task or a portfolio question. Build something small after each topic so the learning sticks.
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Microsoft Learn
Power BI learning paths
Official learning paths for preparing, modeling, and visualizing data in Power BI. Use a project to practice the full workflow.
Microsoft Credentials
Power BI Data Analyst Associate
Review the current PL-300 certification requirements and study guide if Power BI is relevant to your target roles. Verify current exam details with Microsoft before booking.
UCI Machine Learning Repository
Online Retail dataset
Ready for a larger external dataset? Investigate retail transactions, document the data’s meaning, and follow the source’s citation and license terms.
Links checked September 12, 2026. External providers set their own pricing, access, and certification policies. We are not affiliated with Microsoft or UCI.
Should you get a certification?
Start with the roles you want. Check whether those employers ask for a particular credential, then compare its study scope with the work you need to demonstrate.
A certification can add structure to your learning. Pair it with a project you can explain, including how you tested the results.
Find a project to pair with your learning →Choose a small learning loop.
- Pick one concept: joins, filter context, or a metric definition.
- Learn it from the official source.
- Apply it to a dataset and verify the result.
- Explain one mistake you caught and how you corrected it.