Yeah I get what you mean honestly, I kinda had the same problem. With DataCamp, you have to take some time in order to understand the data that you’re using. You’ll be using different datasets in different courses. Try to get your head around the underlying data. You’re also able to download the datasets yourself and upload them locally on a database. Then with the topics themselves, I admit they’re not the best at explaining them well. But it’s not terrible. They won’t say why a particular method it’s important. But generally they’ll show you how to do it. Then it’s up to you to understand the inputs and outputs. Then why someone may want to see the data in that way. Often the why is irrelevant, because some of the challenges are pretty basic. But what I did was, I watched the videos and studied those topics outside of DataCamp. YouTube and general google searching. Then using the same dataset, trying it out locally, not just on DataCamp. Trying out similar queries. You honestly won’t learn just by filling in the blanks. You have to try and write them yourself from scratch and do outside learning from DataCamp. I also used stratascratch to test myself as well. They have decent questions to solve. But yeah, DataCamp is good at introducing a topic, but you have to do outside learning as well, not just rely on it totally. More on reddit.com

I used edx.org to learn power query, powerbi, and sql (for free). No one platform is better. Use several and don’t forget YouTube. It’s nice to put you completed a certificate on your resume but it’s better to be competent and confident in the skills you learned. Good luck. More on reddit.com

I think they always have a sale, lol. But I learned sql there, pretty good lessons and you can use their datasets in their workbench to practice as well as a few “projects”. All in all, would recommend but also if you practice concepts a lot on your own in addition to lessons More on reddit.com

Yes DataCamp is ideal. If you want to learn SQL, I suggest the Data Analyst in SQL track that leads to a professional certification. If you want to learn AI, there are several options. There are courses for general purpose AI ("what can I do with AI?", "how do I write a good pro.pt for ChatGPT?"), Python courses for machine learning and deep learning, and courses for developing AI applications. To answer your second question about certifications, it's mostly to provide reassurance to the hiring manager that you have the skills you say you do, which reduces the risk for them to hire you. I recommend combining a certification with a data or AI portfolio to show off examples of your work. You get a portfolio page with your DataCamp account. We also run webinars on how to create a good portfolio. More on reddit.com