In a PowerPivot Environment, A Single DB Pro
Can Empower MANY PowerPivot Pros
Short Version: Job Openings in the UK for SQL Pros
I’ve recently been asked to post about some opportunities for SQL pros in the UK – opportunities in which qualified candidates would be working closely with Excel Pros in a PowerPivot environment. A situation that closely resembles what it’s like to work as a SQL pro at Pivotstream, or as a SQL pro working at virtually any of my training clients (who end up implementing similar collaborative systems).
Scroll to the end of this post for the details, but first, I want to provide some context – both for interested candidates as well as for all readers.
Better With a Database: a Recurring Theme
For a long time now, I’ve been saying that you can get a LOT more out of PowerPivot if you pair it with a database. For reference, see the following posts:
- Self Service BI Doesn’t Mean Desktop Standalone BI (one of my most popular all-time posts, at least in certain circles)
- Better With a Database Part One
- Better With a Database Part Two
The human element, and why “anthony” is becoming a noun
Stated even more clearly, an Excel Pro can achieve much better results when they collaborate with a Database Pro. (Yes, sometimes they can be the same person, but generally speaking, the skillsets are distinct).
In September of 2011, I posted an ad on this blog, looking for a Database Pro to help us at Pivotstream in precisely the ways described in those articles above.
Anthony Martin answered the call, and became our first full-time database hire. He hit the ground running, and for more than a year has provided the foundation upon which many Excel (PowerPivot) Pros do their work. (I have a long-overdue blog post in which I interview Anthony on the contrasts of working in a PowerPivot environment versus a traditional BI environment).
The results have been incredibly satisfying for all involved. Anthony gets a lot more… impact. Gratification on shorter time scales. He’s critical to multiple projects, in parallel, without being overwhelmed. And he enables the rest of us to deliver 500% better results in half the time.
In my training sessions, I’ve fallen into the habit of using the word “anthony” as an improper noun. Example:
“OK, well, at this point at Pivotstream I would call up Anthony and request a new view in the database. That would make my job a lot simpler in PowerPivot. If you don’t have an anthony of your own, there are other ways to do it but they are less efficient in several ways…”
See? The word “anthony” is becoming a lowercase noun 
Two Circles: Data Crunching for Sports! DB Pros Needed!
How appropriate. In November 2009, I kicked off this blog with something called The Great Football Project. So uh, if you’re a sports-focused organization (or even an organisation, heh heh) and you’ve joined the PowerPivot vanguard, you don’t have to ask me twice for help
Two Circles, a London firm that advises sports teams and organizations, is looking for an “anthony” or two to help fuel their PowerPivot initiatives.
Opportunities could take the form of full-time positions in London or contract positions which are a bit more flexible in terms of geography.
If you are interested, please drop a note to Matt Rogan – Matt.Rogan (at) insidetwocircles.com
Your email address will not be published.