So I'm halfway through my training for Tableau. There were some bumps along the way in doing the training. There was a change in proctors for the actual certification which meant that the # of questions on the exam was changing as well. The previous version had 30 questions which included access to Google for researching and testing of building graphs to answer some questions. The new version has 45 questions w/o access to Google and no graphs. Those who signed up on the website to take the training prior to August 1st would take the test with the old proctor and those after August 1st would take it with the new one. Since we signed up after August 1st, we would be taking the new version.
We received a welcome email from Tableau which did give us links to the new proctor that included a free voucher for the exam. Unfortunately though the other links provided was for the old version of the training. Also there was a confusion over which version of Tableau to use as they frequently upgrade and there was an upgrade specifically for the new testing.
All the confusion caused stress for myself and a lot of the other students. Thankfully one of our Salesforce instructors was instrumental in getting things straightened out.
As for Tableau itself, it's definitely a very robust tool with lots of functionality. I pray that I can remember enough to successfully pass. We do get two free attempts. I'm guessing after the second I'll have to pay for it (though maybe the Pathfinder program may have more vouchers...no clue and hopefully it won't get to that). The cost though is cheaper than the Comptia cert exams, $100 versus $329 so at least that would be manageable if I had to retest.
So I'm also at the point in the program where I need to resume my job hunt. That has been a nightmare as I've previously mentioned. I applied for over 60 positions after successfully completing my cyber security bootcamp and maybe had 5 actual interviews in that time (and that's being generous...I only recall 2). It is disappointing hearing about the supposed shortage in cybersecurity roles but the tight vice that industry has in bringing new people. I'm not looking forward to the whole applying and interviewing process. But I'll have to buck up. I actually do have an interview tomorrow with a hiring manager at a major company. We'll see what happens.
Also I'm excited because I'll be visiting my family later this week in Detroit. The last time I was in Detroit was last Christmas. It'll be good to see my Dad, Trina, and hopefully Tasha will get a chance to drop by. She did promise to possibly bring some food. I plan to visit my Mom as well at her resting space. I do miss her a lot and she's constantly on my mind. It is weird though. Even though I think about her a lot, I haven't cried for her since her funeral. I suppose I did get some closure and I am comforted by the fact that she's not suffering anymore. I like to think that she's watching us from above (well except for any private moments...*LOL*).
Also I'll get a chance to see Sally who I haven't seen since she lost her cousin to cancer about a month before my Mom lost her battle. So it's been almost 2 years. Sally's Mom who I've become close to over the years as well is turning 80 years young. Her Mom decided to host a party at one of the area parks. I'll need to pack a chair for seating. I was contemplating possibly bringing my Dad with me. But I don't know the logistics of the park the party will be at and how far parking is from where they'll be at. Plus my Dad has a hard time walking so I don't want him to have walk very far. So I may have to table that suggestion.
