In the world of advanced analytics, SAS is the 800-pound gorilla. For decades, it has been the gold standard for industries where failure is not an option: banking, pharmaceuticals, government, and healthcare.
SPSS is clunky. R has a steep curve. SAS proc mixed (for hierarchical linear modeling) is the industry standard for education and psychology research. The OnDemand platform is free indefinitely for professors and students. You can write a dissertation using SAS without paying a cent. sas software free trial
If you want to work in clinical trials (Pharma) or anti-money laundering (Finance), knowing Python is nice, but knowing SAS is mandatory. The free trial allows you to learn PROC SQL and PROC REPORT on real data sets. Use the 30 days to replicate a published medical study. If you can do that, you can pass the technical interview. In the world of advanced analytics, SAS is
Download the trial on a Friday. Spend the weekend running the "SAS Programming 1: Essentials" free e-learning course (often bundled with the trial). By Monday, you will be able to talk to senior data managers in their native language. That is worth the price of admission (which is currently $0). R has a steep curve