Careers with a Business Analytics Degree

A Master of Science in Business Analytics paves the way toward success in an in-demand profession. Becoming a data analyst in the business field necessitates a dynamic combination of technical, analytical, and interpretative communication skills. Obtaining a graduate degree helps you build this knowledge base effectively and efficiently. Prepare yourself to take a data-driven approach across all areas of business strategy!

Earning a Business Analytics degree opens up a variety of in-demand career opportunities. Enterprises of all sizes and all types of organizations require effective use utilization of data and databases to be strategic in today’s global marketplace. Having business analysts who can turn data into strategic insights will set an enterprise apart from its competitors.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of management analysts is projected to grow 14% between 2020-2030, while roles for business operations specialists are projected to grow 9% over the same time frame. Graduates with a master’s degree in business analytics are well-positioned to apply for and make an impact in these positions involving data analytics and business intelligence knowledge.

Analysts who possess a variety of technical skills have the potential to easily switch industries or specialize in a particular discipline. Beginning a career as a business analyst can progress to careers in business management, data science, and consulting. As technological advancements occur, innovation in data management and analysis will continue to incorporate leading-edge technologies, including forms of artificial intelligence. While the specific tools may change, the strategic insights that business analysts offer will be sought after and valued by a variety of employers for years to come.

Depending on the industry, the job title business analyst can describe a variety of roles at the intersection of data analysis and strategic business intelligence.

Business analysts are usually responsible for organizing, visualizing, and examining data from various sources and then constructing actionable insights that can influence business decisions throughout the enterprise. In addition, business analysts often have the responsibility of maintaining internal databases as well as understanding and utilizing intelligence tools to best interpret data.

The exact parameters of the role can vary, depending on the size of the business analytics team, the industry, the analyst’s training, and the objectives of the larger organization. In the information technology sector specifically, a business analyst also typically takes on project management tasks and serves as the strategic link between technical and business-centered teams. One of the benefits of this career path is that you can easily move between industries or between similar roles, depending on your interests and professional strengths.

After you obtain a master’s in business analytics degree, a variety of data-related careers will be open to you. While business analytics can be crucial to nearly any industry, roles can often be found in the finance, healthcare, market research, technology, and manufacturing sectors. As specific examples, management analysts and operations research analyst positions typically center around organizational improvements and fostering efficient business processes. Financial analysts utilize a combination of data and business intelligence tools to assess current performance and identify opportunities to expand and grow an enterprise.

Having a variety of technical skills makes you a more adept analyst and provides you with the opportunity to work in a range of industries. Skills that business analysts commonly need are: 

• a working knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and machine learning
• advanced Excel skills (or another spreadsheet-based tool)
• utilizing Structured Query Language (SQL)
• A strong understanding of the principles of data visualization

Additional skills that may be incorporated into certain business analyst roles include database management, project management, working with unstructured data, or using utilizing other programming languages such as Python and R.

Regardless of the industry, business analysts also need strong skills in communication and collaborative teamwork to successfully present and communicate their findings to management and other stakeholders. Alongside technical competencies, being able to clearly describe analytical patterns and strategic insights to multiple audiences gives you an edge as you prepare for this career path.