If you’re contemplating studying business analytics, you must understand its definition first. Business analytics covers many different aspects of data-driven decision making that is in demand across businesses of all types and sizes. Business analytics programs often focus on teaching students to recognize patterns in large data sets and translate these discoveries into insights for decision-making purposes.
Business analytics requires a strong background in statistics and data science, along with an in-depth knowledge of the business environment where decisions are being made. Students need to be able to translate information into actionable takeaways that can improve a company’s bottom line and boost revenues – in addition, project management techniques will likely also prove essential to their success.
Students enrolled in business analytics programs not only learn statistical concepts and methodologies, but also how to utilize various tools for data visualization and mining. Coursework may cover data warehousing, dimensional modeling, predictive analytics as well as more general topics like predictive warehousing. At Oregon’s Master of Science in Business Analytics program – for instance – students learn these topics while applying them directly to real world problems by performing A/B testing of websites, sampling warehouse inventory counts or even forecasting home video sales based on box office performance – projects which may involve performing A/B testing website A/B testing, sampling warehouse inventory checks or even predicting home video sales based on box office performance.
As with any major, selecting a degree program that aligns with your career goals is of vital importance. A relevant degree can help you secure employment in your desired field; an unsuitable one could jeopardize those plans altogether. For instance, University of Oregon’s MBA in Business Analytics caters specifically towards those interested in becoming leaders within their fields; students will learn different analytical methods without receiving as intensive a training in math and physics as at Kansas University (KU).
If you know exactly which career path you wish to follow, gaining some entry-level work or an internship within that industry could help make you more marketable when applying for jobs in that field.
Refreshing your knowledge of business analysis methodologies that are prevalent in your target industry can also be extremely helpful when applying for jobs in that sector. Familiarity with Agile Business Analysis, Six Sigma or Rational Unified Process can make you a more attractive job applicant when the time comes. Furthermore, taking an intelligence class either locally or online may provide more in-depth understanding of what employers look for in an analyst – particularly useful for those aspiring to leadership roles like Chief Information Officer (CIO) or Director of Business Intelligence roles.