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The ever-growing volume of data in today's world presents a significant challenge for businesses and organizations. In fact, according to market research firm Statista, is forecast to reach a staggering 180 by 2025 - that is equivalent to 180 trillion gigabytes! This reality creates a high demand for individuals with analytical minds and a passion for data that translates into a great career in business. If this sounds like you, then you will be well-positioned to excel in a variety of industries.

What is business analytics?

Business analytics is the process of using data to understand what is happening in a business to make informed decisions. It involves collecting, analyzing, and visualizing data to discover trends, identify problems, and recommend solutions.

While analytics plays a crucial role in leveraging data for strategic insights, the value of a data-driven mindset goes beyond this specific field. Here is what truly sets individuals who acquire this skillset apart:

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving: Individuals with this important skill effectively tackle diverse business issues by utilizing their ability to analyze complex information and identify underlying patterns logically.
• Data visualization and storytelling: The ability to transform raw data into clear and compelling visuals, effectively communicating insights to both technical and non-technical audiences, is a powerful asset for any company today.
• Quantitative reasoning and statistical analysis: Comfort with numbers and statistical concepts enables the interpretation of data trends, risk assessment, and the formulation of data-supported recommendations.
• Effective communication and presentation skills: Data analysis is not the end goal. By effectively translating findings into actionable strategies, these skills influence decision-making across various business functions.

Diverse career paths for data-driven minds

The skills honed by a data-driven approach are highly sought-after across various business disciplines. Here are just a few examples:

• Marketing analysts: Leverage data to understand customer behavior, personalize marketing campaigns, and measure campaign effectiveness.
• Financial analysts: Analyze financial data to assess investment opportunities, manage risk, and make data-driven financial decisions.
• Operations research analysts: Apply data analysis techniques to optimize business processes, improve efficiency, and solve logistical challenges.
• Human resources specialists: Utilize data to identify high-performing employees, develop targeted training programs, and assess employee engagement.
• Product managers: Analyze customer data and market trends to inform product development strategies and enhance product offerings.

Beyond business analytics

The demand for data-driven professionals extends beyond traditional business settings. Individuals with these skills are valuable assets in:

• Healthcare: Analyzing patient data to improve diagnoses, predict potential health risks, and personalize treatment plans.
• Technology: Developing data-driven algorithms, optimizing software performance, and personalizing user experiences.
• Education: Utilizing data to assess student learning outcomes, identify at-risk students, and tailor educational approaches.
• Non-Profit Organizations: Leveraging data to measure the impact of programs, optimize fundraising efforts, and gain insights into stakeholder needs.

The appeal of a business analytics career

The burgeoning demand for professionals with business analytics skills presents a lucrative career path for individuals with a desire to leverage data for strategic problem-solving.

• High demand:  projects 8 to 10 percent employment growth for business analyst-related jobs between 2022 and 2032, significantly faster than the average for all occupations.
• Lucrative salaries: According to the median base salary for business analysts in the United States is $94,646, with the potential for even higher earnings with experience and specialized skills.
• Diverse career options: Business analytics skills are applicable across various industries, offering graduates a broad spectrum of career choices, from finance and marketing to healthcare and technology.

How to start a career in business analytics

Education is the key! Online education has revolutionized access to higher learning, offering individuals the opportunity to pursue a business analytics degree while balancing other commitments:

• Flexibility: Online programs cater to working professionals by providing asynchronous learning options, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace.
• Convenience: Eliminating the need for physical commutes, online programs offer the advantage of studying from the comfort of one's own environment.
• Coursework tailored for working professionals: Many online programs are designed with the needs of working adults in mind, offering accelerated courses and condensed formats.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University's online business programs

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University recognizes the growing demand for business analytics expertise and offers a comprehensive portfolio of online business degrees designed to equip students with the necessary skillset:

• Associate in applied business, business management technology: This program balances theory and practice, preparing students for supervisory roles. Courses explore business functions like HR, marketing, operations, and planning through a management lens.
• Bachelor of science in business: An online bachelor’s degree in business with the added value of a certificate or minor. This program equips you with essential business skills, fostering leadership, risk assessment, and competitive analysis expertise.
• Online master of business analytics: This program, ranked 14th in the nation by Fortune Education provides a rigorous curriculum specifically designed to develop students' proficiency in data analysis, business intelligence, and data visualization. Courses combine practical application, technology and leadership designed to make sound organizational decisions.
• Master of accountancy & analytics: Ranked #10 in the nation by Fortune, this program teaches you to leverage big data and advance accounting skills. Students will learn from a real-world curriculum using actual cases, take part in a residency week and prepare for CPA licensure.

Add value with online graduate business certificates

Take your career to the next level by acquiring new, focused competencies in less than a year. OHIO online boasts a comprehensive selection of ten graduate business certificates, catering to the core skill needed for today’s business environment.

The data speaks for itself

Earning a degree from Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University's online business programs offers a versatile platform for individuals looking to earn the necessary skills to navigate the evolving business landscape that leads to good business careers.