Careers in Business Analytics

Career Pathways

Business Analytics is a field that focuses on big data and business intelligence, bringing together topics such as AI, ML, data pipeline, IT systems, blockchain, marketing intelligence, and digital strategy to solve real-world problems. Common positions in the field include analysts and associates in consulting firms, business analysts, and data scientists in the fields of financial, supply chain, marketing, information technology, advertising and media, and other professions where a deep understanding and practical application of data analytics are required.

If you want to get your foot in the exciting business analytics career door, a B.S. in business analytics can help get you there. Here are 11 career paths you might want to consider:

Source: TopUniversities.com

Machine Learning Engineer

Average salary: US$110,739

Where you can work: Large tech customer-facing companies or companies that offer a data-based service (Apple, Microsoft, Accenture).

Machine learning engineering is a specialist role still in its infancy. Machine learning engineers collaborate with the organization’s data science team to build programs and create algorithms to deliver data-driven products and services that enable machines to make decisions, take action, and enhance user experience without any human interference. An example of this would be self-driving cars and personalized social media news feeds.

Machine learning engineers generally come from a mathematic, physics, or statistics undergraduate
background with a specialized master’s or PhD.

Data Architect

Average salary: US$116,710

Where you can work: Public or private sector companies.

Data architects use extensive programming tools to design secure data frameworks in order to manage large electronic databases for organizations. This is a highly technical role that involves ensuring the data is relevant, accurate, and accessible to the organization so employees can access this information, such as financial records and marketing information, wherever and whenever they need it.

You’ll need superior analytical skills, an eye for detail, and sophisticated design skills as you fulfill the strategic needs of the organization.

Statistician

Average salary: US$73,054

Where you can work: Various sectors, including education, finance, health, environment, sport, transportation, market research and the government.

Statisticians compile, analyze, and evaluate quantitative information from surveys and experiments in order to help organizations reach operational standards and advise on practical solutions to problems.

Relevant qualifications and industry experience are essential if you want to work in this field.

Data Analyst

Average salary: US$60,208

Where you can work: Various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, consulting, finance, education and the government.

Data analysts are inquisitive, highly analytical, and have a way with numbers. Every organization and business collects data, whether it’s sales figures, logistics, market research, or transportation costs. As a data analyst, it’s your job to gather and evaluate this data in order to provide clear insights as to how the organization can improve its business strategy and make better business decisions across various areas.

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Average salary: US$159,149

Where you can work: Corporate IT departments, consulting, finance.

This executive-level position demands an expert-level knowledge of technological trends and how they can be implemented in building business strategies. Chief technology officers are masters of strategic thinking and conducting technological analysis as they look at ways in which they can ensure the organization stands out in an ever-increasing competitive marketplace.

Strong leadership and organizational skills are essential in this role as you lead your team and consider which technologies are best to harness in order to ensure a positive user experience and efficiency across all areas of the business.

Chief Data Officer (CDO)

Average salary: US$180,458

Where you can work: Banking, corporate IT departments, consulting, finance, healthcare facilities.

In 2012, only 12 percent of Fortune 1000 companies had a CDO. Within six years, 67.9 percent of surveyed firms reported having a CDO, according to Forbes. It is the chief data officer’s responsibility to strategically oversee the organization’s data and generate business value from what could be the organization’s most valuable asset.

Chief data officers are business-focused and have excellent expertise in IT. Relevant qualifications such as mathematics and statistics, plus a specialized master’s and industry experience, are all essential if you want to become a chief data officer.

Application Architect

Average salary: US$112,871

Where you can work: Software development firms, corporate IT departments, and computer manufacturing companies.

In this fast-paced role, application architects need excellent technical vision, the ability to provide valuable insights and solutions to software development, use, and maintenance, as well as strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.

Every day, they carry out a wide variety of tasks such as creating new and improved applications, developing prototypes, running software tests, and creating technical documents for application software.

You’ll need proven programming language and architecture design skills and experience, as well as relevant qualifications and industry experience. A master’s in business analytics and big data, for example, will equip you with the ability to rethink and rebuild products, services, and processes as well as solve user problems using advanced analytics and relevant data insights.

Project Manager

Average salary: US$73,901

Where you can work: Construction, engineering, IT, and marketing.

As a project manager, you’ll use your data-driven business acumen to plan, budget, and oversee your organization’s project/s. You will also need to be organized and possess excellent leadership and critical-thinking skills.

Market Research Analyst

Average salary: US$63,120

Where you can work: Finance and insurance, consulting services, manufacturing.

Market research analysts compile complex reports, spreadsheets, surveys, and opinion polls in order to gather and evaluate significant market intelligence that can help an organization market their product or service in the best way possible. Data can include consumer demographics, spending habits and sales trends, needs, interests, and preferences.

Market research analysts need a good working knowledge of statistical software and techniques in order to monitor and forecast the effectiveness of such strategies.

Business/Analytics Translator

Average salary: US$53,552

Where you can work: Finance, insurance, and consulting services.

As organizations continue to turn their attention to advanced and novel technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to leverage success and improve business efficiency, business/analytics translators are filling the gap between an organization’s business team and technology team.

An organization’s business team and technology team can be at opposite ends of the spectrum, causing confusion, miscommunications, and in some instances, massive errors. Business/analytics translators work to ensure the focus stays on the organization’s values and objectives but are data-savvy enough to understand and liaise with those in the data science team. Business/analytics translators then confirm the ‘roadmap’ for going forward.

Data Scientist

Average Salary: US$88,779

Where you can work: IT departments, finance and e-commerce, retail, transport services, healthcare services, academia and the government.

Using algorithms, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other statistical tools, data scientists mine complex, raw data from a range of sources and turn it into meaningful, transparent information in order for the organization to improve their business strategy and operations.

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Career Resources and Services

The field of business analytics is witnessing worldwide growth since data analytics is now instrumental to the success of all mainstream business functions.

Career prospects in the business analytics area are forecasted to be strong, with business analyst jobs predicted to increase by 22% by 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Moreover, according to a recent McKinsey & Company big data report, by 2030 the United States alone could face a shortage of 140,000 to 190,000 professionals with deep analytical skills, as well as 1.5 million managers and analysts with the know-how to use the analysis of big data to make effective decisions.

Cal State East Bay's Office of Academic Advising and Career Education offers career management services to B.S. in Business Analytics students. The full suite of career services includes:

CAREER COACHING

Our diverse team of dedicated career coaches actively guide and coach students on their career paths and put together a plan to achieve their goals.

PORTFOLIO AND RESUME

Students will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with career coaches to build a strong resume and portfolio that demonstrates their story, skill sets, and strengths.

MOCK INTERVIEW EVENT

Career center invites top employers to campus to conduct mock interviews yearly with students. Students are given the opportunity to refine their interviewing skills and network with a community of San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley-based leaders.

CAREER WORKSHOPS

Workshops covering a variety of career skills are offered throughout the year for students to attend and
build their career toolkit alongside their academic curriculum.

RECRUITMENT EVENTS

CSU East Bay connects top talent with recruiters and San Francisco Bay Area-based tech leaders.
Business Analytics students have been recruited from world-leading companies, such as Adobe, Amazon, Apple, Bank of America, Facebook, Google, IBM, Intel, JP Morgan, Kaiser, SAP, Tesla, Uber, Visa, Wells Fargo, Workday, Zoom, and more.