Sometimes, you can start to feel stagnant in your chosen career, even in a job you used to love. That might be because you aren’t growing professionally, or perhaps it’s because you are no longer passionate about the work. Whatever the reason, if you find yourself ready for a new challenge, then a career in the booming field of data analysis might be just what you’re looking for.
Florida Gulf Coast University’s online Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in Business Analytics program is a top choice for working professionals who are looking to transition into analytics leadership roles. It is designed to accommodate students who want to maintain their current employment while also pursuing their degree. Moreover, the program’s robust business foundation, combined with its data analytics specialization, provides preparation for management-track positions rather than entry-level roles, which accelerates career advancement for motivated professionals.
What Is a Career in Data Analytics?
The first step in any potential career change is to research the field you want to join. This applies to aspiring data analysts as well as professionals looking to enter any other field.
So, what does the role of data analyst involve? According to Indeed, a data analyst is “a professional who gathers and assesses data to better understand problems.” More specifically, data analysts are responsible for using data to help their employers make better, more informed business decisions.
In a typical day, a data analyst might need to write reports on data for other teams in their workplace or collaborate with executives, external clients or other data analysts, according to Indeed. Other responsibilities will vary depending on a data analyst’s chosen industry, which can range from video companies to energy corporations to hedge funds.
What Skills Does a Data Analyst Need?
Professionals who are considering becoming data analysts will need to acquire specific technical competencies that allow them to collect, query and visualize data. For example, some of the top tools for aspiring data analysts include SQL , a coding language that allows users to analyze databases, as well as R, a programming language that can assist in statistical analysis, according to Harvard University.
“Professionals in analytics use a combination of logical thinking, predictive analytics and statistics to make recommendations that will solve problems and propel a business forward,” according to Harvard. A knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) is also becoming increasingly necessary for data analysts, and FGCU’s online MBA program provides a thorough grounding in this important area through courses like AI/ML Tools for Business. Data analysts also need strong soft skills, which are often transferable from other careers, making a lateral change easier. According to Harvard, analysts should be inquisitive critical thinkers and problem solvers.
Gain In-demand Data Analytics Skills With an Online MBA From FCGU
If you’re looking for evidence that a career change can work for you, look no further than Antonio Blago, a data analyst who joined the field in the middle of his career. “I never imagined that I would end up working in data analytics,” Blago writes. “It wasn’t even a field that I was aware of, or that existed. But as I grew in my career I realized that data analytics was the perfect blend of my skills and interests.” He admits it took some patience but also says if you take the time to learn the proper skills, the hard work will be worth it.
Fortunately, a program like FGCU’s online MBA in Business Analytics offers a convenient, affordable way for professionals to gain the skills they need to change careers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment in certain data-related occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all other occupations, so there is no better time than the present to get started on your new professional journey.
Learn more about FGCU’s online MBA in Business Analytics program.
