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What Can You Do With an MBA in Business Analytics?

An MBA in Business Analytics will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to leverage data analytics in the business decision-making process. A business analytics program combines traditional MBA coursework with a strong emphasis on quantitative analysis, statistical modeling, and data-driven decision-making. A business analytics degree will help you bridge the gap between business strategy and data-driven decision-making. You will be well-equipped to lead analytics initiatives within organizations, giving you a competitive edge in an increasingly data-centric business environment. The skills acquired are relevant across various industries, including finance, healthcare, marketing, operations, and more. In this article, we explore the versatile business analyst careers available when you earn an MBA in Business Analytics and the sought-after skills you will earn with this degree.

Business Analytics Careers

A graduate business analytics degree opens several career opportunities in data-driven decision-making and strategic planning. Business analyst salaries vary depending on the specific business analytics career you choose, but due to the high demand in this field, salaries tend to be high.

Business analytics careers include:

  • Data analyst: Analyze and interpret data to provide actionable insights for business decision-making.
  • Business intelligence analyst: Utilize data to create reports, dashboards, and visualizations that assist organizations in making informed decisions.
  • Data scientist: Apply statistical modeling and machine learning techniques to extract patterns and insights from complex datasets.
  • Quantitative analyst: Use mathematical and statistical methods to analyze financial and business data, often in the finance and investment sectors.
  • Operations analyst: Improve efficiency and effectiveness in business operations through data analysis and process optimization.
  • Marketing analyst: Analyze marketing data to assess campaign performance, customer behavior, and market trends.
  • Risk analyst: Identify and assess potential risks to a business through the analysis of various data sources.
  • Financial analyst: Examine financial data to provide insights into investment decisions, budgeting, and financial planning.
  • Supply chain analyst: Optimize supply chain processes through the analysis of data related to procurement, logistics, and inventory management.
  • Healthcare analyst: Analyze healthcare data to improve patient outcomes, optimize processes, and support decision- making in the healthcare industry.
  • Consultant (analytics or management): Provide analytical expertise to help organizations solve complex business problems and optimize operations.
  • Product analyst: Analyze product performance data to inform product development, marketing, and strategic decision-making.
  • Customer relationship analyst: Utilize customer data to enhance customer experience, loyalty, and satisfaction.
  • IT systems analyst: Bridge the gap between business needs and IT solutions, ensuring systems meet organizational objectives.
  • Fraud analyst: Identify and prevent fraudulent activities by analyzing patterns and anomalies in data.
  • Sports analyst: Analyze data in the sports industry to optimize player performance, evaluate strategies, and enhance team management.
  • E-commerce analyst: Analyze online consumer behavior, to optimize digital marketing strategies and improve e-commerce operations.
  • Energy analyst: Analyze data to optimize energy consumption, improve sustainability, and drive operational efficiency in the energy sector.
  • Environmental analyst: Leverage data to assess and address environmental challenges, compliance, and sustainability goals.
  • Chief Data Officer (CDO): Oversee the organization’s data strategy and governance, ensuring the effective use of data for decision-making.

Business Analytics Career Skills

An MBA in Business Analytics degree is designed to equip you with a diverse set of skills that are highly sought after in today’s data-driven business landscape. Key business analytics career skills you will gain include: 


  • Data analysis and interpretation: Proficiency in analyzing and interpreting large datasets to extract meaningful insights that inform business decisions.
  • Database management: Knowledge of database systems and data management practices, including the ability to design and query databases.
  • Business intelligence tools: Proficiency in using business intelligence tools to gather, analyze, and present data for strategic decision-making.
  • Strategic decision-making: Integration of data insights into strategic decision-making processes, ensuring alignment with broader business goals.
  • Ethical considerations: Awareness of ethical considerations and privacy issues related to handling and analyzing data in a business context
  • Communication skills: Strong communication skills to convey complex analytical findings to nontechnical stakeholders, including the ability to translate technical insights into actionable business recommendations.
  • Project management: Skills in managing analytics projects from initiation to completion, including defining project scope, setting goals, and ensuring successful implementation.
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving: Development of critical thinking skills to approach business challenges analytically and devise innovative solutions based on data-driven insights.
  • Business acumen: Enhanced understanding of business operations, strategy, and industry dynamics to ensure that analytics efforts align with broader business objectives.
  • Collaboration and teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, bridging the gap between technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
  • Leadership skills: Development of leadership capabilities to guide and influence teams in leveraging analytics for strategic business goals.

The MBA in Executive Management, Concentration in Business Analytics at CIAM


The flexible, 24-month MBA in Business Analytics from the California Institute of Advanced Management (CIAM) helps you make a difference in your current position or in a new business analyst career. Through our project-based learning, you will be prepared to lead an organization with innovative, ethical, and data driven abilities. If you are ready to become a data-driven leader, connect with us or apply today.