In today’s data-driven economy, organizations across industries are relying on analytics to guide strategy, improve efficiency and gain competitive advantage. As a result, professionals who can transform complex data into actionable insights are increasingly valuable. A degree in business analytics equips you with the technical skills and knowledge needed to help organizations make strategic decisions and drive growth using data.
The online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Concentration in Business Analytics program from Arkansas State University prepares students to excel in this in-demand field. This guide highlights five career paths for professionals with a combination of technical expertise and data management skills. Potential roles include database administrator, supply chain analyst, management consultant, business intelligence analyst and director of business operations.
Database Administrator: Managing Critical Business Data
A database administrator (DBA) oversees an organization’s data infrastructure and ensures that critical information remains secure, accurate and accessible. They implement access controls, perform audits, manage backup and recovery plans and apply security patches to protect against breaches and unauthorized access.
DBAs also oversee system performance by monitoring, tuning and troubleshooting databases, managing storage and optimizing queries so that business systems can run efficiently. These professionals also support analytics teams by preparing and managing data warehouses that power business intelligence and reporting. Their responsibilities include data extraction, system updates, performance verification and the implementation of disaster recovery strategies.
The job outlook for database administrators remains strong due to the increasing demand for reliable data management and protection. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for database administrators and architects was $104,620 and $135,980, respectively, in 2024. Overall job growth is expected to rise by 4% through 2034.
Supply Chain Analyst: Optimizing Operations Through Data
Supply chain analysts enhance efficiency by identifying and eliminating bottlenecks in product delivery and using data to optimize processes. They implement technology to improve automation and help reduce costs by optimizing resource use, minimizing waste and lowering logistics expenses through route optimization and detailed inventory management. Professionals in this role also manage logistics by analyzing demand forecasts, overseeing inventory, tracking key performance indicators and ensuring that goods transition smoothly from suppliers to customers.
Using business analytics, supply chain analysts strengthen operational resilience, enhance forecasting accuracy and improve customer satisfaction. Data-backed insights allow companies to optimize every stage of the supply chain, from sourcing raw materials to delivering finished products, creating measurable competitive advantage and customer satisfaction.
The rise of e-commerce, increased global trade complexities and the need for resilient supply chains have driven industry demand for this role. The average annual salary for supply chain analysts is $69,800, with experienced professionals earning close to $90,000 per year, according to Payscale.com.
Management Consultant: Guiding Strategy With Analytics
Management consultants leverage data analytics to help organizations solve business problems, predict trends, understand consumer behavior, identify inefficiencies and inform strategic decisions. They transform complex data into actionable insights through visualizations, reports and presentations that help organizations optimize operations, mitigate risk and improve customer relationships.
Consultants work in various industries as external advisors, combining analytical expertise with client-facing skills. Typical responsibilities include identifying and diagnosing problems, conducting detailed analyses and developing customized solutions to improve profitability and efficiency.
Management consulting offers significant upward mobility. According to Glassdoor, these professionals earn between $91,000 and $157,000 per year, with the potential to earn more as they progress to project leader, principal or partner roles. According to Consultancy.org, most consultants begin in junior positions and advance through structured career pathways that reward both analytical ability and leadership skills.
Business Intelligence Analyst: Turning Data Into Decisions
Business intelligence (BI) analysts gather, support and analyze data to identify trends and guide strategic decision-making. They create interactive dashboards, visual reports and detailed analyses that help stakeholders make informed decisions. BI analysts play a crucial role in helping organizations track performance and proactively identify new opportunities for improvement and growth.
Analysts clean and analyze data to uncover patterns, then translate findings into narratives and recommendations that drive results. Their ability to explain why data trends occur and how to respond effectively makes them key contributors to business success. Career advancement opportunities for BI analysts include BI consultant, BI architect and SAP analyst. More experienced professionals may advance to leadership roles such as BI manager or director, overseeing analytics teams and strategic initiatives.
Director of Business Operations: Leading With Data Expertise
A director of business operations leads strategic planning and process improvement efforts across multiple areas of an organization. This role involves developing and executing operational strategies, leading cross-functional teams, managing budgets and analyzing performance metrics to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
Professionals with analytics expertise are well-prepared for a leadership path. Their ability to interpret data, identify inefficiencies, communicate complex insights and predict future trends allows them to provide evidence-based guidance that drives growth and performance.
Compensation for director of business operations roles varies based on experience, industry and organization size, with Salary.com reporting an average annual salary of $189,416 and potential earnings exceeding $200,000 per year. Typical advancement pathways include progressing from analyst to senior analyst, and later to operations manager or director-level roles that oversee company-wide execution.
Advance to Leadership Roles in the High-Growth Business Analytics Field
The field of business analytics offers both career versatility and long-term stability. Professionals with advanced analytics skills are in high demand across industries, and the earning potential for these roles is consistently strong; many top-level professionals earn six-figure salaries. Beyond the roles highlighted here, additional opportunities exist in specialized positions such as machine learning engineer, quantitative analyst, and marketing, financial or operations analyst.
With its affordable tuition, career-focused curriculum and flexible online format, Arkansas State University’s online MBA with a Concentration in Business Analytics program enables professionals to prepare for in-demand leadership roles while they continue to work. Take the next step toward your future in business analytics and get ready to thrive in this dynamic field.