Companies have access to more data than ever, creating strong demand for candidates with the analytics skills to transform that data into actionable insights. In fact, some of the fastest-growing careers are in business analytics.
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) in business analytics prepares graduates with the business knowledge and technical skills required to succeed in this rapidly expanding field.
For instance, the online MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics program from Arkansas State University (A-State) blends business management and leadership essentials with key analytics skills such as data mining and predictive decision-making. As a result, graduates can apply their skills to top-level positions, including the five that follow.
Management Analyst
Do you have a problem-solving mindset and an interest in consulting? If so, this may be an ideal career. Management analysts, also called management consultants, are often employed by consulting firms.
Successful management consultants analyze problems from all sides to find optimal solutions, reduce costs and increase revenue. Typical activities involve:
- Writing bid proposals
- Gathering and analyzing relevant data
- Creating and presenting reports detailing recommendations
- Monitoring implementation of recommended actions to ensure success
The median salary for this position is $93,000, with the top 10% earning more than $163,760 (as of May 2021). The employment of management analysts should grow by 11% through 2031, over double the average of 5% for all occupations.
Supply Chain Analyst
Toilet paper shortages were just the beginning of global supply chain disruptions triggered by the pandemic. Supply chain resilience is a C-suite priority, ensuring abundant opportunities for supply chain analysts.
Supply chain analysts take a strategic, data-driven approach to optimizing their company’s supply chains. These professionals gather and analyze data at every step in the supply chain process to improve efficiency, manage risk, eliminate waste and increase profitability.
Salary.com provides salary estimates at five levels, with a median of $89,183 for Supply Chain Analyst III (as of October 2022). The employment of logistics professionals will likely grow 28% through 2031, much faster than average.
Director of Business Operations
Shopify’s definition of business operations captures the scope of responsibility for a director of business operations: “Everything that happens within a company to keep it running and earning money is referred to collectively as business operations.”
This executive-level position reports to a company’s CEO or Board of Directors, according to Glassdoor. Responsibilities may vary depending on the industry and size of the business but typically involve working cross-functionally to improve processes such as workflows and meet key performance indicators (KPIs).
The median salary for this position is $179,520, with the highest 10% earning more than $208,000 (as of May 2021). At 8%, job growth for business operations executives in management occupations is faster than average.
Database Administrator
Turning raw data into usable insights begins with finding the right data. Database administrators ensure that databases perform optimally so users can easily access what they need. They also oversee database maintenance to improve database efficiency and security.
The median salary for database administrators is $96,710, with the highest 10% earning more than $151,400 (as of May 2021). The employment of database administrators is projected to grow 9% through 2031, faster than average.
Market Research Analyst
“Market Research Analysts” rank #4 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Business Jobs, scoring 9 out of 10 points for job growth. These business analysts identify and analyze data to help companies understand consumer behaviors and preferences, such as with:
- Emerging trends and new business opportunities
- Product demand
- Market segmentation
- Pricing strategies
- Marketing and sales strategies
Market research analysts working with companies and enterprises earn a median salary of $79,640, with the top 10% earning more than $128,320 (as of May 2021). Demand for market research analysts is projected to grow 19% through 2031, adding about 99,800 new jobs each year.
As with any career, salaries vary based on experience, education and other factors. For example, based on GMAC’s 2022 Corporate Recruiters Survey, the median starting salary for MBA graduates in the U.S. is $115,000, versus $75,000 for a bachelor’s degree.
In today’s data-driven business environments, adding business analytics to your MBA skill set can give you a competitive edge. With A-State’s online MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics, you can graduate in as few as 12 months with the business and technical skills to land leadership analytics roles in almost any industry.
Learn more about A-State’s online MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics program.