Data analytics involves analyzing datasets to uncover trends and insights that are subsequently used to make informed organizational decisions. Business analytics is focused on analyzing various types of information to make practical, data-driven business decisions, and implementing changes based on those decisions. Business analytics often uses insights drawn from data analysis to identify problems and find solutions
>What is a data analyst?
A data analyst’s fundamental job is to tell compelling stories with data that empower organizational leaders to make better, more informed decisions.
The responsibilities of a data analyst often include:
To be effective in their roles, data analysts must possess the technical skills necessary for data mining, hygiene, and analysis, along with strong interpersonal skills to communicate their findings to decision-makers.
Some of the most essential skills for data analysts include data visualization and presentation skills, Microsoft Excel, Structured Query Language (SQL), and R or Python programming knowledge.
A bachelor’s degree in a related field is typically required for entry-level data analysts. For senior positions, hiring managers often require or strongly prefer a graduate degree such as a master’s degree in analytics.
>What is a business analyst?
Business analysts are responsible for using data to inform strategic business decisions.
A business analyst might also hold job titles such as operations research analyst, management analyst, or business data analyst.
The duties of a business analyst typically include:
Some of the primary skills needed to become a successful business analyst include critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and process improvement. These professionals must have a firm understanding of their organization’s objectives and procedures so that they can analyze performance, identify inefficiencies, and propose and implement solutions.
Business analysts must have at least a working knowledge of the technology involved in analytics, though the need for hard technical skills is generally lower than for data analysts. For those looking for career advancement opportunities, however, developing an advanced knowledge of mathematics, computer science, and analytics can act as a significant differentiator in the job market.
Entry-level business analyst positions usually require a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related area of study. As the need for professionals with expert data skills increases, though, advanced degrees like a master’s in analytics or a master’s in business analytics are becoming more popular among job applicants.
What’s the difference?
While data analysts and business analysts both work with data, the main difference lies in what they do with it. Business analysts use data to help organizations make more effective business decisions. In contrast, data analysts are more interested in gathering and analyzing data for the business to evaluate and use to make decisions on their own.
“In the simplest terms, data is a means to the end for business analysts, while data is the end for data analysts,” says Martin Schedlbauer, associate clinical professor and director of Northeastern University’s information and data sciences programs.
The Difference Between Data and Business Analysis: More Than Just Semantics
Despite the differences between data analysts and business analysts, individuals in both careers have promising futures.
“They’re both in strong demand right now,” Angove says. “Data science is a hot-button issue for many companies, and a lot of them are hiring and building out large data teams.”
No matter which career path you ultimately decide to pursue, there are steps you’ll need to take to prepare yourself for the workplace. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll need to develop the skills required for your desired position and complete the appropriate training.
For business and data analysts alike, having advanced knowledge of the theoretical foundations and practical tools of analytics can have powerful career outcomes. Research from Burning Glass Labor Insight shows that 25 percent of employers hiring data analysts prefer or require candidates to have graduate degrees.
As important as it is to build these skills, it’s also essential to find a program that meets your needs and will put you on the path toward success. Northeastern’s STEM-designated Master of Science in Business Analytics, for example, equips students with the resources they need to break into or advance in the industry.
The program is led by industry-aligned faculty who bring their own experiences in the workforce to the classroom every day. In addition to extensive networking opportunities, the program’s signature focus on the tech economy and emphasis on experiential learning prepares students to respond to challenges and deliver successful solutions quickly and confidently.
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