What can you do with a Business Analytics degree?

First, some facts. Of the Business Analytics graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 103 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 65%, Business Analytics graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-2%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 65%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 24% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Business Analytics graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Business Analytics graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 93%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2023 from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Business Analytics. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Technical Analyst Intern
Netsmart
Jun 2023 - Jul 2023
The Technical Analyst Intern position may involve some analytical and technical skills relevant to business analytics, but it does not fully utilize the core qualifications of this degree on a daily basis.

Technical Analyst
Netsmart
Jan 2024 - Present
The role of Technical Analyst directly applies the analytical skills and methodologies learned in a Business Analytics program, making it highly relevant and integral to the job's core functions.

ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Business Analytics degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


After analyzing a wide variety of job profiles from individuals who graduated with a degree in Business Analytics, it's clear there are some common themes regarding the types of jobs they've landed and how relevant those positions are to their educational background. Many graduates have pursued roles as Data Analysts, Business Analysts, and positions with a strong analytical component, often working in companies that emphasize data-driven decisions. However, it's also worth noting that not all roles aligned perfectly with their analytics training, leading to a mix of relevant and less relevant job choices.

A significant number of graduates found themselves in roles such as Data Analyst or Business Analyst, which are inherently tied to the principles of Business Analytics. Positions like Data Scientist, Reporting Analyst, and Operations Analyst were among those directly applying the analytical skills and knowledge gained in their studies. For example, roles like Senior Data Scientist at Charles Schwab and Data Analyst at Riskified require extensive use of data manipulation and statistical analysis, which are crucial aspects of any Business Analytics program. Such jobs not only align well with their degree but also demonstrate the applicability of their skills in real-world scenarios.

However, many graduates took paths that seem only loosely connected to Business Analytics. For instance, roles in customer service, like Customer Service Associate or Customer Service Lead, do not align with core analytical functions. Additionally, positions that focus primarily on managerial or logistics tasks, such as Operations Supervisor or Airbnb Co-Host, don’t necessarily utilize the specialized knowledge expected from a Business Analytics degree. These graduates may indeed use some analytical skills, but the roles themselves don’t leverage the full spectrum of their education. Hence, while they are securing jobs, it's vital to recognize that many do not reflect the competencies acquired during their studies.

In conclusion, the landscape of jobs held by Business Analytics graduates reveals a broad spectrum ranging from highly relevant analytical roles to those that stray significantly from their training. While many graduates successfully leverage their specialized skills in data-driven positions, a notable number find themselves in roles that either indirectly involve analytics or focus on entirely different business facets. This mismatch underlines the often harsh reality of job markets where degrees do not always equate to career paths aligned with the acquired skills, leading to a diverse tapestry of employment experiences among Business Analytics graduates.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Business Analytics graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Business Analytics graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Alright, so let’s dive into the career paths of folks who graduated with a degree in Business Analytics from various universities. It seems like most of these graduates have landed jobs that are pretty relevant to their field, which is actually a great sign. Right out of college, you'll see a mix of job titles like Data Analyst, Business Analyst, and Operations roles. These positions are often entry-level or slightly above, which makes sense because many people need to cut their teeth in the workforce before moving up. For instance, you’ve got people from schools like the University of North Texas and Iowa State University jumping into data roles right away, often starting their first jobs in analytics or data-focused positions. This indicates that they are able to leverage their degrees effectively, which is exciting!

Now, looking at the five- and ten-year marks, there’s a mixed bag but mostly positive outcomes. Many graduates who started as entry-level analysts have climbed up the corporate ladder, becoming Data Scientists, Senior Analysts, or even Managers in various companies. For example, a graduate from the University of North Texas transitioned from a Data Analyst to Senior Data Scientist within a few years at the same firm, and that’s a pretty solid progression. Others have moved into more specialized roles, like a Consultant or Operations Manager. This is pretty encouraging feedback for anyone considering a major in Business Analytics—you can expect to land relevant roles and likely advance as you gain experience.

On the flip side, not everyone is in a perfect place related to their degree. Some job titles don't scream Business Analytics, like Customer Service roles or positions in unrelated fields, which is a little concerning. A few graduates found themselves in roles that seem less relevant, indicating that while many folks are doing great in analytics-related jobs, some are still figuring out where they fit in. Plus, there are a lot of folks who drift into jobs that don’t directly align with their studies, suggesting that the job market can be tricky to navigate. Overall, it looks like pursuing a career in Business Analytics can lead you to solid roles if you play your cards right, but not every path will be a straight shot within the analytics sphere.

How hard is a Business Analytics degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics can be a bit of a mixed bag, honestly. It’s definitely not a walk in the park, but I wouldn't say it’s the hardest one out there either. You'll need to get comfy with math, statistics, and some programming, which can trip some people up. Plus, there's the challenge of applying all those numbers to real-world problems, which takes some critical thinking. If you're someone who enjoys puzzles and problem-solving, it might feel like a good fit, but if you're more into creative subjects, it could be a steeper climb for you. Overall, it's challenging, but with the right mindset and effort, it’s totally manageable!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Business Analytics.

Do Business Analytics graduates tend to make good money?

When looking at the job paths of these Business Analytics graduates, it's clear that while some are on solid financial tracks, others might not be raking in the big bucks just yet. For example, those who recently graduated and landed quick gigs like crew scheduling or customer service positions are probably still at the lower end of the salary spectrum. In contrast, there are grads who jumped straight into senior roles, like a Senior Operations Manager or a Senior Data Scientist at reputable companies, which are positions generally associated with higher salaries. Overall, it's a mixed bag; while some may be doing quite well, others are still at the starting point in terms of salary.

However, the nature of the positions many of these graduates are stepping into suggests that they have good earning potential in the near future. Roles like Data Analyst, Business Analyst, and especially those in leadership positions are typically on the rise in terms of demand. So while some might not be earning big right off the bat, their career trajectories and the experience they're gaining could lead to better financial opportunities down the line. It's all about that long-term growth in the fast-evolving field of business analytics!

What buzzwords do Business Analytics graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Business Analytics. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Business Analytics?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Business Analytics (ordered by the average relevance score of their Business Analytics graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count