How to Advance from Data Analyst to Business Analyst Manager

How to Advance from Data Analyst to Business Analyst Manager
How to Advance from Data Analyst to Business Analyst Manager

Data drives today’s world. Hospitals, law enforcement, entertainment companies, government institutions, and countless other organizations need data analysts who can translate unstructured data into meaningful insights. As a result, the data analytics profession is surging, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the data science field will grow by approximately 28% through 2026. 

Data analysts with several years of experience may choose to move into managerial roles where they can lead teams and use their team’s findings to pilot business strategies. A data analyst can upskill with a Master’s in Applied Statistics and advance into a data analyst manager or business analyst manager role. A Master of Science in Applied Statistics teaches in-demand skills like advanced statistical methods, the latest programming and technology, real-world problem solving, and leadership skills to make this transition possible. 

Learn more about how you can develop your career in data science and deepen your knowledge in applied statistics to become an impactful business analyst manager.  

What is a Data Analyst?

A Data Analyst collects data, validates the quality of that data, and uses data visualization to present the information to help people, businesses, and organizations make data-driven decisions. Overall, data analysts deeply understand popular data analysis tools and use these tools to manage, organize, and present data sets. In addition, data analysts understand the importance of statistics because they use applied statistical methods daily to make sense of unstructured data.

Data Analyst Role and Responsibilities

  • Organize and clean unstructured data sets
  • Manage master data and user roles
  • Validate the quality of imported data
  • Develop reports that include data analysis results
  • Use data visualization to present data adequately
  • Identify and revise reporting requirements in the data warehouse
  • Ensure data integrity and privacy
  • Test new or upgraded software and recommend new systems
  • Troubleshoot the database environment and reporting
  • Train end-users on new dashboards and reporting methodologies
  • Offer technical expertise in data storage structures, data mining, and data cleansing

Data Analyst Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in computer science
  • Work experience as a data analyst or in a related field
  • Capacity to work with stakeholders and identify potential risks to the business 
  • Ability to assess technologies and provide software solution recommendations
  • Ability to translate data insights and business requirements into non-technical terms
  • Experience and ability to manage large-scale databases
  • Written and verbal communication skills

What is a Data Analyst Manager?

A Data Analytics Manager is responsible for analyzing data to identify and present these trends to help leaders make organizational decisions. Their duties also include managing cross-functional teams, reviewing their team’s performance, and developing strategies using analytical solutions. So what’s the difference between a Data Analyst and a Data Analyst Manager? A Data Analyst Manager is a team lead who focuses less on data analysis and more on strategy. A manager must lead internal data teams and communicate with stakeholders, executives, and outside groups to help the company make better operational and organizational decisions. 

Data Analyst Manager Roles and Responsibilities

  • Develop strategies and analytics solutions based on business intelligence 
  • Extricate, manage, and analyze consumer data from multiple applications
  • Apply statistics and data modeling to formulate data-driven business insights
  • Follow company policies and procedures to ensure quality, privacy, and compliance 
  • Track key performance indicators (KPIs) that ladder up to larger business objectives
  • Improve customer experience and retention through data-driven personalization
  • Manage cross-functional teams, review employee performance, and work with HR
  • Present reports and findings to senior management
  • Track industry trends and recommend new technologies, processes, and software products

Data Analyst Manager Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in analytics, computer science, or related field
  • A Master's Degree may be preferred
  • 3 - 5 years experience in a management position or similar role 
  • Outstanding communication and presentation acumen
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and timelines
  • Interpersonal and time-management skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Analytics
  • Proficient in business intelligence tools, software, and dashboards

What is a Business Analyst Manager?

A Business Analyst Manager differs slightly from a Data Analyst Manager. Data analysts work with data related to the logistical databases of an organization. In contrast, business analysts focus on using data and statistics to solve real-world business challenges. 

For example, where a data analyst may focus on KPIs related to operational improvements, inventory, distribution, and security, a business analyst may focus on customer experience, product development, brand marketing, and revenue. A Business Analyst Manager will evaluate current business processes, lead cross-functional teams, and manage, monitor, and carry out data-driven business initiatives.

Business Analyst Manager Roles and Responsibilities

  • Evaluate business processes, identify areas for improvement, and develop data-driven solutions
  • Stay updated on IT advancements and pitch new software and technology to automate and modernize platforms
  • Meet with internal and external teams and present ideas and findings
  • Track and communicate insights and plans to cross-functional team members and management
  • Work closely with clients, data analysts, and management of other teams 
  • Lead, train, and coach junior staff 
  • Optimize business costs and help with budgets using internal data 
  • Act as a liaison between stakeholders and users
  • Determine top priorities and allocate competing resources based on priorities
  • Complete projects and ensure data teams meet timelines

Business Analyst Manager Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree in business or related field or an MBA
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in business analysis or data science 
  • Analytical and logical thinking skills
  • Negotiation, leadership, and communication skills
  • Knowledge of the latest IT and data science technology and technical skills
  • Data visualization experience and ability to build detailed reports 
  • Competency in Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
  • Competency in coding tools like R, SAS, S-Plus, and Python
  • Experience leading and developing top-performing teams

Upskill with a Master’s in Applied Statistics

It’s essential that we re-skill and upskill professionals to build a future-ready workforce. “Tech recruiters have particularly targeted professionals with math and statistical skills, looking to harness their ability to study and analyze data to help solve real-world business issues,” says experts at Deloitte. Deloitte also reports that the demand for data analytics professionals will likely outweigh the available talent for years to come. In addition, professionals can learn applied statistics to expand career opportunities in their field. 

An online Master’s Degree in Applied Statistics from Michigan Technological University will prepare you for high-demand leadership positions in statistics and data science. The accelerated, 100% online program will teach you to analyze and interpret data in various professional settings and industries.

The coursework covers a broad spectrum of cutting-edge statistical science technologies and methodologies that can be used to make predictions, devise experiments, and draw accurate conclusions. As a student, you’ll work with industry-standard statistical and data analysis software and conduct thorough research of real datasets to solve business challenges.

This math-driven statistics graduate degree can help meet the growing demand for professionals with math and statistical skills, including the following skills:

  • Advanced Statistical Methods: Learn how to combine tested techniques with the latest emerging technologies to extract, manage, and leverage data. 
  • Programming and Technology: After obtaining an MS in Applied Statistics, graduates understand how to leverage industry standard software and are comfortable working with relevant tools, including R, SAS, S-Plus, and Python.
  • Real-World Problem Solving: Work with datasets to overcome common business challenges and inform decision-making.
  • Communication and Leadership: Learn data visualization, communication skills, and leadership techniques to help present findings with confidence and clarity.

Advance Your Career at Michigan Technological University

The U.S. News and World Report, ranks Michigan Tech among the top five percent of public schools in the United States, which means students get more value for their investment.

Forbes ranked Michigan Tech among the nation’s best value colleges in 2019. The magazine also listed Michigan Tech among the 100 best public universities in the country. In addition, Niche.com ranks Michigan Tech among the top 35 public universities in America, the No. 2 best value in Michigan, and the No. 14 best college for informational technology in the nation.

Are you ready to develop the data science and statistical skills needed to become a Data Analyst Manager or a Business Analyst Manager? Then, take the next step toward your Master of Science in Applied Statistics from Michigan Tech by setting up a call with your enrollment advisor. Whether you have a simple question or need the advice to determine if this program is right for you, they can help. They can chat with you on your schedule and guide you through the entire admissions process, so you can feel confident in moving forward with your online master’s program.

Learn more about MTU’s online Applied Statistics graduate degree.