Business Analytics
Overview
Across industries - including commercial, not-for-profit, government, and education - organisations are generating vast amounts of data. This has driven a growing demand for professionals who can interpret and analyse that information, extract meaningful insights, and communicate the story behind the numbers.
Business analytics professionals apply their knowledge of data analysis concepts, theories, and tools to produce actionable insights that help organisations:
- Implement improvements and solutions
- Monitor and improve financial performance
- Identify future needs and create solutions to meet those needs
- Support strategic decision-making with data-driven insights
- Communicate complex findings clearly to non-technical stakeholders
Current trends in business analytics
- Analysts are expected to work with predictive models and generative AI tools.
- Growing demand for data roles in clinical and operational healthcare settings.
- Companies need analysts to track and report environmental and social impact.
- Data-driven roles in consumer behavior, personalisation, and supply chain optimisation.
- Cross-industry consulting to deliver data-driven strategies, process improvements, and client insights.
What does the future hold?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the field to grow by 11% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
You don’t need a crystal ball, therefore, to predict that data analytics professionals with business knowledge will become more highly valued and sought-after in future.
* Source: Forbes
What skills and attributes can I gain from my Business Analytics major?
- An in-depth understanding of business analytics concepts and theories
- High level of technical and software knowledge
- Analytical skills
- Ability to think strategically
- Problem-solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Collaboration and communication skills
- Relationship-building skills
- Good attention to detail
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- A commitment to ongoing learning
Business analytics career options
Unlike data scientists, who need advanced analytics and computation skills, business analytics professionals need both an understanding of analytical techniques, and relationship building/communication skills, as they spend a lot of time interfacing with people. Their primary goal is to enable sound business decisions based on relevant data. Potential careers include:
- Business analytics consultant
- Business consultant
- Business data and insights consultant/analyst
- Business intelligence consultant
- Cyber security specialist
- Data and AI analyst
- Data quality analyst
- Digital Fintech business analyst
- eCommerce analyst
- Financial analyst
- Forensic computer analyst
- Knowledge management specialist
- Marketing automation specialist
- Project manager
- Statistician
- Supply chain analyst
- Systems analyst
- Website Builder
These are just a few career examples—don’t feel limited to them. Many employers accept graduates from any degree background.
Social media networks such as LinkedIn can also help you to keep up-to-date with industry knowledge, events and job vacancies.
Where do Business Analytics graduates work?
With a major in Business Analytics you could work in almost every sector including finance, consulting, manufacturing, health, education, marketing and sales, local and central government.
University of Auckland clubs and societies for Business Analytics students
Beta Alpha Psi – Auckland Chapter (BAP)
Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) is an international honours organisation for accounting, finance and information systems students and professionals. BAP recognises academic and professional excellence and complements members’ formal education by providing self-development opportunities and networking among students, faculty and professionals. Learn more
More clubs and societies at the Business School
UoA Biztech Society
Biztech Society is a student club affiliated with the University of Auckland's ISOM Department, dedicated to bridging the gap between business and technology. It provides a platform for students to connect with industry, apply their skills inside and outside the university, and build a community of industry-ready professionals.
Professional associations for Business Analytics students and graduates
- NZTech
This organisation aims to connect, promote and advance the New Zealand technology ecosystem. - IEEE
A technical professional organisation dedicated to the advance of technology. - IT Professionals New Zealand
With thousands of members, ITP is the largest and most trusted tech body in New Zealand.
Useful resources
Careers New Zealand
The Careers New Zealand website provides useful salary information for a range of business and industry roles, as well as information on the difference a qualification makes to what you are paid, and advice on negotiating your salary. You can also search for salary information by job.
Prospects
Prospects is a UK based organisation that provides graduate career information.
Inside Careers
Inside Careers specialises in finance careers in the UK. You’ll find information on the following career sectors: actuaries, insurance, pensions, investment banking, chartered accountancy, tax and management consultancy