Business Analytics

Do you already have a basic handle on probability and statistics? For A/B testing, I would suggest first getting comfortable with the basics - significance, variance, normal distribution, power etc. Statistics, 4th ed. by David Freedman and Robert Pisani is the place to begin.

Unfortunately there is no single book that covers all the math of Product Management. You can also try taking courses on Business Analytics. Wharton offers a good one on coursera: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/business-analytics

Hey all,

I currently attend a target university in the UK, but with a primarily qualitative degree, I'm looking at additional ways I can boost my CV. My goal is to enter into a career in management consulting.

What are peoples' opinions on online business courses, such as this one through Coursera. In addition to the skills gained, would something like this demonstrate initiative and enthusiasm? Would it pique the interest of an employer?

Business analytics is quite broad. Market research is one subset of a larger group.

One definition of analytics is that it is the transformation of data into business insight to help with decisions and actions. So, it can range from customer research like you said, but also to operations, identifying efficiencies, building mathematical models to solve different business problems, etc.

Some general links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_analytics

https://www.coursera.org/specializations/business-analytics

https://www.edx.org/micromasters/business-analytics

My employerpays for coursera plus for all employees. Does anyone have anyone have any experience with either of the following specializations https://www.coursera.org/specializations/business-statistics-analysis#courses and https://www.coursera.org/specializations/business-analytics

100 percent this. Typically a data scientist is gonna have some sort of mathematics background. That's not for everyone. Its why they get paid 6 figures fresh out of college (often Masters/PhD level graduates). But there's still a huge gap between the average business analyst and a data scientist, and its filled by data analysts.

So if you ignore the more advanced aspects like AI/ML, NLP, hell even big data or non relational databases. Understand the core concepts of doing data analysis you'll likely carve a pretty good role for yourself. I've sat on teams of analysts and been a hero for being able to run simple SQL queries.

My curriculum for data analysts would start with a heavy focus in:

• ETL. Extract/Transform/Load.. essentially prepping the data for analysis

• Data Visualization. Lots of UI friendly point and click options that you can apply best practices too without advanced statistical modeling.

• Excel. Not so much because its the ultimate analysis tool. But it can do a lot and can give one a good sense of creative problem solving in both prepping data and running analysis. Lots of novel plugins as well like Fuzzy matching, and the analysis toolpak

Once you're comfortable with those, then you can explore R and Python (numpy, pandas, etc..). Learn how to apply your critical thinking/problem solving to the huge libraries of code that exist in those tools.

A few courses I just quickly snagged from Coursera that would be good for a newbie:

• https://www.coursera.org/learn/excel-data-analysis

• https://www.coursera.org/learn/ai-for-everyone

• https://www.coursera.org/specializations/excel-mysql

• https://www.coursera.org/specializations/business-analytics

Here are 7 steps that will help you land on the Entry Level Business Analyst job.

1. Gain Transferrable Skills
   If you ever look up Business Analysts on LinkedIn, you will find a range of different educational background, previous work experience, and technical specialties for all of them. Why? As aforementioned, the top 3 Business Analyst skills requirements are Communication, Critical Thinking, and Creativities. These are ALL transferrable skills. What that means is that these are skills can be gained through various positions, it doesn’t have to be a Business Analyst position. Meanwhile, you should always try to participate in projects in a Business Analyst capacity. That is, assume and work like a Business Analyst in any project. Pretend one until you become one.
2. Gain Technical Skills
   To distinguish yourself from competitors, you need to demonstrate technical competency. Such as data analysis (i.e. Excel, VBA automation, Python, SAS, R), software implementation (i.e. Object Oriented Programming, MySql, UAT, UC, QA/QC), business process mapping, change management, business case, etc. I know there are lots to learn, try to prioritize them for the industry you are interested. Go through job positions and understand employers’ requirements. If you don’t have any previous experience, don’t worry, check out free online course website like Coursera. They have free courses can help you gain knowledge and even ear certification in these areas.
3. Get a Business Analyst Training/Certification
   Usually, there is no prerequire to take these training/ certifications. This can be done either online on Coursera or offline at the university like the University of Toronto. There is also the Master Program like Master of Management Analytics from Queens University. Training is not the key to all, but it is a great stepping stone. And education will always help you go a long way.
4. Look for positions that tend to allow employee transit into the Entry Level Business Analyst position
   The easiest way is to check out Business Analysts on LinkedIn. What is their previous position before Business Analyst? There are certain positions (and corporations) tends to allow the employee to transit into the Business Analyst position, such as Call Center Representatives and Customer Service Representative in the banking industry, Marketing Coordinator, Research Assistance, Human Resource Coordinator, Human Resource Assitance, Sales and Project Coordinator, etc.
5. Networking
   Networking EFFECTIVELY is the key! Go out and participate in the networking event (i.e. Business Analyst Meetups) and industrial seminars. Talk to Business Analysts, they will share the knowledge and experience with you; talk to Managers who hire Business Analyst, they will share with you the potential opportunities. Fundamentally, you are demonstrating you are enthusiasm and potentially a valuable asset to the team.
6. Get a Mentor
   Undoubtedly, a mentor is a great resource to land on an Entry Level Business Analyst job. How to get one? Just Ask for it!! You will be surprised how willingly that people would like to share their knowledge and experience with others. However, come prepared. What is your short-term and long-term career goals? What are your strength and weakness? It is not only beneficial for yourself to plan own career, but also show respect for other’s time. Always be prepared! Now, a quick tip to find these people on LinkedIn. Use the search term Business Analyst + Industry + Volunteer. That is, you are looking for someone who is currently or used to be a Business Analyst, and working in the industry that you are interested in, and are volunteering. People who are volunteering will be more willing to share and help.
7. Volunteering
   Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, train yourself with projects that may not be available to you at the workplace. Ultimately, it is one of the GREATEST ways to network and meet new people. By the end of the day, giving back is another great way to gain, no matter relationship and/or knowledge. Plus, it is likely there are senior professionals, who likely can help you land on an entry level Business Analyst position.

Thanks to everyone who replied i really appreciate it.

-I can`t find apply for internship where i live (Egypt) so thats not an option im afraid.

-I don`t like math and dont know any coding language even if i spend the last year learning something like python will it be worth it?

-With that said would Business Analysis be a good carrier for me to peruse ? I have no idea about BA but i looked up courses like
https://www.coursera.org/specializations/business-analytics

https://www.coursera.org/specializations/data-analytics-business

https://www.coursera.org/specializations/excel
would these courses be sufficient to get me an entry level job after graduation or would i need more courses , honestly i would be happy with any carrier that doesnt involve maths or programming so im not sure whats the best option for me yet .