There are many things to consider before choosing a career path. In most cases, a career starts with a desire to work in a given field. Then it is necessary to start out on that path. Anyone can decide to pursue an analytics career, whether they are undergraduate students or established professionals who want to make a career shift.
Starting out
There are many things to think about when you want to pursue a career in this field. Before you even consider taking this career path, you should consider the reasons why you should build such a career in the first place. The main advantage is that this is an industry which will grow exponentially. Data is now readily available in digital form in large quantities for every industry (Big Data) and there is a great need for qualified professionals to analyze the data and provide smarter data-based recommendations.
Reports indicate that there is a lack of qualified professionals with the necessary analytical skills to analyze this data. This means that the industry has great potential for employment with many opportunities for those interested in the field. Analysis of the data to provide information necessary for decision making requires analysts who can manipulate Big Data and make it meaningful.
Why it is hard to find out exactly where to start
It is clear that analytics are important, but there are some reasons why many people don’t know exactly where to start.
· The industry is still emerging and so there are no pioneers that can offer the much-needed guidance to the newbies.
· Business analytics is a term that is somewhat loosely used and this makes it a bit difficult for some to appreciate and understand the role that it plays in decision making.
· There aren’t many paths laid out that can be followed so as to start out in the field.
Two approaches to use
It is important to think of business analytics just like any other career. There are two approaches that you can consider. The approaches are:
– Be hired by a company that has already been established
The company can train you on all the skills that you need. This is something that can take a lot of time, especially in cases where the company does not have a structured training option. You also need to choose a company that is already dealing with analytics. Another option that you may consider is to get an internship into such companies. You may need a few months so as to learn as much as you can about business analytics.
– Get certification in the field
This is a great way to get the technical skills that you need. Even though they can’t compare to experience, there are many great training options available and some are even offered online. This is an option that anyone can take advantage of regardless of whether they are students or are already in the job market. When you are certified, you stand a better chance of getting hired into big companies.
You also need to increase your personal awareness. You should read extensively on the subject via blogs or interact with online communities. If there are forums being conducted, plan to attend so as to get better insight.