There has been an explosion in ‘big data’ over the past 20 years. In the commercial field, businesses now have access to a huge variety of data, from consumer-related information, through to supply chain and logistics data. However, having access to this vast trove of data is one thing – it is another thing entirely to be able to make best use of that data to make informed business decisions. This is why there has been such a significant increase in employer demand for staff with the quantitative skills to be able to collect, collate and evaluate that data.  

These technical skills are developed through two main avenues: (i) computer programming skills (particularly the Python computing language), and (ii) knowledge of statistics. This knowledge will include not only understanding how and when to use data to gain important business and economic insights, but also in the use of practical statistical software packages you will be able to use in your future place of employment. These specialised skills attract a premium in the labour market. 

There is a second significant element to this Business Analytics major that will further enhance your employability - a focus on crucial communication and interpersonal skills that will allow you to present the results of your data analysis to relevant parties. In other words, you need to be able to convey complex information in a very clear and concise way. This is particularly true for stakeholders who do not necessarily speak the same ‘analytics language’ you do. 

The final crucial aspect of this major is its focus on applying these skills in a real-world situation. The final year ‘capstone experience’ allows you to use the skills you have developed in the major either through an internship with an organisation, or through a semester-long business development or economic analysis project. Here you will further enhance your employability skills by working on a practical project that will make you ‘job-ready’ when you graduate.