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Companies rely on data to��assess their processes and find areas for improvement, and as a result, business analysts are not limited to technical industries.��They work in various sectors, from manufacturing and retail to software development and insurance.

A��wide range of specialties��in the field also exists. Graduates working in business analysis for business intelligence, management and IT are just a few examples. These specialties require expertise in a specific area, but all analysts need the same��analytical and technical skills��and understanding of business principles, regardless of their focus.

Those who work in business analysis are unique in that they are��part data scientists and part business advisors. They need to know data analytics to glean applicable insights, and they also need to understand their industry and general economic and business principles. This ensures their business analysis ultimately improves operations and increases profits.��

Technical skills��required for business analytics include��knowledge of databases, data analytics and relevant programming languages��like R, Python and SQL. Regardless of their employer’s industry, a business analyst also needs to know about data mining techniques, data analytics applications like R and SAS, and data visualization software.

An understanding of the technical requirements of an employer’s industry��is required, as well as their��area of specialization. For example, a role that focuses on IT processes will need to understand the nuances of networks, software, hardware, databases and cybersecurity.

Soft skills are also essential for business analysts.��Findings need to be presented clearly and understandably, especially to a company’s��decision-makers, administrators and executives. Analytical and problem-solving skills are vital, along with being highly organized in regard to research projects and job responsibilities.

Employment of operations research analysts is projected to . ������ý 9,600 openings for operations research analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Employment of management analysts is projected to . ������ý 98,100 openings for management analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2024-2034 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to ������ý students or graduates.