Masters Vs Professional Certificate Vs MBA in Business Analytics

In today’s digitised corporate landscape, data is the currency with which many companies operate. It is an investment that reaps high returns when handled efficiently.

The rise of big data has led to unlimited opportunities, not just for businesses but for job hunters as well. All over the world, students are becoming aware of the immense value of an analytics certification. It opens up incredible prospects in the job market as there is a high demand for skilled business analysts in almost every industry.

All companies with online presence want a professional with a business analyst certification. Businesses need certified experts who can decode data, generate insights and empower organisations with data-backed decision-making abilities.

It is an exciting profession filled with immense growth potential.

As a budding business analyst, your future begins today. But here’s the question — What is the best kind of certification to pursue? Your options are:

• MBA business analytics
• Master’s in business analytics
• Business analyst certification

Which one is right for you?

Which of the three will help you achieve your goals more quickly?

Is there a right or wrong answer? Let’s find out.

Why Business Analytics Is Such A Big Deal

Before we go down the path of figuring out which business analyst professional certification is best for you, let’s look at why this field is so red hot right now:

• Transforms raw data in powerful insights to optimise business efficiency and productivity
• Helps companies to make data-driven decisions, form projections and set goals
• Can measure the performance of the various departments within the company
• Uses statistical analysis and predictive modelling to stay on top of the latest market trends and new developments
• Helps to reach a large target audience as well as a more selective customer
• Offers a deeper understanding of the consumer’s decisions and preferences

Read – How Much Do Data Scientists Earn in India, North America, and Europe?

3 Academic Routes To A Business Analytics Career 

As mentioned earlier, there are three options for education in analytics.

The MBA business analytics degree is a post-graduate program that teaches you management skills in analytics.

A master’s in business analytics is also a post-graduate degree that teaches technical skills and business strategies.

Whereas a business analyst certification is a short but intensive program that covers core industry concepts and skill training.

Before enrolling in any of the above, you must reflect on your needs. Where are you placed right now? Do you have the required time and mental space for an MBA, master’s or certification?

Let’s analyse each course from the point of view of three aspirants — Ayush, Bani and Chhaya.

Ayush is fresh out of college and ready to take the next step towards his professional career. He has no commitments or dependents and is free to pursue a full-time degree that requires his total attention for two years.

Bani is a trained IT specialist with 4 years of experience, but she is ambitious and looking for a change of pace.

Chhaya is an experienced sales executive in a major MNC, looking to enhance her skills to make her more appealing for a promotion.

All three can benefit from a business analytics program. Does it make sense for them to pursue an MBA, master’s in business analytics or a business analyst professional certification? It all boils down to their backgrounds, existing workload and time availability. All the above courses can pump up their resumes and make them powerhouse candidates. Their individual preferences come into play when it is time to take a decision. They can even do more than one program if time permits.

Let’s find out more.

1. MBA Business Analytics

The Master of Business Administration degree with a focus on Business Analytics has many advantages. It is a highly respected program that enables students to take on leadership roles.

• MBA Business Analytics offers training in technical and management skills
• It is a full-time, two-year program at a university
• Subjects include
  • Predictive Modelling
  • Data Mining
  • Marketing Analytics
  • Project Management
  • Decision Models
  • Decision Analysis
  • Visualisation
  • Customer Analytics
  • Business Intelligence
• Top-tier B-school graduates are more in demand among recruiters looking for candidates with an MBA business analytics degree
• You need to sit for an entrance exam such as GMAT, CAT, XAT, etc
• MBA business analytics students can become
  • Business Intelligence Analyst
  • Management Analyst
  • Market research Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Marketing Manager
  • Operations Research Analyst
  • Data Consultant

2. Master’s In Business Analytics 

When you apply for a master’s degree, the emphasis is on data interpretation and analysis. The program is heavily focused on data and data-relevant skills.

• The focus is on core subjects and technical skills
• The Master’s in Business Analytics subjects include
  • Software engineering
  • Machine learning
  • Analytical modelling
  • Software tools like Python and R, Python, SAS, SQL, Hadoop, etc.
• A Master’s in Business Analytics can lead to the following careers in the data science field:
  • Financial Analyst
  • Business Analyst
  • Market Research Analysts
  • Statistician

3. Business Analyst Certification

For working professionals or even students ready to join the workforce, a business analyst certification is a quick but efficient way to gain expertise in data-centric subjects. You can opt for a business analytics course or do a PGCM in data analytics.

Business Analytics Certification – 

• The business analytics course is for 3 to 4 months
• It covers all the major modules and core concepts in business analytics
• The curriculum includes industry knowledge, programming languages and core development skills
• Anyone over the age of 18 can apply

Checkout  IMS Proschool’s Business Analytics Course

PGCM in Data Analytics – 

• The PGCM program is for one year
• You should be a graduate or a third-year student at the time of applying for the course
• The subjects include
  • Business Statistics
  • Introduction to IT systems
  • Marketing management
  • Machine learning techniques
  • Data handling with SQL & Python
  • Advanced machine learning
• The program is AICTE-approved and backed by AIMA

Checkout IMS Proschool’s PGCM in Data Analytics Course

A business analyst certification can get you hired as a:

• Data Analyst
• Financial Analyst
• Market Research Analyst
• Budget Analyst
• Business Consultant

Read – Data Engineer VS Data Analyst VS Data Scientist. Which is the best role for you?

Which Of The Three Courses Is Best? 

This is the time to weigh your pros and cons before enrolling in any of the above courses. You should take into account your lifestyle, work commitments and time availability. In Ayush’s case, since he is young and without any financial obligations, he can pursue an MBA business analytics degree. Ayush can dedicate the next two years to a full-time program and put in the work towards developing his skills and maturity.

If he doesn’t do well on the MBA entrance exams or can’t get into a top-tier college, he can consider a Master’s in business analytics. The opportunity to do a business analyst certification or a PGCM is also available for Ayush, should the other two options not work out.

Bani and Chhaya, on the other hand, are in a different situation than Ayush. They may not want to give up their jobs and put a halt to their respective growing careers. They need a program that will help them enhance their skills without taking up all of their time. A business analyst professional certification is ideal for them. Bani can boost her career in one year after doing the PGCM course. Whereas, Chhaya can opt for a short-term business analytics course or even do her PGCM online.

These courses allow working professionals with the flexibility and work pace they need. It is more practical, focused and even economical than going after an MBA business analytics degree.

A three-way comparison between courses

Get Your Business Analyst Certification With IMS Proschool 

If you are unable to do your master’s or an MBA Business Analytics course, it doesn’t mean your data analytics career comes to an end. You can get a business analyst professional certification with Proschool, one of India’s top ten coaching schools for data analytics. Here, some of the best data science professionals double up as coaching specialists and offer students an innovative learning experience. You become proficient in key concepts, technical skills and industry knowledge. You also receive in-depth training that helps you become an expert in your field. The whole program has been creatively designed to ensure you develop the abilities you need to receive your business analyst certification.

Course details

• The institute offers a business analytics course and a PGCM in data analytics 
• The faculty use active learning mythologies to help the students learn
• There are coaching centres that offer classes in several cities in India
• For students unable to attend classroom sessions, there is an option to study online
• Several resources like study prep books, videos and other materials are available
• Both courses also offer an NSDC certificate on completion
• IMS Proschool offers placement assistance to help students find jobs with leading companies

 
In Conclusion 

Your future career depends on the choices you make today. Data science and analytics are huge right now, and it’s only going to get bigger as time goes on. It is a very good asset to have on your resume, and can considerably impact your professional trajectory.

Whether you choose to do a master’s, an MBA business analytics degree or a business analyst certification, is up to you. Examine yourself, weigh the pros and cons and then you can make an informed decision. All three courses will help you learn the statistical and analytical concepts and develop the data-centric expertise you need to get ahead in the corporate arena.

Find out how to get your business analyst certification here