Your Career as a Data Analytics Manager

Big data. Big opportunities. As cloud computing and advanced technology transform our modern world, big data is projected to be a $50 billion business by 2017 — but few companies are ready for its impact. [2][3] Each day, people send 294 billion emails, log more than 1 billion Google searches, create 30,000+ terabytes of Facebook […]

To Put This in Context:

Becoming a data analytics manager requires a bachelor’s degree in analytics or data management for an entry-level position. However, top earners often have a master’s degree in mathematics, statistics, or computer science. And due to a worldwide increase in data usage — IBM estimates that 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are collected each day — employers need professionals who can use analytics to create a competitive business advantage. [1] If you’re a college student or recent graduate considering a future in data management, read on to see if this is the career for you.

Big data. Big opportunities.

As cloud computing and advanced technology transform our modern world, big data is projected to be a $50 billion business by 2017 — but few companies are ready for its impact. [2][3] Each day, people send 294 billion emails, log more than 1 billion Google searches, create 30,000+ terabytes of Facebook content, and send 230 million tweets worldwide. And yet, according to IBM, only 23% of organizations have a big data strategy. [1]

As a result, the marketplace needs highly trained, highly educated professionals who can not only interpret analytics, but utilize it to gain significant business advantages.

Could that be you?

What does a data analytics manager do?

A data analytics manager examines a set of pie charts and line graphs.

Analytics managers identify business opportunities by analyzing purchase trends and customer data to make their organization more successful. Their skills also expose key performance indicators: Data analytics managers regularly measure company workflows to identify pain points and potential process improvement — both of which can improve customer satisfaction and profits. Their primary roles include:

  • Organize, manage, extract, and transfer data from a variety of applications
  • Use statistics and data models to gain insights
  • Develop analytical strategies to answer business challenges
  • Interpret and communicate analytics via high-quality end user reports
  • Present analytical findings to senior management

Earn competitive pay for in-demand skills.

Data analytics managers enjoy median wages of $91,479 , but compensation can vary based on their education and specialization. The highest paid and most experienced professionals can earn salaries in excess of $130,000 . And even entry-level employees command starting salaries of about $62,300 [4].

Did You Know?

Between 2014 and 2024, the BLS forecasts more than 488,500 computer and IT occupations to be created, in part to collect and store big data. [3]

Tailor your education. Specialize your expertise.

 A data analytics manager creates a finance report by comparing annual data sets.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree in analytics, data management, mathematics, statistics, or computer science, some employers may prefer that candidates also have a master’s degree in one of those areas. [5]

While a master’s degree is not mandatory for the role, it can provide you with the improved communications, business, and management skills required to lead a team of analysts for your organization.

But that is just the beginning. Big data covers a wide spectrum of specializations: business, e-commerce, finance, government, health care, science, social networking, and telecommunications. This means you may need additional education or work experience to succeed in your industry of choice.

Tips for success.

Stay current in the world of big data by reading books and blogs by thought leaders and organizations that are shaping the future of data management. Additionally, update your skills with certificates and training on your industry’s latest software and technology.

With prospective students’ extensive family and career responsibilities, online learning offers a solution for upwardly mobile professionals to help achieve their personal goals. And the best part? Many U.S. universities offer advanced data management degrees that are 100% online. As a future data analyst or director of information technology, you may find the right fit for you among the following accredited and online degree programs.

University of Maryland Online MBA

Explore advanced data analysis and information systems design and develop your business acumen with an Online MBA from UMD’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.
Learn More

Villanova School of Business Online MSA

Earn your MSA 100% online in 24 months from Villanova School of Business —ranked as the #4 online graduate business program by U.S. News & World Report.
Learn More

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Online Master of Science in Management Information Systems

The AACSB-accredited, 100% online MS MIS degree has courses in web analytics & business statistics, is ranked by US News, & can be completed in less than 2 yrs.
Learn More

Villanova School of Business Online MBA

Earn your MBA online in two years from Villanova—ranked #12 by Bloomberg Businessweek. Specialize in Finance, Marketing, Analytics or Strategic Management.
Learn More

New Jersey Institute of Technology Online Master of Science in Computer Science

If you want to play an integral role shaping the technologies of tomorrow, and be at the forefront of computing and technology join us at NJIT.
Learn More

Maryville University Online Master of Science in Business Data Analytics

Join a growing and in-demand field with a Master’s in Business Data Analytics that can prepare you for SQL and Azure cert exams. No GMAT and 100% online!
Learn More

Impact the future of business.

Data analytics managers are more than sought-after and highly skilled professionals; they are pioneers in an industry that runs modern business. They enjoy high earnings and exciting work that is as rewarding as it is challenging, so they must be persistent learners who seek out better ways to do their jobs. Success in this career requires top-level education, work experience, and training — all of which can create opportunities to advance to director, vice president, or CTO roles.

As large and small businesses adopt data analytics to impact their bottom lines, your pursuit of a specialized education can not only help you enter this field, but prepare you to lead the data-driven marketplace of the future.

Lee Williams

Associate Copywriter

Lee is a marketing and communications professional at Context and is also an avid fiction and nonfiction writer. His expertise includes education and social commentary as told through personal narratives. Lee’s work has appeared in Forbes, SUCCESS Magazine, and the Huffington Post. Connect with him on Twitter @Lee_Wms.