In today’s competitive economy, careers within the data industry are proving to be lucrative and even sexy according to Harvard Business Review. To support the next generation of techies, IE University has handcrafted its Bachelor in Data and Business Analytics to keep up with the growing demand for data science education.
For those who are unsure, data science is the process of gathering data and extracting its value to make more impactful decisions. Previously, it topped Glassdoor’s list of the 50 best jobs in America with salaries averaging around $110,000 and a high job satisfaction score.
Who are good candidates for the program?
Whether you want to someday maintain data for a corporate office, a startup, a consulting firm, or even the government – this scientific field relies on individuals with curious, analytical minds.
“The ideal candidate is someone who is passionate about solving problems, passionate about the world they live in, and passionate about technology,” said Vice Dean of the Bachelor in Data and Business Analytics program at IE University, Borja González del Regueral. “It’s someone who wants to solve challenges, who is willing to tackle those challenges using data.”
Although being computer proficient isn’t mandatory, having a keen awareness of current trends is.
“They must be tech savvy in terms of understanding what’s going on, but not necessarily tech experts,” said González del Regueral. “They will eventually become data science experts.”
What will the program entail?
Prospective students receive a “down to earth” education designed to prepare graduates to strategically collect, manage, and analyze data. Degree candidates first learn about behavioral and social sciences through an applied learning methodology – taking classes such as Fundamentals of Human Behavior and Business Management the first year. Knowledge in these areas are essential in ensuring versatility among degree holders.
Soon enough, students gain hands-on experiences via internships and workshops meant to equip them with the necessary expertise to succeed in the working world. By the end of the four-year program, students won’t only possess the core skills needed to land a job, but will also be capable of applying data and business analytics in a variety of high-end settings.
What can you do with a degree in Data and Business Analytics?
IE University students will develop the abilities to meet the rising need for data literacy across the work spectrum. Common careers with a Bachelor in Data and Business Analytics include: data management professional, data engineer, business analyst, machine learning research, and data-oriented professionals.
Some of the ways data scientists contribute to companies, according to Simplilearn, range from: identifying new consumer trends, to pursuing new business opportunities, and redefining target audiences based on data-driven evidence.
Why is this industry important?
Companies are starting to rely on data specialists more and more to innovate their business strategies. According to the Vice Dean, data technologies provide “competitive advantages” to enterprises, therefore becoming valuable assets.
“At IE, we believe that data is the current and future source of competitive advantage,” said González del Regueral. “That’s the difference between failure and success for a company right now. All young data scientists need to have knowledge in terms of how to use the data, how to extract value from the data, and not only that, but how to gather data from different sources to make meaningful decisions.”
Not only are businesses reinventing protocol, but governments as well. Estonia is a prime example of a country investing in data-driven technology in order to make a more efficient society. Paperwork is practically non-existent in this small Baltic nation, for example, due to the extent in which everything (from voting in elections to enrolling in health care) is done online. And the economy has seen a boost in the process.
Keeping this in mind, the need for digital scientists will continue to increase as more countries “convert” to the digital era. Rest assured that IE University will be along for the ride.
