Relevant bachelor’s degrees that lay a foundation for careers in data analytics management include statistics, computer science, information systems, and business administration, and other associated programs. To be positioned for success, you’ll need to build a provable and applicably firm grasp of data structures, database design, data mining, distributed architecture, security applications, and applied systems analysis.
Going through a data analytics bootcamp (such as ones offered by elite schools like Northwestern University) can be a quicker, more cost-effective option. Northwestern’s boot camp, for instance, can be completed in just 24 weeks, as opposed to the years required to attain an undergraduate degree. Obviously, though, this comes with a trade-off in the time and depth of exposure offered by a fully undergraduate program.
Additionally, as this role is a senior position, it often will require an advanced degree as well as a set number of years of supervisory experience to become fully qualified for promotion to this level of leadership. It’s worth starting with an academic and professional plan of action and building toward this lucrative goal with nearly guaranteed job prospects over the next few decades. Progressing within this plan brings us to step two.
The data analytics manager is a senior administrative position, and thus you must first have several years of work experience in this field. Look for a position as a database developer or data analyst with a focus on building qualifications and being able to report accomplishments on your resume or in your portfolio of work. These are not necessarily entry-level roles, however, so you may need prior internship experience or a college job as an IT assistant. As you progress toward becoming a data analytics manager, look for projects in which you manage databases, analyze data, or design the databases themselves.
Professional certifications are very important for the role of data analytics manager. These certifications demonstrate that you are committed to developing your skills and that you are up to date with current technologies. Good options include the Microsoft Certified Professional or the Certified Analytics Professional via the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences, both of which you achieve through qualifying exams. Some roles also require certifications in the specific software used by a company such as SAS/SQL certified practitioner qualifications.
After you have work experience as a data analyst or database developer, you can apply for jobs as a data manager. This role requires database design skills and 1-5 years of experience in the field and consideration for hiring will often just highly weigh or value the academic qualifications on a candidate’s resume, which is why step five is an essential component in pursuing long range data analytics management career goals.
Master’s degrees are a preferred if not required qualification in high-level management positions. Since the role of the data analytics manager has as much to do with team leadership and project management, a master’s of business administration is generally the best option, though master’s degrees in mathematics, statistics, or computer science are also beneficial and frequently applicable to data analytics management job descriptions. For example, one of the most standard degrees held by candidates who have advanced to this role would be an MBA program concentrated on information systems. If you are interested in a particular industry or specialization, you can also consider a master’s in that field or concentration.
After you have built up significant work experience, completed professional certifications, and earned an advanced degree, you can look for roles as a data analytics manager. Though these postings often list a higher preferred range of qualifications, education, and/or experience, the return on investment in salary, job security, job projections, and industry impact equally outrank similar industry positions and standings.
