How to Become a Analytics Manager

Data drives most of the decision-making processes of businesses today, which means companies need to recruit experts who can spearhead the operation. One of these experts is the analytics manager, who oversees data analysis for a business. Learn more about how to become an analytics manager and the specific skills and qualifications you need to succeed.

What Is an Analytics Manager?

An analytics manager combines statistics, data analysis, and computer science techniques to help businesses understand data. The process of analyzing business data can be tricky due to its potential volume in today’s data-focused world. However, an analytics manager knows the right tools needed to process big data.

This person must also design statistical models to help stakeholders understand data and turn it into valuable business intelligence and insights. Companies can use these insights to reduce inefficiencies or predict market trends.

Analytics Manager Job Description

As an analytics manager, you will collect, process, analyze, and present data to company stakeholders. With a team of data analysts, you will use the right tools and techniques to yield the most useful findings. You need to use your expertise in other fields such as finance and customer service to complement your analysis and make it applicable to real-world situations.

Analytics Manager Salary and Job Outlook

The average salary of an analytics manager is $97,908, according to PayScale. Data shows that the yearly salary range for an analytics manager job is between $69,000 and $129,000. Your salary largely depends on your expertise and credentials. The compensation for an entry-level position is likely to be in the lower range.

The job outlook for an analytics manager position is positive. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of jobs is set to grow 11 percent from 2019 until 2029. This trend shows that more firms are turning to data analysis to improve business processes.

Top Reasons to Become an Analytics Manager in 2021

Why should you become an analytics manager in 2021? There are many reasons and now is as good a time as ever with the growing value of data in business planning. Below are the top reasons to become an analytics manager.

• Combines different skills. You will have the chance to combine your expertise in the combined fields of statistics, data science, and computer science.
• Direct role in business success. This role is integral to helping businesses understand their data and contributes directly to their overall success.
• Positive job outlook. The demand for professionals with this expertise is growing, with job growth predicted to be much faster than average over the next few years.
• Relatively high salary. The work may be difficult, but the compensation is good at an average of $97,908, according to PayScale. As you gain more credentials and expertise, your salary increases, too.

Analytics Manager Job Requirements

What does it take to qualify for an analytics manager role? Below we’ve listed some of the essential requirements to succeed in the role. 

• Data expertise. You’ll need to be an expert in data management from data collection to data analysis as you will be working on large volumes of data.
• Understanding of statistics. This helps you make use of reliable statistical tools and methods to guarantee that the results are accurate and concise.
• Good communication skills. Having solid soft skills in communication is essential because your work involves collaboration with other managers and various stakeholders.
• Educational background. Employers look for candidates with recognized credentials and higher education levels such as a degree and professional certifications.

Types of Analytics Manager Careers

Several industries require specific types of analytics managers for various analytic solution needs. Below are some of the career pathways that you can pursue once you have finished your studies.

Management Analyst

A management analyst combines technical and management skills to provide expert advice on how to develop the efficiency of an organization. Your work would involve gathering data to provide solutions to problems within the business. By analyzing all types of business and financial data you would provide expert insights that can initiate changes within the company.

The median salary for a management analyst is $87,660 per year, according to BLS. The predicted job growth is 11 percent for the 2019-2029 period, due to the increasing demand for management analysts in the healthcare sector.

Operations Research Analyst

An operations research analyst combines advanced analytics and mathematics similar to a business analyst. You must use statistical and predictive analytics to provide business solutions that can help your company. Most of the information you will process will come from customers and sales, so you need to utilize data analysis techniques.

The average salary for operations research analysts is $86,220, according to BLS. It has one of the highest job prospects with an estimated 25 percent growth between 2019 and 2029.

Business Analyst

A business analyst gathers data and conducts overall research work, including analysis of data and technology solutions. Your main focus is to understand the organization’s performance and the customer’s experience with the help of different business analytics tools such as statistical modeling.

The average business analyst salary is $61,922 per year, according to PayScale. Professionals in the business analytics field have a salary range of between $46,000 and $82,000 per year. As of 2021, the latest PayScale data shows that Seattle is the highest-paying city for business analysts, with about 14 percent more than the national average.

Analytics Manager Meaning: What Does an Analytics Manager Do?

If you’re considering becoming an analytics manager, you should first familiarize yourself with the core duties and responsibilities. Below are some of the daily tasks that you would be responsible for delivering.

Develop Statistical Models for Business

The day-to-day work revolves around technical processes such as data gathering, utilizing tools and programs, and optimizing systems. As such, you will develop statistical models that you can use to understand current data and forecast possibilities for your business. The model that you design is for future reports and analysis.

Prepare Data-Backed Reports and Analysis

You will also oversee the preparation of reports and analyses from start to finish. You will work with a team of managers and business analytics staff who can help you create holistic reports that consider all sectors. With a data-backed report, you need to design policies and solutions that will be helpful for the business.

Present Results to Stakeholders

You’ll be tasked with presenting findings and results to respective stakeholders who will assess the proposed solutions. You need to ensure that your presentation takes into account the level of knowledge of your audience. It’s your responsibility to make sure that crucial points create an impact.

Essential Analytics Manager Skills

Having the right skills gives you a competitive edge to obtain the analytics manager position you want. You’ll need to have a mix of data, analytical, and business skills. Let's explore the common skills you need to acquire to pursue this career path.

Programming Skills

There are specific programming languages for data science that you need to learn and master to ensure that you are using the right tools to process data. SQL is one of the most used programming languages for data management. You need to know how to code these languages as they can provide accurate models for data analysis.

Data Visualization

To excel in business analytics, you need to learn data visualization, especially since you must present your findings to managers and stakeholders. Take the opportunity to master software programs such as Tableau, a commonly used data visualization tool. Aside from tools, you must learn the techniques to present your results effectively.

Analytical Skills

You need to have strong analytical skills to excel as an analytics manager. Having these skills allows you to analyze your results and produce effective business solutions for your organization. 

How Long Does It Take to Become an Analytics Manager?

The time it takes to become an analytics manager depends on your pathway of choice. Most companies look for a college degree, which would take you around four years. It’s also possible to take shorter routes, for example by enrolling in coding bootcamps and short courses.

Can a Coding Bootcamp Help Me Become an Analytics Manager?

A coding bootcamp can help you become an analytics manager. Bootcamps are designed to give you up-to-date, job-specific skills in a short amount of time. There are bootcamp programs in things like data science and business analytics that can hone your practical and technical skills relevant to the role.

Can I Become An Analytics Manager From Home?

Studying from home through online learning is nothing new amid the COVID-19 pandemic. There are many online degrees related to analytics that you can complete from the comfort of home. Well-known universities and accredited institutions conduct these programs, so the diploma or certification you get is valid.

How to Become an Analytics Manager: A Step-by-Step Guide

There are several essential steps you should take before entering the job market to pursue an analytics management job. If you want to make sure you are taking the right route to success, follow our step-by-step guide below.

Step 1: Finish Your Degree

Most companies look for employees with at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject. Make sure you focus on your studies so you have an easier path to success. Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Analytics, Data Science, or Statistics. You could also consider obtaining your graduate studies degree to boost your credentials further.

Step 2: Take Bootcamp Programs or Online Courses

It’s a great idea to take bootcamp programs or online courses on subjects related to analytics. These short programs are a direct way to develop essential technical skills that you will need to excel in the job, such as business analytics and coding. Look for programs that help you earn a professional certification that you can add to your resume.

Step 3: Apply for an Internship

Internships are incredibly valuable because they give you an idea of day-to-day work in the field. You will get the chance to work on real-world projects and apply your knowledge. Moreover, you can improve your interpersonal skills as you collaborate and work with colleagues.

Best Schools and Education for an Analytics Manager Career

There are many opportunities to learn analytics as long as you have the motivation and resources. Check out some of the best educational pathways to become an analytics manager below.

Analytics Manager Bootcamps

If you want to improve your technical skills, enroll in a data science or data analytics bootcamp. Familiarize yourself with processing and data analysis concepts at popular schools like Flatiron School, Thinkful, General Assembly, and the NYC Data Science Bootcamp.

Vocational School

Computer science and information technology play a huge part in succeeding as an analytics manager. You need advanced coding skills because the process of analyzing data involves using different programming languages like Python, SQL, and R. Vocational schools also offer courses on programming to help you become an expert in these languages.

Community College

You might feel like you are not yet ready to commit to a four-year course. Community colleges offer two-year associate degrees in data analytics, statistics, and business intelligence. Taking a two-year program at one of these institutions allows you to gauge whether this is the career path for you while acquiring valuable skills and knowledge.

Online University

Online data science bachelor’s degrees make education more accessible if you prefer to complete your studies at home. Completing a four-year program is a common way to start if you want to secure an analytics manager position, as it requires expertise across all disciplines involved. You may also consider taking up an online master’s degree in data science.

The Most Important Analytics Manager Certificates

There are professional certifications in data science and business analytics that will boost your resume. Certifications are an easy way to make yourself stand out from other candidates on the same career path. Below are some of the best certifications you can earn.

Azure Data Scientist Associate - Microsoft

The Azure Data Scientist Associate is a certification exam conducted by Microsoft. It demonstrates you have skills in using data science and machine learning for analytics. This exam will test your capability to run data and create models out of them. 

Certified Business Analytics for Managers Certification - International Association of Business Analytics Certification (IABAC)

The Certified Business Analytics for Manager Certification is globally recognized and shows your ability in business intelligence and data-driven strategic planning. The exam tests your knowledge in business analytics, statistics, data models, predictive analytics, and Excel. There are no prerequisites to take the exam, but you need some managerial experience to pass. 

IBM Data Science Professional Certification

IBM and its partner Coursera host this certification. You don’t need previous career experience or a degree to sit for the exam. While taking the certification courses, you will learn new techniques and gain experience using different data science tools by working on real-world data sets.

How to Prepare for Your Analytics Manager Job Interview

It is natural to be nervous once you get your first interview but don’t forget preparation is crucial. Job interviews are generally straightforward, so make sure to prepare for questions as best you can. To help you, below are some practice questions that you should prepare for.

Analytics Manager Job Interview Practice Questions

• What are some of your strategies to ensure the security and confidentiality of our data?
• Can you describe a data modeling project that you’ve created, and were you successful in it?
• During your internship, what kind of analytics projects did you carry out? And how did it help the company?
• What are the challenges you faced while working on data? How did you overcome them?

Should I Become an Analytics Manager in 2021?

2021 is a great time to become an analytics manager. Companies will continue to use big data and rely on these experts to make better business decisions. It’s an exciting career where you can combine data science, statistics, and computer science in one job. With so many career opportunities and pathways available, it’s easy to start pursuing this career today.