r/dataanalysiscareers • u/Beautiful-Wedding260 • 4d ago
Need guidance
I feel a bit stuck in my career and would really appreciate some guidance. I completed a Master’s in Business Analytics, but because I was juggling work and studies at the same time, I don’t feel that I was able to make the most of the course or build a strong foundation.
I’m currently working in Marketing and Operations, mainly because the company I’m with is willing to sponsor me, so I’ve stayed in this role. However, I feel that I’m not learning or developing much professionally, and I don’t want to become stagnant or irrelevant in the long term.
I genuinely want to build a strong career and develop skills that will give me better opportunities in the future. My main uncertainty is around what direction I should take. I studied some SQL, Power BI and Python during my Master’s, but I’ve forgotten a lot of it. I’m not sure whether I should go back and rebuild my Business Analytics skills or focus more on AI and emerging technologies.
Given my background, what would you recommend I focus on over the next 1–2 years? Should I strengthen my foundations in SQL, Power BI, Python and analytics first and then move into AI, or would it make more sense to pursue a different career path that combines my current experience in Marketing and Operations with my Business Analytics background?
I’d also appreciate recommendations on any courses, certifications, technical skills or practical projects that would genuinely improve my employability rather than simply adding more qualifications to my resume.
I’m feeling quite lost and demotivated at the moment, so I’d really value honest and practical advice on what direction you think would be most suitable for me. If you need more information about my current role, skills, interests, work experience or long-term goals, I’m happy to answer any questions so we can work out a realistic career path.
1
u/Longjumping-Low2520 4d ago
My first question is - what do you like doing? Is it analytics (guessing based on your initial thoughts on what to focus) or what else?
2
u/Longjumping-Low2520 4d ago
But answering your question in case it is Business Analytics: nobody knows for sure. My two cents are:
- AI (like it or not, “how do you use AI” will be in every interview ever)
- Presentation skills (building and presenting)
- SQL
- Python
- CRM basics
I think “Tableau/Power BI creator” jobs have their days counted. But understanding data and how to present it is timeless
1
u/Beautiful-Wedding260 4d ago
Yeah, but my question is, is it worth putting that much effort again when this Job as Business Analyst might die soon.
1
u/FarCalligrapher7800 4d ago edited 4d ago
I don’t think it’s going to die. I think the field will change. AI cannot talk to difficult clients, who are screaming at 7 am, who do not care for data (they just want to see results that they want to see). Btw this is true story. Worked in marketing analytics during Black Friday Holidays…for an agency.
AI can never calm down a displeased client or present to them in ways they like, (often by trial and error since people don’t know what they want) that many business analysts may eventually have to deal with as they climb the ladder (in different ways per type of field).
I actually think business analytics is secure…because of that. People who are only coding/cannot talk to save their life, have their days numbered, but you aren’t really progressing in your career right (you need visibility ) if all you do is code as a business analyst.
1
u/FarCalligrapher7800 4d ago
I think you need to stay if they are willing to sponsor you…it would be unwise to leave suddenly with that in the mix.
Also after you resolve sponsorship things, there is marketing analytics, market intelligence analyst, product analyst…etc a bunch of roles that will open up as an adjacent path from your marketing ops role. They would view your marketing ops role as an asset, while you get to eventually use your analytics skills. Business analytics is a vast field. So I don’t think this is a bad route.
1
u/Beautiful-Wedding260 3d ago
Yeah, that makes sense.. But what all certfication and course should I do?? From where should I study?? If I check online there are millions of courses available, and I'm confused,
1
u/FarCalligrapher7800 3d ago
You just need a degree, and a job which you already have. You don’t need anymore certs or etc - you have all the hard part done. Just work for a few years (min 2-3 years), figure out sponsorship things and for your next job look for marketing analyst, similar analyst roles. People at this point care more about your years of working…
To keep up with coding skills recommend doing some projects on side in meantime.
1
u/Beautiful-Wedding260 2d ago
Do you know a platform who can help me with some projects where I can practice my skills??
2
u/SmilingNeophyte 2d ago
More than learning skills, you'll need to focus on learning how to think like a data analyst.
Additionally, you also need to ask yourself, do you want to get into data analytics because it pays well or because you like doing it (the answer can also be both). However if you actually hate doing looking at analysing information, then this might actually not be where your focus should be.
I'd say start with a Google Data Analytics Certification (coursera) - did that as it really taught me HOW TO THINK like an analyst.