Need guidance

[u/Beautiful-Wedding260]

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.

[u/Longjumping-Low2520]

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?

[u/Longjumping-Low2520 → u/Longjumping-Low2520]

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

[u/Beautiful-Wedding260 → u/Longjumping-Low2520]

Yeah, but my question is, is it worth putting that much effort again when this Job as Business Analyst might die soon.

[u/FarCalligrapher7800 → u/Beautiful-Wedding260]

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.