![\"DataAnalyticsSkillsGap_CTA[1]\"](\"http:\/\/stgwww.capella.edu\/blogs\/cublog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2015\/11\/DataAnalyticsSkillsGap_CTA1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
What Do Businesses Learn from Big Data?<\/h4>\n
Imagine strolling through the dairy aisle at your favorite grocery store, heading toward your favorite almond milk. But wait\u2026it\u2019s not in its usual spot.<\/p>\n
Instead you find that the almond milk has been moved to a different shelf, replaced by cartons of coconut milk. Would the familiarity of the location (and the similarities of the products) persuade you to try something new? Or would you keep searching for almond milk?<\/p>\n
These questions \u2013 and many others like it \u2013 are exactly what data professionals are answering with the help of big data. Product relocation isn\u2019t a random occurrence \u2013 stores are predicting that the new location will spur more sales. The predictions are derived from customer behavior data as retailers work to identify what compels customers to purchase.<\/p>\n
In this scenario, a data manager collects and organizes the various data regarding customer milk choices, a data analyst mines the data for specific purchasing trends, and a business intelligence analyst uses the data to convince managers to move the almond milk to a different shelf.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Companies are increasingly looking for data professionals who understand big data and how to apply it to their operations. According to Balaban, they are looking for people who can apply insights from data immediately with certain tools.<\/p>\n \u201cThey want analysts to know how to attack the data with logic, and understand what they don\u2019t understand,\u201d Balaban said.<\/p>\n Demand for data professionals is increasing, and people who already work in the IT field can further their career potential along this track. As Balaban notes, Capella\u2019s business analytics minors will help graduates \u201csee what\u2019s happening, what happened, and tell a story that adds value to their organizations\u201d using big data.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The direction you take depends on what portion of data you want to work with and influence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To meet the growing demand for analytics professionals, Capella collaborates with SAS, the leader in business analytics software and services, to launch these new bachelor\u2019s minors. This comprehensive approach provides two major benefits for Capella undergrads pursuing business analytics programs:<\/p>\n Balaban calls this the \u201cWin-Win-Win\u201d of the Capella business analytics program. \u201cThe [student] wins through our collaboration with SAS, and the employer wins with a more educated job candidate.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\nWhat Qualities Are Hiring Managers Looking for in Business Analysts?<\/h4>\n
Who Is a Good Fit for These Programs?<\/h4>\n
\n
\n