The business landscape is changing rapidly with new competitors, evolving consumer demographics and technological advancements. This continuous disruption has created a demand for analysts who can translate data patterns to help organisations pivot and transform business outcomes.
But what is business analytics exactly, and how can a business analytics degree equip you for a successful career? What’s the difference between big data, business analytics and data analytics? Let’s explore these questions and more to reveal the exciting career opportunities possible in this field.
What is big data?
You’ve probably heard the term ‘big data’ countless times, but do you know what it is? Big data refers to data that’s so large and so complex that it’s impossible to process via traditional methods.
Here’s the difference between big data and traditional data:
- Traditional data can usually be presented in categorical and numerical tables. Common examples include e-commerce sales, work orders and survey answers.
- Big data encompasses such a volume and variety of information that it can’t be distilled into a simple structure or pattern. For example, think about all the data Facebook has – usernames, personal data, photos, videos, recorded messages and more.
Big data provides plenty of opportunities to find valuable insights – but only if you have the skills and tools to unlock them. That’s where you come in.
Is business analytics and data analytics the same?
The purpose of data analytics is to unlock data insights that are applicable to a broad range of industries and various purposes. Business analytics refers to the practice of unlocking and applying data insights specifically to different business contexts.
What do business analysts do?
Business analysts analyse data to identify patterns that they can translate into meaningful information. With the help of business analysts, organisations can:
- make strategic, data-driven decisions
- address specific business problems
- avoid short-term and long-term risks
- determine how to operate more efficiently and effectively
- discover consumer trends and patterns
- drive organisational direction
- predict customer behaviour
- develop products to meet future needs.
Why business analysts and effective data management are so important
Many organisations are quick to recognise they have an abundance of data but don’t know what to do with it. As Professor Marta Indulska from UQ's Business School says:
“When analysed appropriately, data allows us to make predictions about the future and can thus improve the quality of decision making and be the basis for improving efficiency and effectiveness of processes. However, while some businesses are reaping the benefits, others still don’t realise the potential.”
Despite seeing data as a strategic asset and increasing their investment in data-driven projects, few organisations know how to manage their data appropriately. Without proper data management practices in place, businesses can be exposed to a range of risks including:
- unintended errors
- data bias
- insufficient disclosure
- consumer privacy
- lack of transparency
- data breaches
- incorrect or incomplete data
- lack of autonomy
- corrupted data
- discrimination
- system gaming
- algorithm inaccuracies.
These risks can result in internal consequences for employees, owners, board members and stakeholders. They can also lead to external consequences for customers and clients, which can have devastating financial consequences.
Is business analytics a good career?
With their ability to help organisations make better decisions, avoid risks and improve outcomes, it’s no wonder business analysts are expected to see projected industry growth of 23% over the next 5 years (Seek.com 2025).
Data analytics and business analytics jobs
If you’re considering a career in the data industry, these are some of the business analytics jobs you could have:
- business analytics specialist
- data analyst
- data governance manager
- business intelligence analyst
- marketing data analytics manager
- data analytics translator.
The average annual salary for business analysts in Australia ranges from $105,000 to $125,000 (Seek.com 2025).
How to get into business analytics
Interested in pursuing a rewarding career in this field? UQ’s Master of Business Analytics will equip you with the skills to translate data into actionable insights that will help organisations optimise for the future.
Why study business analytics at UQ
The Master of Business Analytics offers flexible study options including being taught 100% online and part time as well as tailored professional development opportunities and the chance to collaborate with industry connections.
What makes this master's degree in business analytics unique is its focus on analytics for social good. You’ll learn how to interpret analytics for social, cultural and environmental business opportunities through responsible use of artificial intelligence, ethics and strategy.
A second point of difference is this program’s focus on developing a community of practice. What this means is you will have opportunity to have real, live connections with your teachers, peers and industry connections. Discover new industry connections in every course through real case studies, events and other interactive learning opportunities.
A limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are offered for this program, which can cover a significant part of the tuition fee.
We created this program because we saw a gap for future-focused business analytics professionals who can bridge the gap between business and IT.
What do you study in business analytics?
Drawing on business, data science and philosophy, this program provides a holistic understanding of business analytics and their application. Some of the more technical skills you’ll learn in the program include:
- predictive modelling
- machine learning
- data visualisation
- descriptive analytics.
How hard is business analytics? Does business analytics require maths or coding experience?
You don’t need to have technical coding or mathematics expertise to study UQ's Master of Business Analytics. While you’ll learn how to use tools like R and Python in the program, you’ll have access to support and feedback from a dedicated programming mentor.
If you have a technical background in computing, IT or statistics, or you're hoping to develop these capabilities, UQ’s Master of Data Science may better suit your needs.
Learn more about the Master of Business Analytics to see how it can prepare you for an exciting career in this field.
