Both business and data analysts usually work between a business team and a technology team, though their precise roles between those teams are unique. In some roles you may be asked to wear both hats, while larger organizations may have a more fleshed out structure in how they organize business vs. data analysts.
A data analyst may prepare the specifications and requirements for a project while business analysts actually execute the details of the project. Business analyst responsibilities commonly include directly interfacing with stakeholders, while data analysts may report primarily to a business analyst or project manager.
Generally speaking, data analysts spend a greater percentage of their time engaged in technical tasks while business analysts focus their energy on the bigger picture with an emphasis on people management rather than technical proficiency.
Business analytics can be a great career choice for analytically minded business professionals who may prefer leading meetings and communicating data insights as opposed to coding/programming or regularly working deeply with spreadsheets or databases.
Learn more about the Herzing University Business Analytics program
* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.