How to Learn Business Analytics Online

If you’re just starting to learn a new skill, you can find dozens of tips and resources online; learning business analytics is no different. Business Analysts work with data, statistical analysis techniques, and reporting to learn how a business is performing. This information can then be used to offer recommendations that can lead to improved organizational performance. If you’ve always wanted to learn business analytics, there are plenty of options at your fingertips. From free tutorials to live classes, your options are outlined here so you can decide how to learn in a way that works best for you. 

What is Business Analytics?

Business Analytics is a group of technologies and disciplines, such as quantitative methods, statistical models, and data analysis, which are used to solve business problems. It relies on iteratively and methodologically exploring an organization’s data using statistical analysis techniques to make better, data-driven decisions. This involves a practical application of statistical analysis geared toward uncovering actionable recommendations.

Many companies view their data as a business asset and continue to explore ways to use it for a competitive advantage. To be successful with business analytics, an organization must have good quality data, as well as Business Analysts who not only understands the business but also the technologies needed to transform its data into insights. Business Analysts seek to draw concrete conclusions about a company by finding answers to questions such as why certain events happened, what is expected to occur in the future, and what actions can be done in the present.

Most business analytics tasks are descriptive, predictive, or prescriptive. Descriptive analytics involves analyzing historical data to discover how an organization could respond to specific variables. Predictive analytics examines historical data to predict the likelihood of specific future outcomes. Prescriptive analytics is a combination of descriptive and predictive analyses; it involves formulating a process with which users can anticipate what is expected to happen, when it will occur, and why it will transpire. Business Analysts rely on tools and skills such as data mining, association and sequence identification, text mining, data aggregation, forecasting, optimization, and data visualization to gather and present these data-driven insights.

Read more about what business analytics is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Business Analytics?

Business analytics is one of the most versatile skill sets you can bring to the professional arena. All businesses, from small startups to multinational companies, seek those with a background in business analytics who can work with data to solve complicated problems, devise useful business strategies, and clearly communicate with stakeholders. Most Business Analysts have a background working with technology and programming languages like C++ and Java, as well as various databases and testing methods. These individuals typically possess technical and business skills, making them high-demand among recruiters and employers. 

Business Analysts are typically good problem solvers. They can analyze problems and apply critical thinking to propose innovative solutions that consider variables such as market trends. These individuals also tend to have an analytical mindset, which allows them to apply statistical models to analyze large datasets. Their analytic skills help Business Analysts perform tasks like understanding consumer buying decisions and behaviors and using this information to formulate a marketing strategy.

Business Analysts are usually expert communicators. They can clearly communicate their data findings and present these insights to different teams on both the business and technical sides. This often requires adapting their communication style to best reach different audiences. These individuals also possess time-management skills to balance multiple project deadlines and perform under pressure.

Live Online Business Analytics Training

In addition to in-person classes, another excellent learning option for those who want to study business analytics is the live online learning format. Just like in-person study, these courses provide students with access to a live instructor, who’s available each class to provide guidance and clarification on complex analytics concepts. Since all coursework can be completed remotely, these courses allow students to study from the comfort of their home or office without battling rush-hour traffic or searching for parking for each class meeting. Although live online study does require that students attend regularly scheduled classes, which may mean taking time off work, this engaging learning format provides the same quality of instruction as classroom study without the hassle of driving across town for each class meeting. 

A variety of live online business analytics classes are currently available from Noble Desktop and other top educational providers. Noble’s live online SQL Bootcamp provides 18 hours of beginner-friendly instruction on how to write SQL code for retrieving and analyzing data. Although this class is taught in PostgreSQL, it applies to SQL Server, MySQL, and other relational databases. Noble’s Data Analytics Certificate is available in the live online environment as well. Participants receive instruction on analyzing and visualizing data, as well as working with databases and business intelligence skills. Tuition includes one-on-one mentoring, as well as the option of a free course retake for up to one year.

For those who are interested in beginner-level training with business analytics tools, NYIM Training offers Excel for Business Bootcamp. This 21-hour class covers both basic and advanced Excel techniques, such as working with macros, VLOOKUP, and PivotTables. NYIM Training also provides SQL instruction in its SQL Level 1 course. Those enrolled in this eight-hour class learn relational database fundamentals, such as how to write SQL queries and retrieve data from databases. In addition, beginner-friendly PowerPoint instruction is available from NYC Career Centers. Their PowerPoint Bootcamp is a two-day course in which students learn how to design professional-grade presentations using reusable templates. Students receive instruction on inserting charts, collaborating, and working with images, among other skills.

On-Demand Business Analytics Classes

Another popular way to learn about business analytics is through self-paced coursework. Whereas in-person and live online courses are conducted in real-time, asynchronous content is pre-recorded. This means it’s accessible at any time and from any location. Those following along with lessons can pause and rewind as often as necessary to facilitate note-taking and rewatch videos to brush up on skills and concepts. Often, self-paced training material is a much more affordable study option than classes that meet in real-time; some content is even posted for free from top educational providers like Noble Desktop, Coursera, and Udemy. 

One important consideration with on-demand business analytics training is that it doesn’t provide access to an instructor. This is why self-paced content is most suited for those who are new to business analytics and are looking for an overview of this field. For more advanced instruction or to learn skills you’ll need in a professional setting, live online or in-person business analytics classes may be a better option. In addition, because of how much online content is available, it can be difficult to figure out which is the most up-to-date and relevant, and which is dated. 

On-demand business analytics training is available in Excel, SQL, Tableau, and other relevant analytics skills. Noble’s Top 10 Beginner Excel Tricks You Need to Know provides an hour of instruction on beginner-friendly Excel skills, such as working with autofill, charts, data validation, and shortcuts. For those who want to learn SQL, Udacity’s Learn SQL is a two-month course that can be purchased as a platform subscription. Participants learn how to use SQL to join tables, clean data, write queries, and manage relational and non-relational databases. Self-paced Tableau courses are also available. Skillsoft’s Introduction to Tableau Bootcamp provides nine hours of video instruction on creating data visualizations using Tableau. Those enrolled in this platform subscription course learn how to create dashboards and manipulate data as well. 

Free Intro Courses & Tutorials

Perhaps you want to study business analytics but don’t feel ready to dive into a full course. If this sounds like you, and you’re looking for an overview of business analytics, the good news is you can get started learning for free online with Noble Desktop’s Intro to SQL. This hour-long course is designed for those who are new to working with structured query language and want to learn how to use this programming language to search for data stored in databases. This video provides an overview of what SQL is, why we use databases, and why SQL remains a popular language across industries. A live demo is also included that illustrates how to work with a database and code SQL queries.

Other educational providers also offer free online beginner-friendly business analytics courses: The University of Michigan offers Introduction to Data Analytics for Managers, which is available via edX. Participants in this introductory-level, six-week course work with hands-on exercises, case studies, and lectures for an overview of how data analytics can be applied to business. Instruction is also provided on how to use the graphical development environment instead of complex coding, as well as how to perform data science tasks and interpret the data findings. For those who want to learn more about working with customer data, Wharton University’s Customer Analytics is available via Coursera. Participants in this free five-week class have access to a range of readings and quizzes, as well as 34 videos that provide instruction on working with predictive, descriptive, and prescriptive analytics in the real world with enterprises like Amazon and Google.

LinkedIn Learning’s Become a Business Analytics Expert is just one of more than 16,000 courses in the LinkedIn library that’s available for free for those who have a premium LinkedIn account. Over the course of this 10.5-hour introductory-level course, participants complete 10 modules that provide an overview of the concepts, techniques, and tools necessary to become a Business Analyst. All students receive instruction on topics like meta-analysis, logistic regression and data reduction with Excel and R, and forecasting.

Read more about free business analytics videos and online tutorials.

Comparing Online Methods with In-Person Learning 

If you’re considering learning business analytics, you may be deciding between training formats. The following is a breakdown of the three primary types of business analytics training, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of working with each form.

In-person business analytics classes are an excellent learning option for extroverted students. These courses take place in a computer lab equipped with the most up-to-date software and tools needed for business analytics. Participants in in-person study can interact with an expert instructor who’s leading class discussions and is available to answer questions and provide support. In addition, students have the opportunity to network with other learners who are on the same educational journey. Although in-person study tends to be the most expensive learning format and requires commuting to campus for regularly scheduled meetings, it often includes added perks like one-on-one mentoring, professional portfolio development and other incentives.

If you value having access to a live instructor but prefer completing coursework remotely, live online business analytics classes are a good alternative. This learning format allows all participants to receive feedback and guidance from an expert instructor with industry experience in business analytics. This engaging format also provides a way for students to receive guidance on building portfolios and other professional activities. Because live online courses don’t require commuting to and from campus for each meeting, this learning format is ideal for those who need to balance business analytics study with other life commitments. Even though these courses may require taking off work to attend meetings, participants can complete lessons from their home or office space.

In addition to live online coursework, self-paced online content is also available in business analytics. This learning format is generally the most affordable; some top educational providers even post content for free. Because on-demand training material is pre-recorded, it can be watched from any location with an internet connection, at any time. It also can be paused, rewound, and revisited as often as necessary for those who wish to take notes as they learn business analytics concepts. For those who are new to business analytics, asynchronous material can provide a general overview of the field. This makes it a good starting point for individuals who want to learn the basics of this field before committing to more intensive learning options. 

One important consideration when selecting self-paced business analytics study material is that a lot of content is available online, and some may be dated. It can be challenging to select the most current, up-to-date tutorials and videos. In addition, since this learning format doesn’t provide access to a live instructor, those who complete asynchronous classes cannot ask questions. This means that it may be easier to learn basic business analytics concepts through self-paced materials, but it may be more challenging to master more complex concepts in this format.

Tips to Succeed when Learning Business Analytics Online

Studying business analytics in the online format can be a rewarding and exciting process. The following are just a few tips to help you get the most out of your online studies:

• Create a quiet workspace for yourself. If you choose to work from home, make sure your workspace is free from distractions, has a comfortable chair, and has a strong internet connection.
• Like any skill, learning business analytics is a process. It takes time and diligence to acquire the set of soft and hard skills needed to succeed. Instead of trying to learn several skills at once, it may be helpful to tackle one at a time. For example, you may begin by brushing up on Microsoft Excel, then progress to working with Python or R programming languages or data visualization tools like Tableau. 
• If you are studying in the live online format, take advantage of having an instructor available. Ask questions as they arise and stay engaged with their lessons. If you’re learning business analytics through self-paced materials, it’s important to find resources that can help you find answers to questions. This may involve reaching out to former instructors, colleagues, or others who have a background working with business data.
• Choose a course duration that is compatible with your lifestyle. If you work full-time, travel for your job, or have family and home commitments, attending a class that meets for several hours each night of the week may not be feasible. Instead, you may learn more comfortably in a part-time class over weeks or months. If your schedule is unpredictable, you may even prefer self-paced content such as online tutorials and YouTube videos, which can be watched from any location at any time of the day. 
• Create specific educational goals and study accordingly. If you are new to business analytics and are interested in learning more about this field, you may start with online tutorials before committing to a full-paid course. However, if you need to acquire advanced Tableau training or use R for statistical analysis for work, a more intensive, structured learning approach may be more helpful. In that case, live online study provides access to an instructor in real-time who can help you acquire these skills.

Key Insights

• Studying business analytics online can be a rewarding process. Both self-paced content, as well as live online classes, are available for beginners as well as more advanced learners.
• Deciding which online format is best for your learning needs will depend on your work schedule and other commitments, as well as whether you’re able to attend a class that meets regularly or would prefer to learn at your own pace.
• If you choose to study business analytics online, it’s important to have a quiet study space, clear educational goals, and resources for support.
• A great way to learn more about business analytics is to enroll in one of Noble Desktop’s in-person or live online business analytics classes.

Learn Business Analytics with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

If you want to study business analytics, Noble Desktop offers several excellent classes to prepare you to work as a Business Analyst. Noble’s Business Analyst Certificate is available in both the in-person and live online format. Participants in this hands-on course learn how to work with tools such as Tableau, SQL, PowerPoint, and Excel to analyze and visualize data. All participants receive live, project-based instruction from industry experts and can retake the course for up to one year to revisit the material.

For those who want to learn more about working with big data, Noble also has an in-person and live online Data Analytics Certificate. All participants receive one-on-one mentoring with tuition. This course is available in the full-time format that spans six weeks, as well as the part-time format of 24 weeks of evening classes. This project-based course covers core data analytics concepts and skills like collecting, wrangling, analyzing, and visualizing data. In addition, participants prepare for a career in business analytics or data analytics by reviewing case studies that incorporate both predictive and prescriptive analytics.

Those interested in comparing learning options can also browse Noble’s in-person and live online data analytics and data science classes to find the perfect class.