How to become a data-driven leader with a Master’s in Business Analytics

Demand for professionals who can utilize data to drive impactful business decisions is particularly high today—according to our latest Corporate Recruiters Survey, 62% of recruiters planned to hire Master’s of Business Analytics graduates in 2025. They value skills such as data analysis and interpretation, which are essential for success today.

So, how can you develop these skills? Specialist degrees such as the Master’s in Business Analytics (MSBA) at Bentley University aim to equip students with the blend of analytical data-based knowledge and practical business understanding that’s necessary to lead today.

We spoke to Tajae Edwards, an MSBA graduate from Bentley, about how the program helped him build the skills and network to launch his career.

Building business knowledge plus data acumen

Studying an MSBA can help you build skills such as statistical analysis and data interpretation, while also helping you develop experience with AI tools. At Bentley, students also gain the opportunity to further develop specialized knowledge through electives and concentrations.

“The program helped me develop my analytical acumen, through classes like time series analysis, data management, and business optimization,” explains Tajae, who now works as an energy analytics associate at Prologis. “I was also able to develop my skills using software like Tableau.”

In the current business landscape, it’s important for students to remain adaptable and stay up to date with emerging technologies and the latest software. This was crucial for Tajae, he says, adding that it enhances the overall value of the program.

“It will give you the business and analytical acumen that will position you for success in this ever-growing, ever-changing industry.”

Translating data into stories

While an MSBA can equip you with a range of technical skills, soft skills such as communication and storytelling are equally important in making these skills impactful.

“It’s important to understand who your audience are and what story you’re trying to tell,” says Tajae. “Not just how well you can perform analysis or use software, but how you can make the data digestible for a particular audience.”

This focus on communication is embedded into a curriculum that focuses on real-world applications. Students are encouraged to implement theory in practice, for example using natural language processing on Amazon reviews, helping them develop the management skills and insights that drive business decisions. This applies even in highly technical aspects of the program, such as machine learning. Through competitions and other practical opportunities, the MBSA helps bridge the gap between technical theory and real-world business challenges.

“Not everyone will use the same software as you, but everyone understands a good story,” Tajae adds.

These transferable skills are often equally as important as having technical proficiency. Skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, and adaptability ranked among the top skills for recruiters in our most recent Corporate Recruiters Survey.

“These skills have showed up in so many different ways throughout my career so far,” says Tajae. “I’ve learned how to find my voice with data storytelling and how to meet the audience where they are.”

Advancing your career in a data-driven world is about more than just academic skills—networking with peers, alumni, and industry leaders can provide insights into new perspectives and open doors to new opportunities.

“I took every opportunity to make sure I’m as well-rounded as possible,” says Tajae. “I didn’t only focus on being academically talented, but I was the president of the Graduate Students Association. I had a lot of opportunities to network and connect with different resources around campus.”

Preparing for a career in business

Alongside developing key skills and expanding your network, an MSBA can give you the tools to pursue business success via a mixture of offerings such as career guidance, resume support, and interview preparation.

“Before starting the program, I thought my resume was perfect,” says Tajae. “When I got to Bentley and took the career development intensive course, I realized that maybe it wasn’t there yet. Without the MSBA, I wouldn’t have had the structure, the resources, and the software to get my resume to where it is today.”

In addition to refining his resume and attending career fairs, Tajae believes the program built both the knowledge and confidence needed to take the next step in his career.

“The program taught me that wherever I end up after business school, I’ll be able to make a case as to why I’m an asset to the company,” he explains. “I’m coming from a direction that someone without my perspective couldn’t point you to.

“Before I even got to my company, I learned how to shape myself to fit into these rooms and position myself, so that regardless of who is in the room, I have a voice,” he adds.