Welcome to the data analytics page!

If you are exploring this function, you are in the right place. Professionals in this function transform raw data into meaningful information using statistical techniques, analytical tools, and critical thinking. They often work across various departments—such as marketing, finance, healthcare, and operations—to guide strategy, optimize performance, and identify trends or patterns that impact business outcomes. On this page you will find the tools and resources to explore data analytics deeply, reflect on your interests, and connect your strengths to real-world career possibilities.

Your journey starts here—let’s explore what’s possible!

What is data analytics?

Data analytics refers to the process of collecting, organizing, interpreting, and presenting data to support decision-making, solve problems, and uncover actionable insights. Data analytics varies across industries and drives innovation, efficiency, and performance in a variety of ways within organizations. Check out the Data analytics career map for a visual overview of this exciting and rapidly growing field. Reflect on your interests and connect your strengths to real-world career possibilities. After you have explored this function, we encourage you to visit other function pages within the W. P. Carey career website to compare and gain a clearer picture of where you might thrive professionally.

Core skills needed for analytics careers

Success in data analytics requires technical skills, sharp thinking, and clear communication. Keep reading the five key skills that make a strong data analyst:

• Communication: Share information clearly—whether you’re explaining technical systems to non-technical colleagues, documenting processes, or collaborating with different departments.
• Analytical thinking: Use data—such as system performance metrics or business process reports—to identify problems, improve workflows, and support strategic decision-making.
• Problem solving: Find practical and efficient solutions when technology issues arise, whether it’s a network failure, a system bottleneck, or a need for better integration between platforms.
• Digital and technology fluency: Be confident using and managing tools like databases, enterprise systems (like ERP or CRM), cloud services, and data visualization software.
• Strategic thinking: Understand how technology supports business goals and help design systems that improve productivity, reduce costs, and support long-term growth.

Related clubs and organizations

Department of Information Systems Club (DISC)

Explore all student organizations at ASU here

Learn more about networking via professional chapters here

10-Year demand forecast

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in analytics roles is projected to grow by 11.09% from 2024 to 2034, reflecting a strong and rising demand for professionals with data analytics skills such as data analysis and interpretation, proficiency in data tools and languages, critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How you can expect to engage in your job search

There are three primary ways business school students find jobs. Understanding which of these is part of your job search will help you build an efficient plan. Although each of these types of job searches requires a different plan, they all require the same core capabilities for success: Personal narrative, market research, networking, applications, and interviewing. Let us help you figure it out!

• On-campus/Global Job Search
  The majority of on-campus recruiting happens in the fall semester with a smaller set of firms doing campus recruiting in the spring. This requires you to be prepped and ready to interview soon after school starts. If the firms you are focused on do not visit ASU’s campus, then you will need to supplement your On-campus strategy with a Networked or Just-in-time job search.
• Networked Job Search
  All job searches require networking skills. If you are targeting firms that do not recruit on-campus at ASU then a Networked job search is your avenue. This requires a proactive approach to research, as well as developing relationships with the goal of building advocates within a firm. You’ll need to ensure your personal narrative and job search skills are well developed to convince these firms to consider you.
• Just-in-time Job Search
  A majority of firms, whether they participate in on-campus recruiting or not, will have a need for immediate hires throughout the year. Although applications are submitted at the time of need, your preparation and networking should be ongoing in order to be ready when these opportunities arise. These opportunities can be limited and are not predictable, so you’ll want to view this as a back-up strategy, rather than an excuse to delay your job search.