Welcome to the Business Analytics Community!
This community is your resource to explore the field of business analytics. This page will provide information that will assist your learning about business and data analytics through events, online tools and curated news updates. Additionally, you can gain access to networking, internship and job opportunities to advance your career. We look forward to helping you make informed academic and professional decisions by finding meaningful ways to connect with the Business Analytics Community at The W. A. Franke College of Business.
Data analytics is everywhere. You will find a variety of business and data analytics roles across functions and industries. Students have many career paths to choose from, including marketing, operations product development, finance, healthcare and technology.
It is important to take proactive steps now to ensure success towards this professional goal. Begin by writing a resume in order to increase your chances of getting an internship or first job. Your résumé should highlight your experience, showcase your hard and soft skills and connect your skills and abilities to the job market. A well-crafted résumé should help you stand out amongst others!
Schedule an appointment with one of our Career Coaches to help you along your path!
Build Your Competitive Edge: Beyond the Classroom
Standing out in today’s job market requires more than strong grades. Employers actively seek candidates who’ve gained practical experience and demonstrated initiative outside the classroom. Here’s how to build a compelling portfolio of experiences that will set you apart from other applicants. Don’t forget to add these to your résumé!
Don’t wait until graduation to start building your professional profile. The experiences you gain today become the competitive advantages that land you tomorrow’s opportunities.
Hands-On Experience Opportunities
Get real-world experience without leaving campus with Forage and Parker Dewey through this website. These platforms offer company-sponsored simulations and short-term projects that let you work on actual business challenges. Complete projects from top employers and add legitimate professional experience to your résumé.
Get started: frankecareer.nau.edu/experiences/
Your NAU email gives you free access to Udemy’s extensive library of industry-recognized certification courses. From digital marketing to data analysis, these credentials demonstrate your commitment to professional development and can significantly strengthen your candidacy.
Access training: in.nau.edu/its/udemy/
The internship application cycle starts earlier than most students realize. Many companies begin posting summer positions in August for the following year. Start your search early through Handshake to access exclusive opportunities and increase your chances of landing competitive positions.
Browse opportunities: nau.joinhandshake.com/explore
The field of business analytics is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements. Here are some key technologies that graduating university students should be familiar with:
Core Business Analytics Software
- Statistical software: R and Python are widely used for statistical analysis, data visualization, and machine learning.
- Data mining and data warehousing tools: These tools help extract insights from large datasets.
- Business intelligence (BI) tools: Tools like Tableau and Power BI are used to create interactive dashboards and reports.
Emerging Technologies
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning: AI and machine learning algorithms can be used for tasks like predictive modeling, customer segmentation, and fraud detection.
- Natural language processing (NLP): NLP can be used to analyze text data, such as customer reviews and social media posts.
- Internet of Things (IoT): IoT devices generate vast amounts of data that can be analyzed to gain insights into customer behavior and business operations.
- Cloud computing: Cloud-based platforms offer scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness for business analytics.
Additional Skills
- Data visualization: The ability to present data in a clear and understandable way is essential.
- Data cleaning and preparation: Data must be cleaned and prepared before it can be analyzed.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking: Business analysts need to be able to identify problems and develop solutions.
Access training through:
Join major-specific FCB student groups to build your professional network, develop leadership skills, and connect with industry professionals. These organizations often provide exclusive networking events, company visits, and mentorship opportunities.
Explore groups: frankecareer.nau.edu/organizations/
View a list of both on and off campus opportunities with NAU to start building your experience. These include hands on, real work situations that are gained through internships, externships, volunteering, case studies, project work and more. These experiences can be added to your résumé to show employers your skills.
Browse opportunities: https://frankecareer.nau.edu/resources/experiential-hands-on-learning-opportunities
The FCB CDO is here to support your journey:
- Discover opportunities that align with your career goals
- Review and refine your résumé to highlight new experiences
- Practice interview skills and build confidence
- Develop a strategic career plan that maximizes your potential
