9 answers
William
Student
Port Washington, New York
1
Question
Updated
1258 views
What are the best starting and entry level roles for a graduate in Business Analytics And, how do I find these opportunities other than LinkedIn??
I am interested in sports analytics (played tennis in High School). My main ambition is to do something helpful for our world. Other areas of interest include:
Our oceans and beaches; space; marketing; entertainment; healthcare. All areas where I feel I can apply my knowledge.
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9 answers
Nehaba S
Project Manager
8
Answers
Lexington, South Carolina
Updated
Nehaba’s Answer
For the entry level roles, you might consider positions such as Junior Data Analyst, Junior Business Analyst, Marketing Analyst, or Operations Analyst, which often serve as solid entry points to gain practical experience. Specifically for sports analytics, look for roles with sports teams, analytics firms, or companies focused on athletic performance and fan engagement. To find opportunities beyond LinkedIn, try exploring niche job boards related to your interests, networking through industry meetups or conferences, joining professional groups or local data science groups, and reaching out directly to organizations or companies whose work aligns with your passion. Volunteering for relevant projects, internships, or even contributing to open-source analytics projects can also help build your portfolio and connections. Leverage platforms like GitHub from where you can learn, connect with others and also build your portfolio there and you can showcase it in your resume or during interviews which will make you stand out.
Angela Knorr
Staff Financial Engagements
3
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Angela’s Answer
Hello, here are my recommendations for finding opportunities beyond LinkedIn:
Company Career Pages
Visit the career pages of organizations aligned with your interests—such as sports teams, marine research centers, healthcare providers, space agencies (NASA, SpaceX), or entertainment studios. Many list internships and entry-level roles that aren’t widely advertised elsewhere.
Industry‑Specific Job Boards
Sports Analytics:
• TeamWork Online
• Sports Analytics Conference (networking/events)
Environmental Roles:
• EnvironmentalCareer.com
• Ocean Jobs Board
Healthcare Analytics:
• HealthITJobs.com
• HIMSS JobMine
Marketing & Entertainment:
• MediaBistro
• EntertainmentCareers.Net
University Career Services
Use your university’s career center and alumni network. They often share exclusive postings and partnerships.
Professional Associations
Join associations such as:
• INFORMS
• Sports analytics groups
• HIMSS
• American Marketing Association
These organizations frequently offer job boards, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Networking and Meetups
Attend industry meetups, webinars, and conferences—virtual or in‑person—like sports analytics events, environmental summits, or healthcare data symposiums.
Internships and Fellowships
Explore internships with organizations like NOAA, NASA, and major healthcare institutions. These can help you build domain‑specific experience.
Freelance Platforms and Competitions
Participate in data competitions on platforms like Kaggle or find small freelance projects on sites like Upwork or Fiverr. Hackathons focused on social good or analytics challenges are also valuable.
Volunteering and Nonprofits
Consider volunteering with nonprofits that use data for social impact. DataKind, for example, connects data professionals with mission‑driven organizations.
Government Job Portals
Look for analyst roles at agencies such as the EPA, NOAA, NIH, or local public health departments.
Tips to Tailor Your Job Search
• Build a portfolio with projects related to your areas of interest (sports analysis, ocean data visualization, etc.).
• Strengthen skills in Python, R, SQL, Tableau, and foundational machine learning.
• Highlight your passion for social impact and environmental work in your applications.
• Consider internships as a stepping‑stone when entry‑level roles are competitive.
Company Career Pages
Visit the career pages of organizations aligned with your interests—such as sports teams, marine research centers, healthcare providers, space agencies (NASA, SpaceX), or entertainment studios. Many list internships and entry-level roles that aren’t widely advertised elsewhere.
Industry‑Specific Job Boards
Sports Analytics:
• TeamWork Online
• Sports Analytics Conference (networking/events)
Environmental Roles:
• EnvironmentalCareer.com
• Ocean Jobs Board
Healthcare Analytics:
• HealthITJobs.com
• HIMSS JobMine
Marketing & Entertainment:
• MediaBistro
• EntertainmentCareers.Net
University Career Services
Use your university’s career center and alumni network. They often share exclusive postings and partnerships.
Professional Associations
Join associations such as:
• INFORMS
• Sports analytics groups
• HIMSS
• American Marketing Association
These organizations frequently offer job boards, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Networking and Meetups
Attend industry meetups, webinars, and conferences—virtual or in‑person—like sports analytics events, environmental summits, or healthcare data symposiums.
Internships and Fellowships
Explore internships with organizations like NOAA, NASA, and major healthcare institutions. These can help you build domain‑specific experience.
Freelance Platforms and Competitions
Participate in data competitions on platforms like Kaggle or find small freelance projects on sites like Upwork or Fiverr. Hackathons focused on social good or analytics challenges are also valuable.
Volunteering and Nonprofits
Consider volunteering with nonprofits that use data for social impact. DataKind, for example, connects data professionals with mission‑driven organizations.
Government Job Portals
Look for analyst roles at agencies such as the EPA, NOAA, NIH, or local public health departments.
Tips to Tailor Your Job Search
• Build a portfolio with projects related to your areas of interest (sports analysis, ocean data visualization, etc.).
• Strengthen skills in Python, R, SQL, Tableau, and foundational machine learning.
• Highlight your passion for social impact and environmental work in your applications.
• Consider internships as a stepping‑stone when entry‑level roles are competitive.
Swati Gupta
Strategy & Operations Enablement
7
Answers
Spring, Texas
Updated
Swati’s Answer
Hi William! Business Analytics is a strong field to be graduating in, so you’re starting from a great place. Analysts are needed across almost every function: marketing, finance, operations, product, supply chain, healthcare, and consulting. For entry-level roles, look for roles like Business Analyst, Data Analyst, Operations Analyst, Reporting Analyst, Product Analyst, or Analytics Associate. Focus on the skills used in the job description rather than the job name.
LinkedIn could be one of your main channels, and you’ll likely see a lot of relevant roles there. That said, don’t rely on it alone. A few other ways to find opportunities:
- Use your alumni network (school career portal, alumni LinkedIn groups, or direct outreach).
- Reach out to second- and third-degree connections for short informational chats, ask about their role and the kinds of problems they are trying to solve.
- Apply directly on company career pages, especially for companies you like.
- Attend analytics or data meetups/webinars (many are virtual and free).
If experience is the main challenge, build it intentionally:
- Take on small projects using real data (public datasets, or class/school projects you improve on your own).
- Offer to help a small business, nonprofit, or student organization with dashboards, reporting, or basic analysis.
- Document your work clearly, what was the problem you solved, data, tools used, insights, and impact—and include it on your resume.
A role that gives you exposure to data, stakeholders, and real business problems will set you up well for your next move.
LinkedIn could be one of your main channels, and you’ll likely see a lot of relevant roles there. That said, don’t rely on it alone. A few other ways to find opportunities:
- Use your alumni network (school career portal, alumni LinkedIn groups, or direct outreach).
- Reach out to second- and third-degree connections for short informational chats, ask about their role and the kinds of problems they are trying to solve.
- Apply directly on company career pages, especially for companies you like.
- Attend analytics or data meetups/webinars (many are virtual and free).
If experience is the main challenge, build it intentionally:
- Take on small projects using real data (public datasets, or class/school projects you improve on your own).
- Offer to help a small business, nonprofit, or student organization with dashboards, reporting, or basic analysis.
- Document your work clearly, what was the problem you solved, data, tools used, insights, and impact—and include it on your resume.
A role that gives you exposure to data, stakeholders, and real business problems will set you up well for your next move.
LaVelle Compton, IGP, MPA
Technology Consulting
4
Answers
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Updated
LaVelle’s Answer
Business Analytics is a great starting point because the skills are transferable across industries. Most graduates begin in generalist analytics roles and then specialize as they gain experience.
Common entry-level roles:
Business Analyst / Junior Business Analyst
Data Analyst / Analytics Associate
Operations, Strategy, or Marketing Analyst
Research Analyst (healthcare, public sector, nonprofits)
If you’re interested in niche areas like sports analytics, environmental work, healthcare, or space, it’s often easiest to start in a broad analytics role and build domain expertise through projects, certifications, or internal transfers.
Ways to find roles beyond LinkedIn:
Industry-specific job boards (sports teams, healthcare systems, nonprofits, climate orgs)
University alumni networks and career centers
Professional communities (Slack groups, meetups, conferences)
Open data competitions and project portfolios
Direct outreach to teams doing work you care about
Analytics opens many doors—the key is pairing strong technical skills with a clear interest in impact or industry focus.
Common entry-level roles:
Business Analyst / Junior Business Analyst
Data Analyst / Analytics Associate
Operations, Strategy, or Marketing Analyst
Research Analyst (healthcare, public sector, nonprofits)
If you’re interested in niche areas like sports analytics, environmental work, healthcare, or space, it’s often easiest to start in a broad analytics role and build domain expertise through projects, certifications, or internal transfers.
Ways to find roles beyond LinkedIn:
Industry-specific job boards (sports teams, healthcare systems, nonprofits, climate orgs)
University alumni networks and career centers
Professional communities (Slack groups, meetups, conferences)
Open data competitions and project portfolios
Direct outreach to teams doing work you care about
Analytics opens many doors—the key is pairing strong technical skills with a clear interest in impact or industry focus.
Sri Iyengar
Enterprise Data Architect
2
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Sri’s Answer
Hi William,
You've made a great choice with business analytics. To start, look for entry-level roles at top companies like PwC, EY, Deloitte, and KPMG. Check their career sites for job openings.
If you know anyone in these companies, ask for a referral to boost your chances of getting an interview.
To succeed in business analytics, focus on skills in Excel, Python, and SQL. An associate or bachelor's degree in engineering or math is beneficial. Also, consider earning certifications in business analytics.
Good luck with your job search. I'm sure you'll find the right role!
Take free courses that are offered by Microsoft, Databricks, AWS that can get you certifications and badges
You've made a great choice with business analytics. To start, look for entry-level roles at top companies like PwC, EY, Deloitte, and KPMG. Check their career sites for job openings.
If you know anyone in these companies, ask for a referral to boost your chances of getting an interview.
To succeed in business analytics, focus on skills in Excel, Python, and SQL. An associate or bachelor's degree in engineering or math is beneficial. Also, consider earning certifications in business analytics.
Good luck with your job search. I'm sure you'll find the right role!
Sri recommends the following next steps:
Vibha Chaudhary
Data Engineer - Manager
5
Answers
Wesley Chapel, Florida
Updated
Vibha’s Answer
If you have a degree in Business Analytics, you can start your career with roles such as Graduate or Junior Business Analyst, Junior Data Analyst, Operations Analyst, Marketing or Growth Analyst, or by joining Analytics Graduate Programs. These positions help you develop essential skills in data analysis, reporting, and decision-making without needing to be an expert right away.
In addition to LinkedIn, you can find job opportunities by:
- Visiting company career pages, including those of sports organizations, healthcare providers, NGOs, and media companies
- Exploring graduate program portals and government job programs
- Using university career services and connecting with alumni networks
- Reaching out to professionals for informational interviews
- Participating in volunteering, hackathons, and short-term data projects
In addition to LinkedIn, you can find job opportunities by:
- Visiting company career pages, including those of sports organizations, healthcare providers, NGOs, and media companies
- Exploring graduate program portals and government job programs
- Using university career services and connecting with alumni networks
- Reaching out to professionals for informational interviews
- Participating in volunteering, hackathons, and short-term data projects
Laila B
12
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Laila’s Answer
To start a career in Business Analytics with a focus on sports or social impact, consider entry-level roles such as Performance Analyst, Operations Analyst, or Environmental Data Specialist. Since you love tennis and care about the environment, explore niche job boards like TeamWork Online for sports, Idealist for nonprofits, and Space Crew for space-related opportunities.
With your engineering background, you're well-suited for data-focused roles. Look for companies that align with your interests, like tennis organizations or ocean conservation groups, and reach out to their recruiters or analytics directors for advice. I'm eager to help you customize your approach to these fields!
With your engineering background, you're well-suited for data-focused roles. Look for companies that align with your interests, like tennis organizations or ocean conservation groups, and reach out to their recruiters or analytics directors for advice. I'm eager to help you customize your approach to these fields!
Carrie Williams
Data Scientist
9
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Carrie’s Answer
If you are interested in sports analytics, I recommend you reach out to Swish Analytics (https://www.swishanalytics.com/) and express your interest in being an intern. I know that finding firms that focus exclusively on sports analytics will be a bit difficult, but they are out there, so don't give up! Go on wellfound.com to find startups that are willing to take a chance on someone fresh out of school.
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
114
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
With a degree in Business Analytics, you have lots of options. Your interests in sports, oceans, space, marketing, entertainment, and healthcare open even more doors. Starting roles often involve working with data to help companies make smart choices. You might start as a data analyst, business analyst, operations analyst, or marketing analyst. If you love sports, look for sports analytics internships or coordinator roles. In healthcare, check out roles like healthcare or public health data analyst. These jobs teach you how to read data, create reports, and make recommendations, which are useful skills in any field.
To find jobs beyond LinkedIn, check your university's career center for internships and entry-level positions that aren't advertised widely. Professional groups like INFORMS, the Sports Analytics Association, or data science clubs often have job boards and networking events. Visit company career pages for sports teams, conservation groups, healthcare organizations, and tech firms, as they often list analytics roles there first. Networking is important too: connect with alumni or professionals for informational chats, or offer your analytics skills to nonprofits or local groups to gain experience. The goal is to mix your analytics skills with real-world impact, since employers love candidates who can turn data into meaningful results, especially in areas you care about.
To find jobs beyond LinkedIn, check your university's career center for internships and entry-level positions that aren't advertised widely. Professional groups like INFORMS, the Sports Analytics Association, or data science clubs often have job boards and networking events. Visit company career pages for sports teams, conservation groups, healthcare organizations, and tech firms, as they often list analytics roles there first. Networking is important too: connect with alumni or professionals for informational chats, or offer your analytics skills to nonprofits or local groups to gain experience. The goal is to mix your analytics skills with real-world impact, since employers love candidates who can turn data into meaningful results, especially in areas you care about.