The term data analytic refers to the process in which the dataset examines and disclose the trends and insights to make informed organizational decisions. Business analytic focus on analyzing various types of information, which includes collecting, sorting and studying and it helps to make practical business decisions.

Data Analyst

A data analyst is responsible for finding out the stories with data that empower organizational leaders to make better-informed decisions.

Responsibilities of Data Analyst:

• Designing and maintaining data system and databases

• Collecting and sorting data in preparation for analysis. 

• Making effective reports to communicate the conclusion to organizational leadership

A data analyst can't collect and analyze data without technical and interpersonal skills. data analyst must possess some essential skills including visualization and presentation skills, Microsoft Excel, Structured Query Language(SQL), and R or Python programming knowledge. While a bachelor's degree in a related field is enough for entry-level data analysts, the senior positioned data analyst must require a master’s degree in analytics.

Business Analysts

A business analyst’s job is to analyze documents or data with technology to inform strategic business decision. The analyst gathers documents and analyzes business needs and requirements.

Responsibilities of Business Analyst

• Analyzing business processes for improvement.

• Presenting insights with business teams and key stakeholders.

• Preparing strategic recommendation for process adjustment, procedures and performance improvement

A business analyst must have critical thinking, problem-solving and good communication skill. As for the business analyst, he must know about the ins and outs of the organization. Without knowing the organization's objectives, it is impossible to analyst performance, identifying inefficiencies and propose and implement solutions. An entry-level business analyst requires a bachelor’s degree in business administration and master’s analytics is the needed qualification for higher positions.

Difference between a Data Analyst and Business Analyst

Data analyst and business analyst are similar in having advanced knowledge about theoretical foundations and practical tools analytics. Both data analyst and business analyst works with data, even though the way of using data is different. Data analysts are collecting and evaluating data for business and use it to make decisions on their own. In contrast, business analyst helps the organization to make more effective decisions by the collected data. “In the simplest terms, data is a means to the end for business analysts, while data is the end for data analysts,” says Martin Stadlbauer, associate clinical professor and director of Northeastern University’s information and data sciences programs.