How to Secure a Data Science Role After An Online MBA?

How to Secure a Data Science Role After An Online MBA?

#MBA
Lankalapalli HarshaUpdated on 08 Sep 2025, 11:01 AM IST

An online MBA offers diverse opportunities beyond business roles. With the increasing use of data in strategic decision-making, many MBA graduates are increasingly exploring the dynamic field of data science. An Online MBA degree provides managerial insights, and when combined with analytical skills, it can open doors to impactful careers in data-driven industries.

This Story also Contains

  1. Can an Online MBA Help You Land a Data Science Job?
  2. Key Skills Required for Data Science Roles
  3. Career Options For Data Science Roles After An Online MBA
  4. How To Successfully Transition To A Data Science Role After Online MBA?
How to Secure a Data Science Role After An Online MBA?
How To Secure A Data Science Role After An Online MBA

An MBA equips you with business acumen, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, qualities employers value in data professionals who align insights with business goals. However, pursuing data science roles also requires technical expertise. This article highlights how to secure a data science job after an online MBA programme, analysing the career and salary insights within this industry.

Can an Online MBA Help You Land a Data Science Job?

An online MBA strengthens your grasp of business strategy, leadership, and market dynamics. When combined with a specialisation in data science or analytics, it becomes a powerful combination. Data science today is not just about coding. Organisations are looking for professionals who can combine data insights with business intelligence to solve real-world problems.

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An Online MBA degree provides specialisations in analytics, machine learning, or business intelligence, helping learners focus on the right path. However, candidates can also acquire the necessary technical expertise during their MBA studies or soon after, effectively complementing their business foundation with essential data skills.

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Key Skills Required for Data Science Roles

To transition from an online MBA background into data science, you need to acquire certain technical and analytical skills. These will complement your business knowledge and make your profile more competitive.

The table below showcases the key skills required for data science roles:

SkillImportanceHow to Gain It

Python or R

Essential for data manipulation and machine learning

Regular coding, practice with real datasets

SQL

Helps in querying databases effectively

Practice with tools such as MySQL or PostgreSQL

Machine Learning

Enables predictions and insights from data

Along with Online MBA degree, gain knowledge from platforms like Coursera, edX, or DataCamp

Data Visualisation

Helps communicate data clearly to stakeholders

Learn Tableau, Power BI, or Matplotlib

Big Data Tools

Manage and process large datasets

Gain exposure to Hadoop, Spark, or Google BigQuery

Cloud Platforms

Support scalable data storage and analytics

Explore AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure training

Business Acumen

Bridges gap between technical output and business goals

Develop through online MBA coursework, case studies, and industry projects

Communication Skills

Crucial for presenting insights to non-technical teams

Improve through presentations, storytelling workshops, and real-world practice


Also Read: IIT Madras BS Data Science and Applications Placements 2025: Highest Package, Top Recruiters

Career Options For Data Science Roles After An Online MBA

An Online MBA equips professionals with business insights, enabling them to apply data-driven decisions effectively. Combining management skills with data expertise opens opportunities in analytics, business intelligence, and product management, where understanding both data and strategy is highly valued.

The table below showcases the job opportunities that candidates can secure and the average salary they can expect for data science roles after an online MBA:

Job RoleAverage Salary (per annum)

Analytics Manager

Rs 9 LPA

Business Intelligence Consultant

Rs 12.6 LPA

Product Analyst

Rs 11 LPA

Data Analytics Consultant

Rs 7.3 LPA

Data Strategy Manager

Rs 26 LPA

Source: Glassdoor and Ambition Box

Also Read: Does an Online MBA Really Guarantee Placement? Here is the Truth

How To Successfully Transition To A Data Science Role After Online MBA?

To increase your chances of entering data science after an online MBA, students must consider these points:

  • Choose the right online MBA specialisation: Opt for business analytics, data science, or artificial intelligence-related streams.
  • Acquire technical skills: Learn Python, SQL, data visualisation, and machine learning from trusted online platforms, along with pursuing your online MBA degree.
  • Work on real-world projects: Apply your skills by analysing datasets or participating in competitive platforms.
  • Build a portfolio: Showcase your work in a portfolio or GitHub account. Include case studies, business dashboards, and data models.
  • Leverage your Online MBA network: Reach out to alumni, attend industry webinars, and utilise your institute’s career support services.
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Final Thoughts

Moving into data science after an online MBA is possible. Combining business knowledge with data skills provides students a competitive edge within their careers. By learning, practicing, and building a strong portfolio, professionals can position themselves for a rewarding, results-driven data science career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What industries hire MBA graduates for data science roles?
A:

Top industries include banking, consulting, e-commerce, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. Companies look for professionals who understand both data and business problems.

Q: Is work experience necessary for a data science job?
A:

While experience helps, many recruiters look at hands-on projects and portfolios. Internships or freelance projects also add value.

Q: Which Online MBA specialisation is best for data science?
A:

An Online MBA in Business Analytics, Data Science, or Information Technology provides the most relevant foundation. These specialisations often include practical data handling courses.

Q: Do I need to learn programming to secure a data science job?
A:

Yes, knowledge of programming languages like Python or R is essential for performing tasks such as data cleaning, analysis, and building models.

Q: Can an Online MBA alone help me land a data science job?
A:

While an Online MBA enhances your strategic thinking, you need technical skills such as programming, statistics, and data handling to be considered for data science roles.

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Questions related to MBA

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to MBA ?

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree offers a wide range of specialized fields, allowing professionals to focus their expertise on specific industries or business functions. Choosing the best specialization depends heavily on your prior work experience, career goals, and the industry you wish to target. You can explore a detailed list of all MBA types and specializations here: Choosing the best specialization depends heavily on your prior work experience, career goals, and the industry you wish to target. You can explore a detailed list of all MBA types and specializations here: Types of MBA Courses and Specializations .

Hello,

Here are Types of MBA Scholarships in India:

  • Merit based scholarships
  • Need based scholarships
  • Corporate sponsored scholarships
  • Institute specific scholarships

Now, here Popular MBA Scholarships:

  • Aditya Birla Scholarship

  • OP Jindal Management Scholarship

  • IIM Scholarships

  • Government Scholarships

For more details access below mentioned link:

https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/scholarship-for-mba-students-in-india

Hope it helps.

Hello,

There are many options that you can pursue. The list is below.

1. management consultant

2. Business Analyst

3. investment banker

4. Financial Manager

5. Marketing Manager

6. Human Resources

7. The It manager

8. entrepreneurship

9. data analyst

Thank You. Feel free to ask for more information.




Good Afternoon,

MBA eligibility criteria require

1. a bachelor's degree

2. must clear national exams like CAT, XAT, NMAT, CMAT

3. Students must clear the group discussion and personal interview.

4. Placements depend on colleges and universities.

Best colleges for placements are

1. IIMs and IITs of any city

placement needs proper communication skills, leadership skills, PPT and projects or other skills that a company mentions.

Thank You.


Good Morning,

NIT Rourkela CAT cutoff range is between 70-85 percentiles for the general category. 70 is the minimum percentile needed to apply, and 85 is the highest percentile. However, the maximum percentile depends on the particular year competition. It can be changed.

Thank You.