Graduate Certificate in Analytics (E-Learning): A Guide
With Southeast Asia predicted to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030 and Singapore booming as a business, innovation, and tech hub,1 the time to master data analytics and seize your dream career really is now.
Data analytics is a fast-expanding field under the data science umbrella, with promising job opportunities across multiple industries. A career in data analytics these days goes well beyond the technology and digital spaces; businesses are heavily reliant on data to make the best decisions, and accordingly, there is substantial demand for experts who are able to make sense of the huge amounts of data gathered.
Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) offers students the opportunity to get ahead of the competition with the Graduate Certificate in Analytics (E-Learning). This 100% online programme trains you to leverage data and convert it into actionable insights that contribute to business growth – making you a key asset to your organisation, and giving you the boost you need in your career trajectory.
Job Opportunities in Data Analytics
Singapore secured the top spot in KPMG’s global ranking of leading technology innovation hubs outside of Silicon Valley/San Francisco in 2021, beating out New York, Tel Aviv, Beijing, and London.2 This heralds great things for tech-related professionals, including data analytics experts, in Singapore.
Our Graduate Certificate in Analytics (E-Learning) gives you the fantastic opportunity to apply for these positions – and more – with confidence:
1. Data Analyst
Average annual salary: SGD 75,0073
Data analysts work with large and complex data sets to develop statistical models and solutions to overcome business challenges. They collect, organise, and interpret data to convert it into actionable insights that organisations can use to inform decision-making, resulting in maximised operational efficiency and enhanced productivity.
2. Business Intelligence Analyst
Average annual salary: SGD 86,1064
Business intelligence analysts are the bridge of communication between upper management and the IT department. They are responsible for collecting and analysing data that can be used to create solutions aimed at improving employee performance, customer retention, and overall business operations.
3. Analytics and Insights Manager
Average annual salary: SGD 124,6755
Analytics and insights managers are in charge of coming up with strategies to boost a company’s operational and financial performance. These data professionals leverage data by conducting extensive research to identify opportunities that can boost business performance.
* The salaries cited are accurate as at November 30, 2022.
Data Skills of the Future… and the Future is Now
According to job-listing giant Indeed, structured query language (SQL), data visualisation, and statistics are among the key skills a successful data analyst should possess.6
1. SQL
SQL is a computing language designed to manage large amounts of data, particularly structured data, without specifying a method of access. It is a crucial tool for data analysts to quickly gather relevant information for analysis.
2. Data Visualisation
Data analysts must be capable of presenting complex insights and information to non-data experts through the use of visuals, such as charts, graphs, and virtual reality tools. With assistance from visual aids, non-data experts can easily comprehend data insights and make informed business decisions.
3. Statistics
The ability to convert raw data into meaningful insights goes hand in hand with statistics. Data analysts must understand and master statistics so that they can assign meaning to data sets, providing actionable insights. These insights are then shared with a company’s stakeholders to shape strategies to overcome challenges or secure business wins.
Core Modules
The Graduate Certificate in Analytics (E-Learning) core modules help you master the fundamentals when working with data:
1. Data Analytics: Systems and Processes
According to the KPMG Global Tech Report 2022, 66% of tech leaders believe their organisations are either extremely or very effective at using tech to advance their business strategies.7 This points to the need to have an in-depth understanding of big data.
In this module, students are introduced to the fundamentals of data analytics and taught how analytics is used to develop data-driven solutions. By learning how to integrate and apply complex theoretical, practical, and technical knowledge in business analytics, students will be able to solve a myriad of business challenges.
2. Data Privacy, Data Ethics, and Governance
Ensuring security to uphold data privacy, among others, should be a top priority for organisations handling large data sets. However, the KPMG Global Tech Report 2022 found that 58% of cybersecurity teams admit that they are behind schedule.8
This module teaches students the policies and legalities of storing and managing corporate data, provides them with opportunities to demonstrate ethical judgement, and guides them on the appropriate ethical requirements and provisions in a modern workplace.
3. Data Visualisation
Many organisations consider data to be one of their largest assets as the information gained from it provides valuable insights into consumer behaviour and business performance. IBM’s Global C-suite Study (20th edition) revealed that 87% of CEOs who participated in the study regard data as a strategic asset that can be used to support deeply nuanced, personalised experiences powered by sophisticated, intelligent operations.9
Data analysts’ expertise in presenting complex data insights to non-data experts in a clear, concise manner is perhaps one of their biggest strengths. This module is designed to teach students how to arrange quantitative data to lead, engage, and influence stakeholders and audiences through data visualisation tools and techniques, such as dashboards, charts, bar graphs, and more.
Elective Modules
These elective modules allow you to upskill in a specialised area of your choice:
1. Emerging Technologies
The tech and business landscapes are constantly evolving, and knowing how to leverage changes is a vital part of sustainable business success. In this module, learn how to adopt and deploy emerging technologies to address key business challenges.
2. Principles of Programming (R and Python)
This module introduces students to the fundamentals of programming using the programming languages R and Python. You will learn how to effectively use these functionalities to implement algorithms and solve problems, build programmes from simple blocks, as well as develop a working knowledge of what constitutes a good programming style.
3. Predictive Analytics
A key aspect of business longevity is insightful forecasts and projections based on a company’s strengths and weaknesses. This module teaches students the various tools and techniques of predictive analytics that can be used to identify business opportunities and threats, and develop data-backed solutions.
4. Cybersecurity Management
In an increasingly data-driven world, it is now more important than ever to invest in cybersecurity. As a data analytics expert, knowledge of cybersecurity processes is invaluable. This module explores real-life cybersecurity threats and guides you on how you can implement preventive measures to protect data storage systems.
Analytics Expertise is Yours
SIM E-Learning provides students with a flexible study option that helps them scale up the career ladder without having to pause their current career trajectory.
Wondering if you qualify for our Graduate Certificate in Analytics (E-Learning)? Get a free eligibility check from our Student Advisors today!
References
1 https://www.edb.gov.sg/en/business-insights/insights/expanding-in-southeast-asia-key-facts-and-figures.html
2 https://home.kpmg/sg/en/home/media/press-releases/2021/07/singapore-tops-2021-ranking-for-leading-technology-innovation-hubs-kpmg-survey.html
3 https://sg.indeed.com/career/data-analyst/salaries
4 https://sg.indeed.com/career/business-intelligence-analyst/salaries
5 https://sg.indeed.com/career/analytics-and-insight-manager/salaries
6 https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/skills-for-data-analyst
7 https://assets.kpmg/content/dam/kpmg/xx/pdf/2022/09/kpmg-global-tech-report-2022.pdf (pg 10)
8 https://assets.kpmg/content/dam/kpmg/xx/pdf/2022/09/kpmg-global-tech-report-2022.pdf (pg 4)
9 https://www.ibm.com/downloads/cas/XAMDQBE7 (pg 2)
