facebookI can't decide whether to apply for a Business Analytics or Information Systems degree, suggestions? - Seedly

Anonymous

08 Jun 2021

Students

I can't decide whether to apply for a Business Analytics or Information Systems degree, suggestions?

What are the pros and cons for each degree? Which one would be better?

Discussion (2)

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Boon Ming

08 Feb 2020

Engineering at Nanyang Technological University

I do not graduate with this degree. My advice for you would be to check for any network and graduates, career fair and ask them the direct advice. Most accurate. You may check online forum as well, or Linkedin.

Why not both?

Haha, I took a similar path in which I took a double major in both those fields so I guess I could give you an estimate on what to expect.

Short answer: It's up to you, truly. Do you like to code (Python, Java, SQL) or do you prefer to map diagrams (Visio, Tableau, etc.) If you prefer the former, take Information Systems. The latter, take Business Analytics.

Long answer: It's hard to say. There are a lot of overlaps and for the most part, jobs would prefer that you have knowledge in both. Even after you graduate, your employer would ask you to take self-courses or even ask you to read up on the systems they require. Both degrees would add in a pinch of coding (as with most computer-oriented degrees), but IS definitely tortures you with coding. Personally, I don't really like coding so I went for a more analytical role. You would need to deeply understand systems for this role though since your employer would mostly ask on methods to improve on it. Which means, hours of drawing diagrams, writing mock-ups, brushing through excels upon excels of data... Fun for me, but it's not for everyone.

Information systems, on the other hand, is basically a degree with a wide brush. From what I understand, you'll be thrust into different coding languages and unfamiliar software. It will be daunting in the beginning, but if you really like solving complex problems, you should go for it. The feeling of solving a code that you've been stuck on for hours or even days... It's no different than releasing all of your innate primal tension in one go.

So yeah, I would suggest you reflect on what truly suits your interests since you'll be doing it as a job for at least your immediate future. Career-wise, the jobs that both degrees offer pay quite similarly so you don't have to be that concerned about that.

Hope this helps! :)

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