yg7s7

At my school's career fair I see some companies looking for Science majors (or all majors) for positions such as Business Analyst, Market Researcher, etc. Do many science majors end up getting a business-related job after graduation? Or is it hard to get this kind of job as a science major?

UriA702

Many employers in finance and other business fields like science & engineering majors for their quantitative and modeling abilities. If you enjoy the work in the field and can demonstrate that, you'll be better off than other students, regardless of your major.

For an analyst or researcher, the ability to analyze both qualitative and quantitative research is important. Science majors demonstrate the ability to deal with the challenges in business fields because of their work-ethic and ability to handle a high load of applied math.

sschoe2

I doubt business now a days would just hire a science major for such a position. The ads seem like they expect you to have an MS in quantitative finance or a computer science degree and modeling experience.

example ad
__________________________________
Business analyst

Required Skills and Abilities:

* Strong expertise in Project Management and in PM-BOK methods.
* Thorough working knowledge of SDLC models / methodologies, including waterfall and agile, IT systems and processes, methodologies and their direct implementation to projects
* Strong business and systems analysis skills, test planning and testing skills, troubleshooting skills and experience with numerous environments and architectures
* Ability to understand and apply common, object-oriented modeling techniques, including UML, use case, activity and sequence diagrams
* Experience in data gathering and facilitation techniques (i.e. meetings and JAD sessions)
* Experience with requirements management, use case and modeling tools
* Strong decision making / problem solving skills and experience with software development project
* Experience with applying and general knowledge of various analysis and gathering approaches, methodologies and models
* Demonstrated leadership and attention to detail skills through prior experience at the strategic and tactical / implementation levels
* Ability to coach, mentor and train personnel within a technical organization
* Strong analytical and planning skills / experience with software development projects



Education and Training:

* Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, General Information Technology or a related field, AND
* At least 5 (five) years of relevant experience in project management and business analysis with software development projects, OR
* Relevant combination of education and experience
* Preferred: PMP certification and formal training in negotiation / facilitation skills