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Certificate in Analytics for Analysts

Becoming competent in analytics involves knowing what questions to ask, what methods to utilize in evaluating significant quantities of data, and how to use the insights gained to take action and influence business decisions. The Certificate in Analytics for Analysts has been designed for both individuals and analytics teams to gain immediate and practical skills to solve pressing business challenges. Participants will analyze business cases and use a variety of analytics tools to build value through a data strategy within their organization.

This program offers a unique multi-day deep dive across the entire analytics ecosystem and culminates in a short Analytics Capstone Project. By completing six (6) half-day virtual sessions (*Descriptive Analytics, Predictive Analytics, and Prescriptive Analytics and Optimization), and a one-page narrative Analytics Capstone Project, participants will earn a Certificate in Analytics for Analysts from Wake Forest Executive Education and the School of Business’ Center for Analytics Impact.

*Each topic is split into two – 4 hour virtual instructor led sessions on consecutive days in the course calendar.

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Certificate Objectives and Expected Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Establish a “level set” and common language in your organization around analytics.
Understand techniques for using data to generate new ideas, experiment with solutions, and evaluate alternatives
Frame a business problem that can be tested through various analytics methods
Use data to reduce decision making uncertainty
Manage big data sets to solve real-world problems

Required Sessions and Capstone

Descriptive Analytics
Descriptive analytics is often considered the place to start when evaluating data and the historical insights needed to make effective business decisions. At first glance, descriptive data might appear as the least interesting part of the analytics ecosystem. Yet it forms the backbone of most analytics and, unlike machine learning and data science, most analysts, even those without quantitative backgrounds, intuitively understand descriptive results. Faculty will examine the synergies between data and the decisions we make, and by the end of the program, participants will comprehensively understand data collection and analysis, so the best data drives the best outcomes for your organization.
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Predictive Analytics
Getting started in predictive analytics takes thoughtful planning and a little time, but it’s a necessary tool that virtually any business can implement. Being committed to an approach or model is key, as is the willingness to invest the time and resources needed to achieve success. Ultimately, predictive analytic models can help businesses acquire, manage, and grow new and existing customers.
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Prescriptive Analytics & Optimization
Prescriptive analytics differs from descriptive and predictive analytics in that prescriptive models yield a course of action to follow. That is, the output from a prescriptive model is a plan for management to follow. By using optimization models and other readily available tools, we can determine the best near-term outcomes and make the best decisions for our organizations.
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Analytics Capstone Project
Within one week of the final session program, participants will be required to submit a one-page narrative outlining the application of course learnings to an internal analytics or business challenge.  Program faculty will review each project submission and provide feedback. Once the review is complete, each participant will receive a signed certificate suitable for framing.
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This program has opened my eyes to the numerous ways to solve/optimize data problems that I face on an everyday basis.

— Analytics Program Participant

Meet the Faculty

Shannon McKeen
Shannon McKeen
Professor of the Practice & Executive Director for the Center for Analytics Impact, Wake Forest School of Business
Wake Forest University
Chris Smith Headshot
Chris Smith
Associate Professor of Business Analytics, Wake Forest School of Business
Wake Forest University

Additional Information

Analytics Capstone Project

Within one week of the final session program, participants will be required to submit a one-page narrative outlining the application of course learnings to an internal analytics or business challenge.  Program faculty will review each project submission and provide feedback. Once the review is complete, each participant will receive a signed certificate suitable for framing.

Dates, Location, Schedule

The Certificate in Analytics for Analysts will be offered in six half-day sessions over the course of five weeks. Each session will be offered virtually. Final Capstone projects are due one week after the final course session. Future dates for this course are TBD.

Materials

Course materials are included in the cost of tuition. Course materials will be distributed electronically in advance of the program start date. Participants must have a laptop or tablet computer to access course materials. This program assumes basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Refund & Cancellation Policies

Program Cancellation

This course is offered contingent upon sufficient enrollment. If a course must be canceled, all registered participants will be notified at least five (5) calendar days before the course’s start date. All registered participants will receive a 100% tuition refund. No fees will be charged for canceled courses.

Individual Cancellation – Refund Policy

Prospective participants who withdraw at least 10 days prior to the start of a course will receive a full refund of tuition paid.

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