Six essential tech tools and skills that Management students must know

Management students need to master key tech tools like Tableau, Python, and Google Analytics to thrive in the modern business landscape.

Imagine stepping into a boardroom today, where executives make decisions based not just on instinct or mere experience but on data drawn from complex algorithms and visualised on sleek dashboards. This is no longer a futuristic scenario; it’s the reality of the modern business world. While core competencies like leadership and strategy remain essential, proficiency in tech tools is now indispensable for staying competitive and innovative in the job market. Therefore, MBA students need to be well-versed in both traditional and modern tools. Here are six key tech tools and skills that every MBA student should master to thrive in a dynamic landscape.

Portfolio Optimisation: In finance and consulting, optimising portfolios is a crucial skill. This goes beyond just theory. MBA students have to be proficient in tools like Tableau and Power BI to analyse and visualise historical market data into actionable insights and be able to identify trends, assess and forecast risks, and make data-informed decisions about asset allocation and create robust financial models.

Digital Marketing: The digital economy has transformed how businesses engage with customers. MBA students need to understand digital marketing strategies to reach target audiences and manage brand presence effectively. Mastering tools like Google Analytics, which tracks customer behaviour and website performance, or SEMrush, which offers valuable insights into SEO and competitor tactics, or Hootsuite, which facilitates the efficient management of social media platforms, ensuring consistent brand communication, is essential.

Basic Programming and Data Science: In an era where data fuels business growth, MBA students must know the basics of programming and Data Science. Python helps automate processes, analyse data, and generate predictive models. Widely recognised for its versatility in business applications, it is the go-to programming language for data analysis, automation, and predictive modelling. SQL is indispensable for managing and querying databases. Tools like Jupyter Notebook make writing and sharing code alongside visualisations easier, facilitating collaboration with data science teams.

Entrepreneurial Experience: Today, B-schools emphasise entrepreneurship, encouraging students to develop business ideas. With the rise of incubators and venture capital funding, MBA students increasingly gain hands-on experience in launching start-ups. Platforms like Kickstarter and Y Combinator provide valuable ecosystems for students looking to pitch ideas, develop products, and gain hands-on experience developing revenue-generating businesses even while they study. This allows them to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting and equips them with practical skills in leadership, product development, and market strategy.

Business Performance Optimisation: A successful business requires more than a great idea; it demands efficient operations and strategy alignment across all departments. Many MBA programmes incorporate real-world projects where students analyse a company’s operations in areas like financial accounting, marketing, and operations management. ERP systems — such as SAP and Oracle — are widely used to streamline processes and improve operational efficiency. Familiarity with such tools can help optimise performance, whether by improving workflows, managing resources, or driving profitability.

Leveraging Tech and AI: As businesses increasingly turn to automation and AI, MBA students must learn how to leverage these technologies to enhance efficiency and streamline operations. Tools like Zapier allow users to automate routine tasks while AI-driven platforms, such as chatbots, transform customer service by providing fast, efficient solutions to customer inquiries. A PwC report stated that that AI can potentially increase business productivity by 40% by 2035. MBA graduates who master AI-driven platforms and automation tools can be leaders in digital transformation.