How to Become a Business Analyst

How to Become a Business Analyst

Business Analysts (BAs) are crucial cogs in the corporate machine. Business processes are increasingly complex, and new technologies and methodologies have made their jobs more dynamic. Continuous on-the-job training is now mandatory, and professionals must adapt and evolve their skill sets.

The majority of this education is workplace-based. As professionals execute their daily routines, they face challenges and, in overcoming those obstacles, build new skills and internalise new lessons. But how to start with the whole process? How do you get your foot in the door to be a Business Analyst? Here is a simple 4-step guide to help you get started. For detailed job descriptions and qualifications for Business Analyst roles, check out these other articles; see the writing on the Job Description and the report on the Qualifications pages.

Step 1: Know What You Want To Do

Business Analysts perform a wide variety of roles. Some generalists help their employers with many things related to business management, analysis, improvements, etc. At the same time, others are specialists who focus on technology, finance, operations, HR and so on. Knowing where your interests are will help a great deal in determining where you will succeed. If someone has a natural propensity towards automobiles while also being interested in analytics, they might do well as a BA at an auto manufacturer who works on operational optimisations. Having such special skills will only add to your value as an employee.

Step 2: Get the Proper Education/Certifications

Business degrees, while preferred, are not mandatory for Business Analysts. Other technical qualifications can also work – as long they demonstrate your analytical abilities.

Certifications are increasingly becoming popular for demonstrating your role-specific skills, and companies also prefer them. Such certifications reduce the time and effort the employer must spend evaluating a candidate. If a candidate has earned a certification relevant to their employment, they may be confident that they satisfy specific minimum requirements. There are a few certification options accessible to business analysts detailed on the page mentioned.

Step 3: Learn on the Job

Business Analyst roles require more on-the-job learning than most other contemporary roles. Let’s start with an internship or a BA role at a smaller firm before moving to more specialised roles in larger companies. Such natural progression allows for building a comprehensive understanding of what the job entails and will prepare you for all the curve balls sent your way.

Step 4: Stepping Up/Broadening Your Horizons

Business Analysts can eventually specialise or rise to become expert consultants in their fields. For example, being an expert BA in an agile environment or specialising in an industry will undoubtedly increase your value as a potential employee. There are also plenty of leadership opportunities – leading a team of other BAs in a large organisation, for example.

Search other articles to learn more about business analyst careers:

See also: Job Description & Profile, Qualifications, Skills & Requirements, CV Template & Examples, Salary & Pay etc.

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