How to become a business analyst

Do you have an analytical mind and want to put it to use in the business world? Pursuing a career as a business analyst may be the next step. Discover potential salaries and learn how to become a business analyst.

What does a business analyst do?

A business analyst works with corporations in just about every industry, from healthcare to retail and beyond. In this role, your primary goal is to use data to improve business efficiency. Business analysts typically:

• Review, evaluate, and improve business processes
• Anticipate and mitigate business risks
• Assess and modernize IT systems
• Create financial models to drive business decisions
• Forecast budgets and allocate funds
• Communicate insights and plans to all stakeholders
• Analyze datasets and compile visualizations

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business management analysts earned a median salary of $99,410 per year in 2023.

Steps to become a business analyst

A career as a business analyst can allow you to help corporations reach their goals. If you're wondering how to become a business analyst, here are the recommended degrees, certifications, and experiences you will want to obtain.

Step 1: Earn a business degree

Many businesses give priority to candidates with a business-related bachelor's or master's degree. Consider earning your degree in business administration. Quantitative degrees in finance, economics, data science, or information systems can also be helpful in this role. In choosing a major, make sure it offers courses in:

• Principles of accounting
• Business statistics
• Information systems management
• Operations management
• Applied statistical models

These courses can prepare you to analyze datasets, create financial models, and solve the problems you may face as a business analyst.

Step 2: Opt for a business analytics certificate

A business analytics or data analytics certificate is not generally required to become a full-time business analyst. However, such a certificate can enhance your skills and offer specific knowledge in data acquisition and processing. A few options include:

• Project Management Institute Professional in Business Analysis
• International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) Entry Certificate in Business Analysis
• IIBA Certified Business Analysis Professional

Keep in mind that some of these certificates require you to have a certain amount of work experience prior to enrolling. Because these programs are more skills-oriented than a degree program, employers know that you'll be equipped to adapt to current market demands.

Additionally, some colleges and universities offer their own business analytics certificates that you can earn alongside or after your degree.

Step 3: Get an internship

Achieving success in business analytics requires gaining relevant experience. One of the best ways to do this is to secure an internship to gain hands-on experience in the following:

• Researching and reporting on industry trends
• Identifying patterns in large datasets
• Helping the team with strategic business planning
• Evaluating new business processes

This type of experiential knowledge can give your résumé a competitive advantage in the job market and allow you to build a portfolio of real-world work that proves you can get the job done.

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