How to become a business systems analyst

Do you want to start a career in business but don't want to abandon your love for information technology (IT)? Then a career as a business systems analyst may be a great fit for you.

Learn what a business systems analyst does and find out the steps you need to take to become one.

What does a business systems analyst do?

A business systems analyst collects and analyzes data, uncovers business problems, and then uses technology to solve those problems and make businesses more efficient. In this role, you can expect to:

• Collect, clean, and analyze customer data
• Identify patterns that highlight business issues
• Analyze current business processes
• Assess IT needs and recommend improvements and best practices
• Design and implement new technology solutions

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide specific salary data for business systems analyst roles. However, the agency does include data for the similar role of computer systems analyst, a role that earned a median annual salary of $103,800 in 2023.

Steps to become a business systems analyst

Business systems analysis is a great way to merge the fields of IT and business management. If you're wondering how to become a business systems analyst, here are three steps aspiring professionals commonly take to enter the field.

Step 1: Obtain a degree

Getting your bachelor's or master's degree in business analytics or a related field is not a strictly required step on your journey to becoming a business systems analyst. However, many employers prefer their new hires to have one because of the knowledge and training a degree program provides.

You can opt for a degree in a technical field like information systems or computer science or something more comprehensive like business administration. Whatever major you choose, make sure it offers coursework in:

• Information systems management
• Operations management
• Strategic management
• Cloud computing
• Computer and network security

These subjects will give you knowledge of both technical and overall business management, helping prepare you to analyze and optimize business IT systems.

Step 2: Gain practical experience

Employers know that experience is key when learning how to become a business systems analyst, as it is a very hands-on profession. For that reason, it's important to gain practical experience in the field.

One way to do this is by getting an internship or entry-level position in the field. This can allow you to shadow more advanced business systems analysts and learn key skills, including:

• Compiling and analyzing complex datasets
• Designing and implementing strategies and frameworks
• Creating technical reports and dashboards
• Monitoring progress and optimizing processes
• Gaining proficiency in key analysis software applications
• Learning how to think critically and analytically

You can also learn these skills while working on volunteer projects for businesses and organizations in your local community. If you are currently working, consider asking your manager for opportunities to work on business analysis tasks and projects.

Finally, you can join a professional organization like the International Institute of Business Analysis to network with professionals who may be able to help you land some new projects.

Step 3: Get a certificate or certification (optional)

Business systems analyst certificates or certifications are optional, but having one or a few prominent ones under your belt can enhance your résumé and make you more competitive in the job market. A few you may want to look into include:

• Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA): Validates foundational knowledge, including planning, monitoring, elicitation, and life cycle management
• Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP): Covers everything on the ECBA plus strategy analysis and design and solution evaluation
• Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA-AAC): Showcases the development of the agile mindset and an understanding of the strategy, initiative, and delivery horizons

Keep in mind that you can only earn the CBAP certification after you have also obtained 7,500 hours of experience plus 35 professional development hours.

You can also consider taking certificate-level business analysis courses offered online, which can help you gain additional knowledge, showcase your commitment to continuous learning, and potentially increase your chances of career advancement.

Get started on edX

Taking an introductory course can help you hit the ground running once you start your bachelor's program. Sign up for an IT fundamentals or business systems analysis course on edX and begin your journey toward a new career.