How to Become a Business Analyst in 2024 (Career Guide + Resume Example)

Business analysts are important in organizations because they help solve problems and improve processes. The demand for business analysts is growing fast. For example, jobs for business analysts are expected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029.

In this article, you'll learn how to become a business analyst, what skills you need, and what career options are available. This information is helpful for anyone thinking about a new business analyst career, recent graduates, an entry-level business analyst or any professional who wants to improve their business analyst skills.

What do Business Analysts Do?

A business analyst helps organizations improve their processes, products, and services by analyzing data and making recommendations. They work closely with stakeholders to understand their needs and develop solutions. Business analysts often create reports, analyze data, and work with IT teams to implement changes.

The salary for business analysts can vary based on experience and job level:

• Fresh Graduate: Entry-level business analysts typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 per year.
• Junior/Entry-Level Business Analyst position: With 1-2 years of experience, salaries range from $60,000 to $75,000 per year.
• Mid-Level Business Analyst: With 3-5 years of experience, salaries range from $70,000 to $90,000 per year.
• Senior Business Analyst: With 5-10 years of experience, salaries for business analysts tend range from $85,000 to $110,000 per year.
• Manager: Business analyst managers earn average annual salary of between $100,000 and $130,000 per year.
• C-Level Executive: Chief-level business analysts, such as business analysts work as Chief Analytics Officers, can earn upwards of $150,000 to $200,000 or more per year.

These figures can vary depending on the industry, location, and size of the organization.

Essential Skills for Business Analysis

Becoming a business analyst responsibilities of a successful business analyst requires a blend of hard and soft skills. Here are the key skills needed for this business analyst role are:

How to Become a Business Analyst?

Undergraduate Degrees

To become a business and management analyst, starting with a suitable undergraduate degree is essential. Here are some programs to become business and management analysts to consider:

• Business Administration: Provides a broad understanding of business operations, management principles, and financial analysis.
• Information Technology: Focuses on IT systems, programming, and database management, which are crucial for technical aspects of business analysis.
• Data Science or Analytics: Emphasizes data collection, analysis, and interpretation, which are key skills for many business analysts too.
• Economics: Offers insights into economic principles, statistical and business analysis techniques, business analytics, and market trends, all valuable for business decision-making.

Postgraduate Degrees

While an undergraduate degree is often sufficient, pursuing a postgraduate degree can enhance a business analyst’s career:

• MBA (Master of Business Administration): Provides advanced knowledge in business strategy, leadership, and management, making it a valuable asset for career progression.
• Master: bachelor's degree in Information Systems: Focuses on advanced IT and data management skills, which are business analytics skills that are increasingly important in the field of business analysis.
• Master's in Data Analytics: Offers in-depth training in computer science, data analysis, predictive modeling, and big data, which can set you apart in a competitive job market.

Why you should take a postgraduate degrees

• Career Advancement: Higher qualifications can lead to senior positions and higher salaries.
• Specialized Knowledge: Gain expertise in specific areas of interest.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals and experts in the field.

Certification Programs for Analytical Skills and in Business Analytics

Certifications are valuable for both entering the field and advancing a master's degree within it. Here are some key certifications:

• Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP): Offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), this professional certification that is ideal for experienced and aspiring business analysts looking to validate their skills.
• Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA): Also from IIBA, this certification is perfect for those just starting their career in the business analysis field.
• Project Management Professional (PMP): While not specific to most business analyst salary or analysis jobs, PMP certification demonstrates strong project management skills, which are often essential for business analysts.
• Certified Analytics Professional (CAP): This certification focuses on data analytics and and management that business analysts hold and can be beneficial for business analysts who work heavily with data.

Benefits of Certifications for Business Analysis:

• Credibility: Certifications from recognized institutions can boost your credibility and trustworthiness in the field.
• Knowledge Enhancement: They provide structured learning and up-to-date industry knowledge.
• Career Opportunities: Certified professionals are often preferred by employers, leading to better job opportunities and career growth.

How to Start Your Career in Business Analysis?

Internships

Internships are crucial for gaining practical experience in the field of business analysis. They provide a hands-on understanding of how businesses operate, the tools they use, and the challenges they face. Internships also offer opportunities to apply theoretical domain knowledge in real-world scenarios, helping you build essential skills and confidence.

How to Find and Apply for Internships:

• Career Services: Utilize your university’s career services to find internship listings and opportunities.
• Online Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor often have listings for business analyst internships.
• Networking: Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn to uncover internship opportunities.
• Company Websites: Check the career pages of companies you’re interested in to see if they offer internship training programs here.
• Application Tips: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant coursework, projects, and skills. Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and researching the company.

Entry-Level Positions

Starting Roles:

• Junior Business Analyst: An entry-level position where you assist senior analysts and gain exposure to business processes and data analysis.
• Business Analyst Intern: This role is similar to a junior one but is typically part of an internship program, providing a more structured learning environment.
• Analyst: A broader role that may involve data analysis, reporting, and supporting various business functions.

Gaining Hands-On Experience:

• Job Shadowing: Spend time observing and learning from experienced business analysts to understand their daily responsibilities and workflows.
• On-the-Job Learning: Actively participate in projects, attend meetings, and take on tasks that allow you to apply and expand your skills.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Volunteering for Experience: Volunteering is an excellent way to gain experience and build a portfolio, especially if you’re having trouble finding paid positions. Non-profits, small businesses, and community organizations often need help with their business data analysis tasks but may not have the budget to hire a full-time data analyst yet.

Examples of Volunteer Projects:

• Process Improvement: Help a non-profit organization streamline their processes to save time and resources.
• Data Analysis: Assist a community group in analyzing survey data to better understand the needs of their members.
• Systems Implementation: Work with a small business to implement a new software system and train staff on its use.

By starting with internships, entry-level positions, and volunteer opportunities, you can build a strong foundation for a successful career in business analysis. These experiences not only enhance your skills and knowledge in the business analyst profession but also expand your professional network and improve your employability and job growth in the field.

Applying for Business Analyst Jobs

Creating a Portfolio

A professional portfolio is essential for showcasing your projects, achievements, and skills. It provides concrete evidence of your capabilities and helps potential employers understand the value you can bring to their organization. Here are some tips for you:

• Select Relevant Projects: Include projects that highlight your business analysis skills, such as process improvements, data analysis, and systems implementation.
• Detail Your Role: Clearly describe your role in each project, the challenges you faced, and the solutions you implemented.
• Use Visuals: Incorporate charts, graphs, and screenshots to make your portfolio visually appealing and easy to understand.
• Organize Logically: Arrange your projects in a logical order, starting with the most recent or most impressive.
• Create an Online Portfolio: Consider using platforms like LinkedIn, Behance, or a personal website to showcase your portfolio online.

Create a Resume

• Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasize skills like analytical thinking, problem solving, good communication skills, and other technical skills and proficiency.
• Include Experience: Detail your work experience, focusing on roles and responsibilities related to your business analysis role.
• Certifications and Education: List relevant certifications and educational qualifications prominently.
• Use Keywords: Incorporate industry-specific keywords to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• Keep It Concise: Aim for a one-page resume, or two pages at most, if you have extensive experience.

Here's a business analyst resume example for you to refer to:

Search Your Jobs Online

Effective Strategies for Finding Job Openings:

• Use Job Portals: Use job portals like Cake, LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor to find job openings.
• Company Websites: Regularly check the career pages of companies you are interested in.
• Networking: You can also join industry events or associations, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn.

Networking Is Your Best Friend

Joining Professional Associations:

• International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA)
• Project Management Institute (PMI)
• Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

Attending Industry Conferences and Online Forums:

• Conferences: Business Analysis Conference Europe, Global Scrum Gathering.
• Online Forums: Reddit's r/businessanalysis, LinkedIn Groups for Business Analysts.

Prepare for an Interview

Here are some common business analyst interview questions:

• Can you describe a time when you identified a problem and proposed a solution?
• How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?
• What tools do you use for data analysis and why?
• Can you explain a complex process to someone who is not familiar with it?

Be well-prepared for these questions, at the same time, be sure to:

• Research the Company: Understand the company's products, services, and industry.
• Review Common Questions: Practice answering common interview questions.
• Showcase Your Portfolio: Be prepared to discuss your projects and achievements in detail.
• Ask Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role and company.
• Dress Professionally: Make a good first impression with appropriate attire.

Conclusion

To become a business analyst, start by understanding the role and building the right skills. Get a degree in a business analyst certification related field, and consider advanced degrees and certifications to improve your chances. Gain experience through internships, entry-level jobs, and volunteering. Create a strong portfolio, write a clear resume, and use job portals and networking to find job openings. Take action now to start your BA career. For more tips on business analytics careers, interviews, and resumes, check out Cake.

— Originally written by Donaven Leong —