Many people go into business analysis with little or no knowledge of the field and how the industry works. This causes them to end up in unhappy jobs or with no job at all. To break into the highest-paying business analysis jobs, you should find out all the necessary information about business analysis and understand how to have a rewarding career in the field.
Becoming a business analyst isn’t a difficult task. Once you perfect your skills and get the relevant education or training, you can easily apply for an entry-level role. In this article, you will learn how to get a job in business analysis, the top business analysis skills you need for the industry, and other helpful tips.
What Is Business Analysis?
Business analysis is the process of identifying business needs and areas for change and recommending solutions to help improve business operations and solve problems. Business analysts will find out how a business generally operates, its systems and processes, and areas that need improvement, then work towards setting policies to improve the business.
Business analysis seeks to improve business operations, enhance business productivity, utilize strategic planning, and satisfy consumer needs and requirements while increasing business profit. This discipline aims to ensure that an organization is working at maximum capacity, staying up to date with industry trends, and making informed decisions.
Business Analysis Job Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business analysts are categorized under management analysts and have a projected job growth of 14 percent. There are an expected 99,400 job openings in the industry each year for the next decade. This outlook is faster than the average job growth across all occupations, which sits at eight percent, meaning there is a high demand for business analysts.
What Education Do I Need to Become a Business Analyst?
To become a business analyst, you need to have a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree, or bootcamp training. If you choose to get a bachelor’s or associate degree, it has to be in relevant fields like computer science, business management, information technology, finance, statistics, math, or business administration.
Can I Get a Business Analysis Job Without a Degree?
Yes, you can get a business analyst job without a degree. You can achieve this by enrolling in one of the best business bootcamps for a certificate in business analysis or data analytics. The program will prepare you for a career by instilling the necessary knowledge and skills.
Can a Coding Bootcamp Help Me Get a Job in Business Analysis?
Yes, a reputable coding bootcamp can help you get a job in business analysis. You can enroll in a coding bootcamp that offers business analysis, business analytics, or data analytics courses. These programs are designed to prepare you for a career in the field. They typically last for six weeks to nine months, depending on the bootcamp and learning format.
Throughout the program, you will learn the fundamentals and basics of the field and get in-depth knowledge from industry professionals. You will also get hands-on training that will prepare you to handle real-life projects. Many coding bootcamps also offer career services that guide you in landing your dream job soon after graduation.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Job in Business Analysis?
It can take between eight weeks and a year to get a job in business analysis. It all depends on your educational and career path. If you learn by going to college, it could take up to a year before you land a good business analysis role. If you go through a business bootcamp, you will likely get a job within three to six months after graduation.
This all depends on your skill level as well. Regardless of your educational path, you may not get a job if you don’t enhance your skillset and get the necessary qualifications that employers demand, like certification, a portfolio, and experience. While these don’t determine your career success, it is advised that you get them to make your job-hunting experience an easier one.
Common Business Analysis Education Paths
There are multiple educational paths that you can take to start a career in business analysis, like bootcamps or a traditional college or university. Some of the most common ones are described below.
Business Analysis Bootcamps
Bootcamps are designed to help you start a career in your respective field by teaching you the relevant knowledge and transferable skills that are in demand by employers. A business analysis bootcamp or data analytics bootcamp will give you in-depth knowledge of the field and prepare you to help businesses thrive.
Community College
Community colleges are two-year colleges that exist to prepare you for a career in your field. They offer associate degree certificates in a wide range of areas of study. By joining a community college, you will be getting the knowledge and skills required to start a career in business analysis or to transfer to a university for a higher degree.
To achieve job satisfaction as a business analyst, you will have to enroll in a community college for an associate of science, arts, or applied science in business administration, business, business management, computer science, finance, statistics, math, or business analysis. These are programs that prepare you for a career in business analysis.
Business Analysis Degrees
A business analysis degree could be an undergraduate degree or a graduate degree. As a beginner in the field, you can start by getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Finance, Statistics, Math, Computer Science, or Business Analytics.
When looking for career growth, you can then earn an advanced degree like a Master’s Degree in Business Analytics or any related field. This degree will set you up for higher positions and salaries, helping you achieve your career goals.
Key Business Analysis Skills to List on Your Resume
There are various business analyst skills that employers in the industry are looking for, including technical skills, like knowledge of the business process, SQL, and Microsoft Visio, and soft skills, like excellent communication skills, strong leadership skills, critical thinking, decision-making, and analytical skills.
Business Process
This is a key skill that employers ask for from business analysts and it should be one of the first skills they see on your resume. It involves managing and improving business processes through process discovery, mapping and modeling, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to make business decisions.
To exhibit this skill, you need to have strong collaboration skills, communication skills, and decision-making skills that will help to improve business operations. Professionals are also expected to have the ability to align business processes with business strategy to achieve a concrete goal.
SQL
SQL stands for structured query language, and it is a programming language used to manage data and communicate with a database. It is the ideal language for relational database management systems.
In business analysis, SQL is used to manipulate data in databases, retrieve data for reports and analysis, and inform business decisions. You should learn SQL for a successful business analyst career.
Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Visio is software used for drawing diagrams, including flowcharts, organizational charts, process flow diagrams, and business process modeling. It is used by business analysts to visualize, explore, and communicate complex information. This software can help business analysts to present their research and their decisions.
Where to Find Business Analyst Jobs
Finding a business analysis job doesn’t have to be a daunting task. You should utilize the right resources like job boards, company websites, and industry communities and forums to avoid having difficulties. These sources will help you navigate the job market more easily and land your dream job.
Job Boards
Job boards are platforms used by companies to advertise job openings in their organization. You can find job openings from various industries, locations, and expertise levels. They are designed so that you can choose to apply directly from the platform or get directed to the company’s website to apply. Some examples of popular job boards are LinkedIn, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Zippia.
Company Websites
A company website is one of the best ways to find all available job openings in the company. Most companies have a career page on their website where they have job listings for the roles available in every department. You can simply search for companies in the industry and check for open job positions.
Business Analyst Communities
Industry communities are a good way to stay updated and informed on trends and job vacancies. You can join any number of them and get access to relevant information. They are typically in the form of online groups and can be found through social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
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You could also check out the Modern Analyst forums or join a members-only business analysis association, like the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). These communities may host occasional events and workshop training to build your professional network and let you access important information.
How to Prepare for Your Business Analysis Interview
To prepare for your business analysis interview, you should read up on industry trends, keywords, terms, and commonly asked business analyst interview questions. This will help you answer questions about the discipline as a whole. Next, you should conduct research on the company and the job role. This will help you answer behavioral and competency questions.
Business Analysis Interview Questions
- What is the role of a business analyst in an organization?
- What business analysis tools or systems are you familiar with?
- What is SRS and what are its key elements?
- Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult client.
The Five Highest-Paying Business Analysis Jobs
| Business Analysis Jobs | Average Salary | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Business Analyst Manager | $106,517 | 14% |
| Information Security Analyst | $103,590 | 33% |
| Data Scientist | $97,038 | 22% |
| IT Business Analyst | $95,072 | 7% |
| Quantitative Analyst | $85,432 | 25% |
Business Analyst Manager
- Salary: $106,517
A business analyst manager is a professional who conducts research and analysis to plan, organize, and manage business strategies to improve business operations, productivity, and profit. They act as the bridge between IT and business to ensure the efficiency of a business.
Information Security Analyst
- Salary: $103,590
An information security analyst works to design and implement systems and policies to protect a company’s computer systems and networks from cyber attacks. They set up procedures and install software that will ensure the proper running of the organization’s networks and maintain security standards.
Data Scientist
- Salary: $97,038
Data scientists are in charge of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data from primary sources to help organizations make well-informed business decisions. They use their knowledge of statistics, math, and programming to collect accurate data and reach insightful decisions that will help resolve business challenges.
IT Business Analyst
- Salary: $97,052
An IT business analyst is responsible for maintaining the IT department. They ensure that the department is running properly by carrying out research, setting policies, and making strategic decisions that lead to the proper functioning of the department. They serve as the connection between the IT department and the business administration department.
Quantitative Analyst
- Salary: $85,432
A quantitative analyst is a professional who applies mathematics, statistics, and quantitative methods toward solving the company’s financial and risk management problems. They conduct research to help the business make good finance, risk management, investment, and pricing decisions. They work with investment banks, insurance companies, and private equity firms.
Business Analysis Career Path
The business analysis career path typically starts with entry-level roles like junior business analyst, which require little or no experience. It then progresses to mid-level roles like information security analyst, then ends with senior-level roles like project management office (PMO) director.
Entry-Level Business Analysis Jobs
- Junior Business Analyst – The job of a junior business analyst is to ensure that the products being delivered meet the needs of the end-user. They work under the supervision of a senior business analyst to provide authentic products that meet the client or user specifications.
- Junior Data Analyst – A junior data analyst is different from a business analyst. They will work with the project team to gather accurate data, analyze, and report the information. They also interpret the data and present the information through data visualization.
- Junior IT Analyst – A junior IT analyst works to assist the senior IT analyst in gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data. They will report the conclusions drawn from their research to the senior analyst, who then uses that information to make well-informed decisions.
Mid-Level Business Analysis Jobs
- Business Analyst – This role is one of the top mid-level business analyst roles. It is fit for those who have worked in the industry for a few years, between two and five years. They independently carry out research, gather data, and interpret it to make accurate decisions.
- Quantitative Analyst – This is a mid-level role for those with three to five years of work experience in assisting in making financial and business decisions. They conduct research and help organizations make the best financial, investment, and pricing decisions to ensure business growth.
- Information Security Analyst – This is another mid-level role that requires years of expertise to attain. These professionals ensure that the IT department is functional by conducting research and setting up policies to promote business growth.
Senior-Level Business Analysis Jobs
- Business Consultant – Business consultants conduct research, analyze organizational practices, identify weaknesses, assign business projects, meet with clients to perform assessments, create budgets, and recommend solutions. They carry out these actions to ensure successful business operations.
- Product Manager – The product manager is responsible for product planning and marketing. They ensure the products meet client and user requirements by working with the production team, engineering team, and marketing team.
- IT Project Coordinator– These professionals coordinate IT projects. They work with the project teams to ensure that the products are of standard quality, within financial budget, and meet the client’s deadline. They have to ensure that the project runs smoothly from inception to delivery and meets all specifications.
Business Analysis Certifications
Getting a certification will demonstrate your skills and expertise to potential employers, letting them know that you’re capable of carrying out your role efficiently. There are various business analyst certifications that are well-recognized by employers in the industry.
Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA)
ECBA is an entry-level certification for beginners in the business analysis field. It tests your knowledge of the foundation and competencies in the field to ensure that you can work as a professional. This certification is reputable in the business analysis industry and proves to employers that you can carry out your job efficiently.
Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)
This certification is designed to test your professional knowledge, expertise, and soft skills in seven domains of business analytics. It is a trusted certification in the analytics industry and serves as evidence of skills and expertise. Having this certification helps you stand out from the crowd in the labor market.
PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PBA) Certification
This certification is available to those with experience working as business analysis professionals. It tests your ability to make accurate decisions, work with project teams, and manage product development. You need to complete a few hours of multiple-choice exam questions to earn this certification.
Tips on How to Get a Job in Business Analysis
Getting a job in business analysis isn’t tasking, as it is an in-demand field that constantly needs professionals. You can follow the tips we’ve included below to help you navigate the industry more easily and land your dream job.
Take a Course
To start a career in business analysis, you will need to get an education or training. You should take a course that will help you understand how the industry works. It could be a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Statistics, or any related field. Alternatively, you could join a coding bootcamp.
Hone Your Skills
When you have attained the necessary education, you can build and perfect your business analysis skills. Education is important, but the employer also wants to see your hard and soft skills and know if you can perform up to expectations.
Work on Projects
The best way to build your portfolio and convince employers that you are the person for the job is to work on projects. You can take up personal projects from clients or work on demos that can demonstrate your skills and capabilities to the employer.
Get Certified
Like most IT fields, business analysis requires certifications to serve as evidence of your skills. There are various reputable certifications in the business analysis industry that you can get as a beginner in the field. They will demonstrate to employers that you are qualified for the role.
Apply for Entry-Level Positions
After getting a certification, you can begin applying for entry-level business analyst positions that require little or no work experience. These roles will help you form a successful career path and forge your way to a mid-level or senior-level role.
Should You Get a Job in Business Analysis in 2022?
Yes, you should get a job in business analysis in 2022 if you have a knack for problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making. Business analysts thrive on these skills as they are essential for the field. Also, it is a fast-growing industry as more organizations feel the urgency to hire these professionals to stay in business.
With the right approach, you can easily have a thriving career in business analysis and help businesses grow. As long as you follow the necessary steps by getting an education, improving your skills, and getting certified, you are bound to find success in this promising career path.
Business Analyst FAQ
Yes, you can become a business analyst without a degree. You can do this by joining a business analysis bootcamp, getting a certification, and applying for internships or apprenticeships to hone your skills.
No, it isn’t hard to get into business analysis, as long as you follow the proper steps. This can be achieved by obtaining the relevant education, developing your hard and soft skills, and earning a certification.
A business analyst finds areas of need in a business and provides solutions to any business issues. They set up policies and standards to improve business operation and productivity.
Yes, business analyst is a high-paying job with an average salary of $106,517 annually, according to PayScale.
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