Data is everything in today’s technology era. But possessing data is of no use if it’s not put under analysis. Today’s growth in the IT sector and companies deploying IT technologies is because of proper handling of data right from its collection, analysis, storage, and analysis. Business Analysts slot into this space where they interpret the data, which will help in understanding what data is trying to imply.
Business Analysts are also famously known as Management Analysts. These professionals work in all kinds of businesses, organizations, and agencies, both government and private. Business Analysts understand the specific business domain and search for ways to improve operational efficiencies and remove bottlenecks to achieve high performance. The exact nature of their work depends on their position and the companies they’re working for. All Business Analysts’ works focus on eliminating inefficiencies, reducing expenses, and improving company rankings in a competitive market. Enroll in Business Analyst training course from a recognized training partner to acquire all the required skills. You will be learning Business Analyst skills like Agile Business, SDLC, SQL, Python, UML Diagrams, Data Visualization, Agile Scrum, Analytics, etc.
How do Business Analysts work?
Business Analysts can work as an employee who monitors, operate, devise, and implement improvements in processes. They could also work as consultants who are experts in offering recommendations and analysis insights on a contractual basis. These Business Analysts Consultants often offer specialized in a particular industry, such as manufacturing, information systems management, supply chain management, etc. Companies also hire Business Analysts to get help in planning major business activities, executing projects of great significance, or developing e-commerce strategies, etc.
Let’s discuss the career path of a Business Analyst:
Business Analysts, in general, start their professional journey by working in small firms for entry-level positions. These young professionals learn and understand the nuances of Business Analysis from scratch. They gain work experience by understanding how the businesses work from the inside. These knowledge and experiences help carve out the real Business Analyst from these professionals. If they possess the right Business Analyst skills and talents, they can promote themselves to the post of Junior Business Analyst.
Some others choose to pursue a master’s degree to start a career working in bigger organizations or consultancies. With experience and expertise, Business Analysts can move to senior positions that hold greater responsibilities and influence. Experienced Business Analysts could head a team of analysts to plan and execute Business Process Redesign (BPR) and other complicated projects. Business Analysts with high qualifications and top-notch performance could acquire high-level management positions within a company or other organizations. High-performing Business Analysts who work as consultants could rise to leadership positions within a firm or could start their own venture.
Business Analysts qualification:
Entry-level Business Analyst positions require a bachelor’s degree. Now, if you have a bachelor’s in fields like Business Analytics, Business Information Systems, or even Business Administration, you stand a good chance to bag that job offer. But since there are very few UG programs offered around the world that will equip you with all those necessary skills. You acquire business degrees in human resources, finance, operations management, logistics, accounting, and some others to bag jobs as Business Analyst.
You can progress in your career with a bachelor’s degree from a completely unrelated degree too. The only requirement is that you must possess technical and soft skills to be able to satisfy all the job requirements.
Companies looking for Senior Business Analysts or consultant positions are looking for an MBA (Masters in Business Administration) degree or any relevant degree in the field of business. However, you can’t conclude that getting an MBA or any business degree is the only way to advance your career. To advance in your career without a master’s degree, you can amount sufficient work experience, specialized domain knowledge, and consistent proof of high performance.
What certifications does a Business Analyst need to advance their career?
Business Analysts must acquire two major certifications to advance their careers. They are CBAP (Certified Business Analysis Professional) and CCBA (Certification of Capability in Business Analysis). Both certs are offered by IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis).
CCBA:
It’s a level two cert from IIBA that will help professionals in advancing their careers. CCBA requires professionals with at least 3750 hours earned in the last 7 years. And apart from that, you must complete 21 Professional Development Hours in the past four years.
CBAP:
This certification requires professionals to complete 7500 hours of work in the domain of Business Analysis in the previous 10 years. Apart from that, you must complete 35 hours of Professional Development training in the last four years and pass a written exam. Acquiring this cert will help you advance your career into more senior positions in the field.
Conclusion:
Anyone fascinated to become a Business Analyst could become by proper training and dedication. You need to have a passion to acquire the required skills and work your way up to your goals.