{"id":126338,"date":"2021-11-29T10:34:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-29T15:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/?post_type=career-guide&#038;p=126338"},"modified":"2025-12-03T09:42:18","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T14:42:18","slug":"how-to-become-a-business-analyst","status":"publish","type":"career-guide","link":"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/career-guides\/how-to-become-a-business-analyst","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Business Analyst"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<header class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-hero-with-ri bstn-blocks-hero-with-ri\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-hero-with-ri__full-width-wrapper bstn-blocks-hero-with-ri__full-width-wrapper--main bstn-blocks-hero-with-ri__full-width-wrapper--bg-flair\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 1140 621\" class=\"bstn-blocks-hero-with-ri__bg-flair--rich\"><g opacity=\"0.55\"><path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"square\" d=\"M60.026 736.434V203.02\"><\/path><path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"square\" d=\"M60.364 436.132-120 436.131zm0-99.873H-120zm0-99.872H-120zM128 536.004h-248z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"><\/path><path fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M57.518 535.982a2.286 2.286 0 1 1 4.572 0 2.286 2.286 0 0 1-4.572 0m0-99.836a2.286 2.286 0 1 1 4.572-.002 2.286 2.286 0 0 1-4.572.002m0-99.837a2.286 2.286 0 1 1 4.572-.002 2.286 2.286 0 0 1-4.572.002m0-99.837a2.286 2.286 0 1 1 4.572-.002 2.286 2.286 0 0 1-4.572.002\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"><\/path><\/g><g opacity=\"0.55\"><path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"square\" d=\"M979.195-28.206V397.98m81.185-524.745V397.98\"><\/path><path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"square\" d=\"M1141.45 168.46H964zm0 98.334H964zm0 98.333H964zm66.55-295H964z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"><\/path><path fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M1138.66 70.148a2.244 2.244 0 1 0 4.49 0 2.246 2.246 0 1 0-4.49-.001zm-80.21 0c0 1.243 1.01 2.251 2.25 2.251s2.25-1.008 2.25-2.251-1.01-2.251-2.25-2.251-2.25 1.008-2.25 2.25zm-81.707 0a2.25 2.25 0 1 0 4.5.004 2.25 2.25 0 0 0-4.5-.005zm81.707 98.299a2.25 2.25 0 0 0 2.25 2.251 2.252 2.252 0 0 0 0-4.503 2.253 2.253 0 0 0-2.25 2.252m-81.707 0a2.25 2.25 0 1 0 4.498 0 2.25 2.25 0 0 0-2.249-2.252 2.25 2.25 0 0 0-2.249 2.252m161.917-.001a2.244 2.244 0 1 0 4.49 0 2.246 2.246 0 1 0-4.49 0m0 98.299a2.244 2.244 0 1 0 4.49 0 2.246 2.246 0 1 0-4.49 0m-80.21 0c0 1.243 1.01 2.251 2.25 2.251s2.25-1.008 2.25-2.251-1.01-2.251-2.25-2.251-2.25 1.008-2.25 2.251m-81.707 0a2.25 2.25 0 1 0 4.5.002 2.25 2.25 0 0 0-4.5-.002m81.707 98.299c0 1.243 1.01 2.251 2.25 2.251s2.25-1.008 2.25-2.251-1.01-2.251-2.25-2.251-2.25 1.008-2.25 2.251m-81.707 0a2.25 2.25 0 1 0 4.5.002 2.25 2.25 0 0 0-4.5-.002m161.917 0a2.244 2.244 0 1 0 4.49 0 2.246 2.246 0 1 0-4.49 0\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><div class=\"bstn-blocks-hero-with-ri__container\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-hero-with-ri__copy-container\"><p class=\"bstn-blocks-hero-with-ri__subtitle\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 17\" class=\"bstn-blocks-hero-with-ri__subtitle-icon\"><path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M12.554 16H2.444c-.383 0-.75-.158-1.021-.44A1.53 1.53 0 0 1 1 14.5M6.777 2H2.926c-.511 0-1 .21-1.362.586A2.04 2.04 0 0 0 1 4v10.5c0-.398.152-.78.423-1.06.27-.282.638-.44 1.021-.44h9.629c.127 0 .25-.053.34-.146a.5.5 0 0 0 .141-.354v-10c0-.133-.05-.26-.14-.354A.48.48 0 0 0 12.072 2h-1.445m.964 14v-3\"><\/path><path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M10.628 9 8.703 7 6.777 9V2c0-.265.101-.52.282-.707A.94.94 0 0 1 7.739 1h1.926c.256 0 .5.105.681.293.18.187.282.442.282.707z\"><\/path><\/svg>2026 Guide<button class=\"share-tooltip\" data-share-tooltip-trigger=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 15\" class=\"share-tooltip__icon\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M13.695 1.487 12.42 2.812l1.805 1.876H9.182c-1.99 0-3.61 1.681-3.61 3.75v.937h1.805v-.938c0-1.033.809-1.874 1.805-1.874h5.042L12.42 8.438l1.276 1.326 3.985-4.138-3.985-4.14z\"><\/path><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M10.085 13.125H1.96V1.875h9.929V0H.155v15H11.89v-4.688h-1.805z\"><\/path><\/svg><div class=\"share-tooltip__share-options\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-share-tooltip-share-options-template=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=%s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"share-tooltip__link\" data-share-tooltip-link=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 17 16\" class=\"share-tooltip__share-option-icon\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M16.098 8.049A8.05 8.05 0 1 0 6.791 16v-5.625H4.747V8.05h2.044V6.276c0-2.017 1.201-3.132 3.04-3.132.88 0 1.802.157 1.802.157v1.981h-1.016c-1 0-1.31.62-1.31 1.258v1.509h2.232l-.357 2.326H9.306V16a8.05 8.05 0 0 0 6.792-7.951\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?url=%s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"share-tooltip__link\" data-share-tooltip-link=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 13\" class=\"share-tooltip__share-option-icon\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M14.356 3.236c.006.143.006.28.006.423.007 4.334-3.295 9.338-9.332 9.338A9.33 9.33 0 0 1 0 11.522a6.6 6.6 0 0 0 4.855-1.364 3.29 3.29 0 0 1-3.068-2.282 3.2 3.2 0 0 0 1.482-.058 3.27 3.27 0 0 1-2.632-3.21v-.04c.455.254.968.397 1.488.41A3.29 3.29 0 0 1 1.111.598a9.33 9.33 0 0 0 6.766 3.431A3.29 3.29 0 0 1 8.825.89a3.294 3.294 0 0 1 4.647.143 6.5 6.5 0 0 0 2.086-.8 3.3 3.3 0 0 1-1.443 1.814A6.8 6.8 0 0 0 16 1.534a6.7 6.7 0 0 1-1.644 1.702\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=%s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"share-tooltip__link\" data-share-tooltip-link=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xml:space=\"preserve\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" class=\"share-tooltip__share-option-icon\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M14 0H2C.9 0 0 .9 0 2v12c0 1.1.9 2 2 2h12c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2V2c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2M4.4 13.6H2.1V6.4h2.4v7.2zM3.3 5.4C2.5 5.4 2 4.8 2 4.2 2 3.5 2.5 3 3.4 3c.8 0 1.3.5 1.3 1.2-.1.6-.6 1.2-1.4 1.2m9.8 8.2h-2.4V9.7c0-1-.3-1.6-1.2-1.6-.7 0-1.1.4-1.3.9v4.5H5.8V6.3h2.4v1c.3-.5.9-1.2 2.2-1.2 1.6 0 2.8 1 2.8 3.2v4.3z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a><span class=\"share-tooltip__link\" aria-label=\"Copy article link\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 19 18\" class=\"share-tooltip__share-option-icon\" data-share-tooltip-copy-link=\"true\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"m2.265 12.784 1.265-1.266-.633-.633a.896.896 0 0 1 0-1.266l7.595-7.593a.893.893 0 0 1 1.266 0l.633.632 1.264-1.264-.631-.633c-1.015-1.015-2.785-1.015-3.798 0L1.633 8.354a2.69 2.69 0 0 0 0 3.797zm15.821-6.96-.634-.632-1.265 1.265.633.633c.17.169.262.393.262.633a.9.9 0 0 1-.262.631L9.227 15.95a.92.92 0 0 1-1.266 0l-.633-.633-1.266 1.265.633.632a2.67 2.67 0 0 0 1.9.787c.716 0 1.39-.28 1.897-.787l7.594-7.593c.506-.507.786-1.18.786-1.897s-.28-1.392-.786-1.899zm0-3.797L16.82.76l-6.328 6.33 1.266 1.266zm-8.86 8.857L7.961 9.619l-6.328 6.33 1.265 1.264z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/div><\/button><\/p><h1 class=\"bstn-blocks-hero-with-ri__title\">How to Become a Business Analyst<\/h1><p class=\"bstn-blocks-hero-with-ri__description\">BrainStation\u2019s Business Analyst career guide is intended to help you take the first steps toward a lucrative career in business analysis. The guide provides an in-depth overview of the in-demand skills you should learn, the best training options, career paths in business analysis, how to become a Business Analyst, and more.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"bstn-blocks-hero-with-ri__ri-container\">    <div class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form\">\n        <svg class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__bg-flair\" viewBox=\"0 0 436 496\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path opacity=\".2\"\n                  d=\"M442 28l-83 134m0 0l90 92m-90-92l-234-29.782M36 427l-62-237 151-57.782M36 427l-62 91m62-91l35 115M36 427l413-99-81 200M125 132.218L-26 113 56-39\"\n                  stroke=\"#959FB2\"\/>\n        <\/svg>\n        <div class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__wrapper bstn-blocks-ri-form__wrapper--default\" data-view-default>\n            <div class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__title-section\">\n                <p class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__title\"><meta charset=\"utf-8\">Become a Business Analyst<\/p>\n                <p class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__subtitle\"><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/meta>Speak to a Learning Advisor to learn more about how our courses can help you become a Business Analyst.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            <form class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__form-section\" method=\"POST\" action=\"\/wordpress\/signup\">\n                <input type=\"text\" name=\"productSlug\" value=\"data-analytics\"\n                       hidden\/>\n                <input type=\"text\" name=\"source\" value=\"Typewriter Form\" hidden\/>\n                <input type=\"text\" name=\"campaignName\" value=\"career-guides\" hidden\/>\n                <input type=\"text\" name=\"url\" style=\"display: none !important\" title=\"Leave this field blank\"\n                       autoComplete=\"off\"\/>\n                <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"ht\"\n                       value=\"2026-04-24T15:17:18+00:00\"\/>\n                <div class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__form-row\">\n                    <fieldset\n                        class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__form-field-group bstn-blocks-ri-form__form-field-group--half\">\n                        <input\n                            type=\"text\"\n                            name=\"firstName\"\n                            placeholder=\"First Name\"\n                            class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__input--text\"\n                            required\n                        >\n                    <\/fieldset>\n                    <fieldset\n                        class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__form-field-group bstn-blocks-ri-form__form-field-group--half\">\n                        <input\n                            type=\"text\"\n                            name=\"lastName\"\n                            placeholder=\"Last Name\"\n                            class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__input--text\"\n                            required\n                        >\n                    <\/fieldset>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__form-row\">\n                    <fieldset class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__form-field-group\">\n                        <input\n                            type=\"email\"\n                            name=\"email\"\n                            placeholder=\"Email\"\n                            class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__input--text bstn-blocks-ri-form__form-row-input\"\n                            required\n                        >\n                    <\/fieldset>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__form-row\">\n                    <fieldset class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__form-field-group\">\n                        <input\n                            type=\"tel\"\n                            name=\"phoneNumber\"\n                            placeholder=\"(506) 234-5678 (Optional)\"\n                            class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__input--text bstn-blocks-ri-form__form-row-input input--phone\"\n                        >\n                    <\/fieldset>\n                <\/div>\n                <p class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__disclaimer\">By clicking &#8220;Submit&#8221;, you accept our <a href=\"\/terms-of-service\">Terms<\/a>.<\/p>\n                <button\n                    class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__form-submit is-style-kg-button-research-primary-variant\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    Submit                <\/button>\n                <p class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__form-error\" data-form-error>Couldn&#8217;t submit! Refresh the page and try again?<\/p>\n            <\/form>\n            <div class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__notes-section\">\n                                    <a href=\"\/course\/online\/data-analytics\" class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__note-link\">\n                        <span class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__note-link-text\">Learn more about our Data Analytics Course<\/span>\n                        <svg class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__note-link-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\n                             viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\">\n                            <path fill=\"currentColor\"\n                                  d=\"M6.345 12.743a1 1 0 001.31 1.511l5.477-4.749a1 1 0 000-1.511l-5.477-4.75a1.001 1.001 0 00-1.31 1.512l4.606 3.993-4.606 3.994z\"\/>\n                        <\/svg>\n                    <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div\n            class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__wrapper bstn-blocks-ri-form__wrapper--success bstn-blocks-ri-form__wrapper--hidden\"\n            data-view-success>\n            <svg class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__success-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 48 48\" fill=\"none\"\n                 xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                <path\n                    d=\"M24 0c13.255 0 24 10.745 24 24S37.255 48 24 48 0 37.255 0 24 10.745 0 24 0zm0 2C11.85 2 2 11.85 2 24s9.85 22 22 22 22-9.85 22-22S36.15 2 24 2z\"\n                    fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n                <path\n                    d=\"M32.282 17.304a1 1 0 011.54 1.266l-.104.126-13.08 13.5a1 1 0 01-1.289.126l-.125-.103-4.92-4.76a1 1 0 011.266-1.54l.125.103 4.201 4.064 12.386-12.782z\"\n                    fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n            <\/svg>\n            <p class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__success-title\">Thank you!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__success-desc\">We will be in touch soon.<\/p>\n                            <a href=\"\/course\/online\/data-analytics\" class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__note-link\">\n                    <span class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__note-link-text\">View Data Analytics Course page<\/span>\n                    <svg class=\"bstn-blocks-ri-form__note-link-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\n                         viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\"\n                         fill=\"none\">\n                        <path fill=\"currentColor\"\n                              d=\"M6.345 12.743a1 1 0 001.31 1.511l5.477-4.749a1 1 0 000-1.511l-5.477-4.75a1.001 1.001 0 00-1.31 1.512l4.606 3.993-4.606 3.994z\"\/>\n                    <\/svg>\n                <\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-indented-content-container bstn-blocks-indented-content-container\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-indented-content-container__content col col-sm-8 col-sm-offset-1\">\n<p>To become a <strong>Business Analyst<\/strong>, you must have key data analysis skills and an ability to glean insights from data sets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s no secret that the way we do business is evolving \u2013 it\u2019s been changing for decades, and the rate of that change shows no sign of slowing down. Just the opposite: today, more businesses are learning to adapt than ever before. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the center of this great shift are Business Analysts, a category of jobs that comprises responsibilities from systems and process analysis to project management to software development and everything in between. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-card bstn-blocks-card row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card--no-grid col\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--shadow bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--transparent bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--layout-default bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--card-padding-24px\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--top bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--size-default bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--layout-default\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xml:space=\"preserve\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"bstn-blocks-card__icon\"><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0 0h24v24H0z\"><\/path><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M15.001 16a1 1 0 0 1-1-1v-2h-1v-2h2a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v1l2.4-1.8a1 1 0 0 1 .6-.2h3V4h-10v3h-2V4c0-1.104.897-2 2-2h10c1.103 0 2 .896 2 2v7c0 1.103-.897 2-2 2h-2.667l-3.733 2.8c-.177.132-.388.2-.6.2\"><\/path><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M8.001 16c-2.206 0-4-1.794-4-4s1.794-4 4-4 4 1.795 4 4-1.794 4-4 4m0-6c-1.103 0-2 .896-2 2 0 1.103.897 2 2 2s2-.897 2-2c0-1.104-.897-2-2-2m8 14h-16v-1c0-3.533 3.29-6 8-6s8 2.467 8 6zM2.16 22h11.683c-.598-1.808-2.833-3-5.841-3s-5.244 1.192-5.842 3\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__desc-wrapper\">\n<p><em>Essentially, Business Analysts are the people who provide the insights that help companies manage change.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The full scope of potential changes a business can make is wide, so a Business Analyst job description can be just as wide. But at its core, the goal of a Business Analyst is the same no matter their level of seniority or what market they\u2019re in: to identify and define solutions that will help a business thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you\u2019d imagine, information plays a big part in this goal \u2013 sourcing information, analyzing it, understanding what\u2019s meaningful and what isn\u2019t, using it to make predictions and devise actionable goals, and finally, communicating all this to others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More specifically, it\u2019s Business Analysts who <strong>critically examine a company\u2019s organization<\/strong> and how it manages business processes, who implement its technical solutions, who look for new business opportunities, and who determine whether the benefits of a given action outweigh its costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because business analysis impacts virtually every facet of an organization, there\u2019s almost no position working for a company that doesn\u2019t relate to it in some way or another. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-card bstn-blocks-card row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card--no-grid col\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--shadow bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--transparent bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--layout-default bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--card-padding-24px\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--top bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--size-default bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--layout-default\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xml:space=\"preserve\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"bstn-blocks-card__icon\"><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0 0h24v24H0z\"><\/path><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M15.001 16a1 1 0 0 1-1-1v-2h-1v-2h2a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v1l2.4-1.8a1 1 0 0 1 .6-.2h3V4h-10v3h-2V4c0-1.104.897-2 2-2h10c1.103 0 2 .896 2 2v7c0 1.103-.897 2-2 2h-2.667l-3.733 2.8c-.177.132-.388.2-.6.2\"><\/path><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M8.001 16c-2.206 0-4-1.794-4-4s1.794-4 4-4 4 1.795 4 4-1.794 4-4 4m0-6c-1.103 0-2 .896-2 2 0 1.103.897 2 2 2s2-.897 2-2c0-1.104-.897-2-2-2m8 14h-16v-1c0-3.533 3.29-6 8-6s8 2.467 8 6zM2.16 22h11.683c-.598-1.808-2.833-3-5.841-3s-5.244 1.192-5.842 3\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__desc-wrapper\">\n<p><em>If you\u2019re working for a business, you\u2019re probably doing some form of business analysis role already. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And if you\u2019re looking to move into full-time business analysis jobs, that\u2019s good news: it means that however limited your training in business analysis per se, you still have some experience with it, and that can serve as an entry into the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For some people, this could mean learning more about business analysis and applying that knowledge to their current job \u2013 to command a higher salary, or even obtain a promotion. For others, retraining could be the first step to a new career as a full-time Business Analyst. Still, others may already occupy a senior executive position and simply want to grow their field of expertise, to improve their effectiveness at the job they already do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-2-font-size\"><strong>How to Become a Business Analyst in Six Steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list has-blue-base-color has-text-color\">\n<li><a href=\"#Learn-Business-Analysis-Fundamentals\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Learn-Business-Analysis-Fundamentals\">Learn business analysis fundamentals<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#take-a-Data-Analytics-Course\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#take-a-Data-Analytics-Course\">Take a data analytics course<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Work-on-Projects-to-Develop-Your-Practical-Data-Analytics-Skills\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Work-on-Projects-to-Develop-Your-Practical-Data-Analytics-Skills\">Work on projects to develop your practical data analytics skills<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Develop-Visualizations-and-Practice-Presenting-Them\">Develop visualizations and practice presenting them<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Develop-a-Business-Analyst-Portfolio-to-Showcase-Your-Work\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Develop-a-Business-Analyst-Portfolio-to-Showcase-Your-Work\">Develop a Business Analyst portfolio to showcase your work<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Apply-to-Relevant-Business-Analyst-Jobs\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Apply-to-Relevant-Business-Analyst-Jobs\">Apply to relevant Business Analyst jobs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading--h2 has-text-align-left bstn-blocks-heading--divider\" id=\"Learn-Business-Analysis-Fundamentals\"><h2 class=\"bstn-blocks-heading__heading-element\">1. Learn Business Analysis Fundamentals<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-indented-content-container bstn-blocks-indented-content-container\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-indented-content-container__content col col-sm-8 col-sm-offset-1\">\n<p>The first step of any career journey is to get familiar with what your desired position entails, and with the field as a whole. The basic idea behind business analysis is quite simple \u2013 identifying a business\u2019s needs and problems and turning them into opportunities for growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, the types of problems Business Analysts work to resolve are nearly endless \u2013 just one reason that the list of jobs that require business analysis skills is so long: Systems Analyst, Process Analyst, Business Architect, Management Consultant, Requirements Engineer, <a href=\"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/career-guides\/product-manager\">Product Manager<\/a>, Quality Assurance, and Data Scientist, to name just a few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All these jobs require business analysis skills, and where an employee doesn\u2019t have those skills, they\u2019ll be working directly with a Business Analyst who does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-card bstn-blocks-card row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card--no-grid col\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--shadow bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--transparent bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--layout-default bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--card-padding-24px\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--top bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--hide bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--size-default bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--layout-default\"><\/div><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__desc-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"is-style-bstn-paragraph-documentation-body\"><strong>Business Analyst Fundamentals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-kg-list-primary\">\n<li>Identifying business needs turning them into opportunities for growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Market analysis for untapped opportunities <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data modeling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Budgeting and forecasting <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Providing insight into IT strategy, communications, HR and training, supply chain, process management, and more<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But while you\u2019ve likely had some exposure to the ideas underlying business analysis through your work experience in a related field, you\u2019ll need to turn those impressions into a clear understanding of data analysis principles before you commit to a career-changing decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That means doing a bit of background research on the different ways Business Analysts can contribute to an organization \u2013 market analysis for untapped opportunities, data modeling, budgeting, and forecasting \u2013 and to an organization\u2019s IT strategy, communications, HR and training, supply chain, business architecture, and process management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most Business Analysts possess a bachelor\u2019s degree \u2013 often in business administration, finance, accounting, statistics, or computer science or programming \u2013 and for many people, this degree may be the most logical first step in getting some exposure to business analysis theory. For those looking to make a mid-career transition, this might not be feasible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-card bstn-blocks-card row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card--no-grid col\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--shadow bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--transparent bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--layout-default bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--card-padding-24px\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--top bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--size-default bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--layout-default\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xml:space=\"preserve\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"bstn-blocks-card__icon\"><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0 0h24v24H0z\"><\/path><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M15.001 16a1 1 0 0 1-1-1v-2h-1v-2h2a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v1l2.4-1.8a1 1 0 0 1 .6-.2h3V4h-10v3h-2V4c0-1.104.897-2 2-2h10c1.103 0 2 .896 2 2v7c0 1.103-.897 2-2 2h-2.667l-3.733 2.8c-.177.132-.388.2-.6.2\"><\/path><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M8.001 16c-2.206 0-4-1.794-4-4s1.794-4 4-4 4 1.795 4 4-1.794 4-4 4m0-6c-1.103 0-2 .896-2 2 0 1.103.897 2 2 2s2-.897 2-2c0-1.104-.897-2-2-2m8 14h-16v-1c0-3.533 3.29-6 8-6s8 2.467 8 6zM2.16 22h11.683c-.598-1.808-2.833-3-5.841-3s-5.244 1.192-5.842 3\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__desc-wrapper\">\n<p><em>Even with a degree in something completely unrelated, it\u2019s still possible to acquire an understanding of how businesses operate, either through formal training or more informal means. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What really matters is that when you begin to learn the specialized technical skills you\u2019ll need to become a Business Analyst, you have a clear understanding of how (and where) those skills can be applied to improving a business\u2019s bottom line.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading--h2 has-text-align-left bstn-blocks-heading--divider\" id=\"Take-a-Data-Analytics-Course\"><h2 class=\"bstn-blocks-heading__heading-element\">2. Take a Data Analytics Course<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-indented-content-container bstn-blocks-indented-content-container\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-indented-content-container__content col col-sm-8 col-sm-offset-1\">\n<p>Business administration becomes business analysis when you start looking at hard data. That data is the source of the insights Business Analysts use to define, study, and solve problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You might even say that a Business Analyst is, in many ways, a Data Analyst whose skills are laser-focused on improving a business\u2019s operations. In fact, the primary distinction between the two roles is that, unlike Data Analysts, who are primarily looking for significant patterns within data, Business Analysts are only interested in what those patterns can do to further a business\u2019 goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-card bstn-blocks-card row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card--no-grid col\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--shadow bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--transparent bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--layout-default bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--card-padding-24px\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--top bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--hide bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--size-default bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--layout-default\"><\/div><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__desc-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"is-style-bstn-paragraph-documentation-body\"><strong>Comparing Business and Data Analytics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-kg-list-primary\">\n<li><strong>Data Analysts<\/strong> primarily look for all significant patterns within data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Business Analysts<\/strong> look for data and patterns that can further a business&#8217; goals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That&#8217;s why taking a <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/course\/online\/data-analytics\" target=\"_blank\">Data Analytics course<\/a> can be a crucial step in becoming a Business Analyst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a business conducts more of its operations online, the amount of data at its disposal skyrockets. It\u2019s now possible to measure \u2013 with extreme precision \u2013 metrics that gauge a business\u2019s operating costs, performance, traffic, sales, and overall efficiency. But this data doesn\u2019t turn into recommendations by itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To do this, Business Analysts need a firm grasp of techniques used in data analytics, as they either work hand in glove with Data Analysts or perform data analysis themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-card bstn-blocks-card row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card--no-grid col\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--shadow bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--transparent bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--layout-default bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--card-padding-24px\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--top bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--size-default bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--layout-default\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xml:space=\"preserve\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"bstn-blocks-card__icon\"><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0 0h24v24H0z\"><\/path><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M15.001 16a1 1 0 0 1-1-1v-2h-1v-2h2a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v1l2.4-1.8a1 1 0 0 1 .6-.2h3V4h-10v3h-2V4c0-1.104.897-2 2-2h10c1.103 0 2 .896 2 2v7c0 1.103-.897 2-2 2h-2.667l-3.733 2.8c-.177.132-.388.2-.6.2\"><\/path><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M8.001 16c-2.206 0-4-1.794-4-4s1.794-4 4-4 4 1.795 4 4-1.794 4-4 4m0-6c-1.103 0-2 .896-2 2 0 1.103.897 2 2 2s2-.897 2-2c0-1.104-.897-2-2-2m8 14h-16v-1c0-3.533 3.29-6 8-6s8 2.467 8 6zM2.16 22h11.683c-.598-1.808-2.833-3-5.841-3s-5.244 1.192-5.842 3\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__desc-wrapper\">\n<p><em>Studying under the direction of a professional instructor ensures there are no gaps in your training, and that the time you spend studying is dedicated to the areas you\u2019ll really need to know.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll even have the opportunity to work on projects where you\u2019ll apply data analysis skills to real business case studies.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading--h2 has-text-align-left bstn-blocks-heading--divider\" id=\"Work-on-Projects-to-Develop-Your-Practical-Data-Analytics-Skills\"><h2 class=\"bstn-blocks-heading__heading-element\">3. Work on Projects to Develop Your Practical Data Analytics Skills<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-indented-content-container bstn-blocks-indented-content-container\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-indented-content-container__content col col-sm-8 col-sm-offset-1\">\n<p>With a clear idea of business fundamentals and the skills to analyze reams of data, you can begin practicing your ability to apply your new expertise to real business problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Try putting together practice projects that touch on all the different ways data analysis can be used to grow a business: researching your competition and market opportunities, establishing the parameters of the data you need to collect, gathering and cleaning that data, and modeling and analyzing it using custom-built algorithms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on your career goals, your practice projects should include not only different types of business solutions, but also different types of data \u2013 mining structured data, text and images, audio, or even video to perform statistical analysis, identify causality and make predictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you go, you\u2019ll also be practicing not only the technical, analytical, and business skills you\u2019ll need as a Business Analyst, but the <strong>soft skills<\/strong> you\u2019ll need too, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-kg-list-primary\">\n<li>Decision-making and weighing alternatives <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Interpersonal and communication skills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Time management and organization<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Persuasion and professionalism<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading--h3 bstn-blocks-heading--mt-0 has-text-align-left\"><h3 class=\"bstn-blocks-heading__heading-element\">What Is the Key Objective of Data Analysis?<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-kg-list-primary\">\n<li>Researching competition and market opportunities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Establishing the parameters of data you need to collect<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gathering and cleaning data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Modeling and analyzing data using custom-built algorithms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading--h2 has-text-align-left bstn-blocks-heading--divider\" id=\"Develop-Visualizations-and-Practice-Presenting-Them\"><h2 class=\"bstn-blocks-heading__heading-element\">4. Develop Visualizations and Practice Presenting Them<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-indented-content-container bstn-blocks-indented-content-container\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-indented-content-container__content col col-sm-8 col-sm-offset-1\">\n<p>Brilliant analysis doesn\u2019t count for much if you can\u2019t communicate your insights to others. For this, Business Analysts rely on strong written communication skills, but also on the ability to turn data into beautiful charts, graphs, and other visualizations, and even interactive dashboards that allow others to query and interact with the data you\u2019ve compiled in a user-friendly way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading--h3 bstn-blocks-heading--mt-0 has-text-align-left\"><h3 class=\"bstn-blocks-heading__heading-element\">Types of Data Visualization<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-kg-list-primary\">\n<li>Charts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Graphs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Interactive dashboards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Using programs like Tableau, PowerBI, Bokeh, Plotly, or Infogram, practice building your own visualizations from scratch, finding the best way to let the data speak for itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Excel also comes into play even during this step: although the basic premise behind spreadsheets is straightforward \u2013 making calculations or graphs by correlating the information in their cells \u2013 Excel remains incredibly useful after more than 30 years and is virtually unavoidable in the field. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading--h3 bstn-blocks-heading--mt-0 has-text-align-left\"><h3 class=\"bstn-blocks-heading__heading-element\">Visualization Tools<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid\"><ul class=\"bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid__container bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid--three-col\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 11\" class=\"bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item__icon\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M5.269 8.679 1.714 5.258.503 6.424 5.269 11l10.228-9.845L14.286 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><p class=\"bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item__text\">Tableau<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 11\" class=\"bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item__icon\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M5.269 8.679 1.714 5.258.503 6.424 5.269 11l10.228-9.845L14.286 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><p class=\"bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item__text\">PowerBI<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 11\" class=\"bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item__icon\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M5.269 8.679 1.714 5.258.503 6.424 5.269 11l10.228-9.845L14.286 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><p class=\"bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item__text\">Bokeh<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 11\" class=\"bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item__icon\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M5.269 8.679 1.714 5.258.503 6.424 5.269 11l10.228-9.845L14.286 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><p class=\"bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item__text\">Plotly<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 11\" class=\"bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item__icon\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M5.269 8.679 1.714 5.258.503 6.424 5.269 11l10.228-9.845L14.286 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><p class=\"bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item__text\">Infogram<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 11\" class=\"bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item__icon\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M5.269 8.679 1.714 5.258.503 6.424 5.269 11l10.228-9.845L14.286 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><p class=\"bstn-blocks-checkmark-grid-item__text\">Excel<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Creating visualizations is just the beginning. As a Business Analyst, these visualizations serve an important role in presenting your findings to your coworkers \u2013 to make the case for a given course of action. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These communication skills may come naturally to you, but if not, you can improve with practice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-card bstn-blocks-card row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card--no-grid col\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--shadow bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--transparent bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--layout-default bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--card-padding-24px\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--top bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--size-default bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--layout-default\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xml:space=\"preserve\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"bstn-blocks-card__icon\"><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0 0h24v24H0z\"><\/path><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M15.001 16a1 1 0 0 1-1-1v-2h-1v-2h2a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v1l2.4-1.8a1 1 0 0 1 .6-.2h3V4h-10v3h-2V4c0-1.104.897-2 2-2h10c1.103 0 2 .896 2 2v7c0 1.103-.897 2-2 2h-2.667l-3.733 2.8c-.177.132-.388.2-.6.2\"><\/path><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M8.001 16c-2.206 0-4-1.794-4-4s1.794-4 4-4 4 1.795 4 4-1.794 4-4 4m0-6c-1.103 0-2 .896-2 2 0 1.103.897 2 2 2s2-.897 2-2c0-1.104-.897-2-2-2m8 14h-16v-1c0-3.533 3.29-6 8-6s8 2.467 8 6zM2.16 22h11.683c-.598-1.808-2.833-3-5.841-3s-5.244 1.192-5.842 3\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__desc-wrapper\">\n<p><em>Start small, if necessary, delivering presentations to a single friend, for example, before moving on to colleagues. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eventually, you should be able to develop a hypothesis from its initial concept, figure out the best way to communicate your conclusions to others, and ultimately see that your idea is effectively executed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading--h2 has-text-align-left bstn-blocks-heading--divider\" id=\"Develop-a-Business-Analyst-Portfolio-to-Showcase-Your-Work\"><h2 class=\"bstn-blocks-heading__heading-element\">5. Develop a Business Analyst Portfolio to Showcase Your Work<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-indented-content-container bstn-blocks-indented-content-container\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-indented-content-container__content col col-sm-8 col-sm-offset-1\">\n<p>Once you\u2019ve acquired these key skills, it\u2019s important that you display them by putting the projects you\u2019ve developed and the code you\u2019ve written (even as part of your coursework) up on GitHub or a similar online portal to show what you can do and begin building your professional portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An ambitious and well-executed project that you pull off on your own can be a great way to demonstrate your abilities, impress potential Hiring Managers, and help your portfolio stand out from the pack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-card bstn-blocks-card row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card--no-grid col\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--shadow bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--transparent bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--layout-default bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--card-padding-24px\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--top bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--hide bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--size-default bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--layout-default\"><\/div><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__desc-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"is-style-bstn-paragraph-documentation-body\"><strong>5 Tips for Business Analysis Projects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-kg-list-checklist\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 1rem; color: initial;\">Pick a facet of business analysis you&#8217;re interested in (real-world or a current problem at your job)<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask a question about it<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gather the information you need to analyze the problem<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Resolve it with data and numbers and document your journey<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visualize your findings and present it to colleagues <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pick a facet of business analysis that you\u2019re really interested in \u2013 possibly even a real-world problem you\u2019ve faced at your current job \u2013 ask a question about it, gather the information you\u2019ll need to analyze the problem, and try to resolve it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Document your journey and present your findings \u2013 beautifully visualized \u2013 with a clear explanation of your process, highlighting your business analysis skills and creativity. And if you can point to real-world outcomes that improved a company\u2019s bottom line, that\u2019s a part of the story you\u2019ll want to tell using numbers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading--h2 has-text-align-left bstn-blocks-heading--divider\" id=\"Apply-to-Relevant-Business-Analyst-Jobs\"><h2 class=\"bstn-blocks-heading__heading-element\">6. Apply to Relevant Business Analyst Jobs<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-indented-content-container bstn-blocks-indented-content-container\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-indented-content-container__content col col-sm-8 col-sm-offset-1\">\n<p>As mentioned above, the number of different job titles that potentially fall under the umbrella of \u201cbusiness analysis\u201d is vast, including everything from Business Analysts proper to any one of the following \u2013 and, rest assured, there are many more:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can safely assume that business analysis skills will be required in any one of those positions. But before applying, you\u2019ll want to research a bit more about the job, as well as the company itself and what it does. What are the company\u2019s priorities, and do they play into your strengths, goals, and career plans?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And, as with any job search, it pays to network. There are professional organizations you can join \u2013 notably, the IIBA \u2013 and both real-world and digital networking events are regularly posted to sites like EventBrite and Meetup.com. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember, these events are for building relationships, so focus on making meaningful connections, not trying to spread your resume around, and don\u2019t be afraid to follow up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading--h3 bstn-blocks-heading--mt-0 has-text-align-left\"><h3 class=\"bstn-blocks-heading__heading-element\">Business Analyst Roles<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-kg-list-primary\">\n<li>Data Analyst<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Functional Analyst<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quantitative Analyst<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Research Analyst<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Systems Analyst<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enterprise Architect<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Process Architect<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Business Solution Architect<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-kg-list-primary\">\n<li>IT Project Coordinator<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IT Lead<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Process Coordinator<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Management Consultant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Product Manager<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Project Manager<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Compliance Manager<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chief Information Officer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading--h2 has-text-align-left bstn-blocks-heading--divider\"><h2 class=\"bstn-blocks-heading__heading-element\">What Is a Business Analyst?<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-indented-content-container bstn-blocks-indented-content-container\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-indented-content-container__content col col-sm-8 col-sm-offset-1\">\n<p>A Business Analyst uses data analytics and other tools to evaluate and improve business processes and requirements, deliver data-driven recommendations, and find other opportunities to improve efficiency and add value. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A Business Analyst must understand the priorities of both business leaders and users alike while balancing ideas for improvement with an understanding of financial realities. In many business analysis jobs, they might also use data sets to improve products, hardware, tools, software, services, or processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-card bstn-blocks-card row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card--no-grid col\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--shadow bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--transparent bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--layout-default bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--card-padding-24px\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--top bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--hide bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--size-default bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--layout-default\"><\/div><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__desc-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"is-style-bstn-paragraph-documentation-body\"><strong>Business Analysts<\/strong> look at how data fits into an organization\u2019s larger operations \u2013 including aspects that aren\u2019t captured by large sets of data such as organizational structure or workflow protocols.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-card bstn-blocks-card row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card--no-grid col\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--shadow bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--transparent bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--layout-default bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--card-padding-24px\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--top bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--hide bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--size-default bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--layout-default\"><\/div><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__desc-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"is-style-bstn-paragraph-documentation-body\"><strong>Data Analysts<\/strong> define, collect, clean, model and analyze data of all types. Often, but not always, this is done in order to identify information that will help businesses make better decisions. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading--h3 bstn-blocks-heading--mt-0 has-text-align-left\"><h3 class=\"bstn-blocks-heading__heading-element\">Business Analytics vs Data Analytics<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Since <strong>data is a core element in both jobs<\/strong>, it can be confusing for some to determine what&#8217;s the difference between a Business Analyst and a Data Analyst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A Data Analyst\u2019s work consists of defining, collecting, cleaning, modeling, and analyzing data of all types; often, but not always, this is done in order to identify information that will help businesses make better decisions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Data Analyst job responsibilities include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-kg-list-primary\">\n<li>Researching to identify opportunities for growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data requirement gathering to understand what information is needed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data collection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data cleaning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Modeling and analyzing data to identify significant patterns and trends<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Presenting findings to other members of the organization<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While business analysis includes a great deal of data analysis, it considers a <strong>broader context for that data<\/strong>. A Business Analyst looks at the way that data fits into an organization\u2019s larger operations \u2013 including aspects that aren\u2019t necessarily captured by large sets of data, such as organizational structure or workflow protocols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In that way, Business Analysts are fundamentally Consultants, making data-driven recommendations and working with measurable initiatives to monitor change and gauge success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading--h3 bstn-blocks-heading--mt-0 has-text-align-left\"><h3 class=\"bstn-blocks-heading__heading-element\">Business Analyst Responsibilities<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-kg-list-checklist\">\n<li>Sourcing and analyzing business information<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Understanding what data is meaningful and what isn&#8217;t<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making insightful predictions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Devising actionable goals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communicating insights and goals to others<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading--h2 has-text-align-left bstn-blocks-heading--divider\"><h2 class=\"bstn-blocks-heading__heading-element\">What Does a Business Analyst Do?<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-indented-content-container bstn-blocks-indented-content-container\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-indented-content-container__content col col-sm-8 col-sm-offset-1\">\n<p>Although the demands of a specific business analysis role will vary depending on their industry, seniority, and specific job role, most Business Analysts spend their time conducting research, analyzing data, gathering information to understand business requirements, developing clear and actionable strategies, and ultimately communicating those strategies to stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, you will find all of the following tasks included in a Business Analyst job description:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-kg-list-primary\">\n<li>Leading ongoing reviews of business processes and the business model and leading the development of optimization strategies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evaluating and improving business processes, anticipating requirements and business problems, unearthing areas for improvement, and leading the development and implementation of solutions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Staying up-to-date on the latest process and IT advancements to modernize systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Performing requirement analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Working closely with stakeholders, clients, technicians, and managerial staff<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Effectively communicating insights and plans to cross-functional team members and management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gathering, documenting, and sharing important information from meetings and producing useful reports<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allocating resources and maintaining cost efficiency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensuring solutions meet business requirements and needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leading project management initiatives, developing project plans, and monitoring project performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Updating, implementing, and maintaining procedures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prioritizing initiatives based on business needs and requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monitoring deliverables and ensuring projects are completed on time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading--h2 has-text-align-left bstn-blocks-heading--divider\"><h2 class=\"bstn-blocks-heading__heading-element\">Business Analyst Qualifications<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-indented-content-container bstn-blocks-indented-content-container\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-indented-content-container__content col col-sm-8 col-sm-offset-1\">\n<p>Business Analyst qualifications can vary, as you can establish a Business Analyst career from a variety of different backgrounds, but many Business Analysts have a professional and educational background in a related field like business, data analytics, or computer science. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other important factors to qualify for a Business Analyst job include skills training, business analysis certification, and domain knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-card bstn-blocks-card row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card--no-grid col\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--shadow bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--transparent bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--layout-default bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--card-padding-24px\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--top bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--size-default bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--layout-default\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xml:space=\"preserve\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"bstn-blocks-card__icon\"><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0 0h24v24H0z\"><\/path><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M15.001 16a1 1 0 0 1-1-1v-2h-1v-2h2a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v1l2.4-1.8a1 1 0 0 1 .6-.2h3V4h-10v3h-2V4c0-1.104.897-2 2-2h10c1.103 0 2 .896 2 2v7c0 1.103-.897 2-2 2h-2.667l-3.733 2.8c-.177.132-.388.2-.6.2\"><\/path><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M8.001 16c-2.206 0-4-1.794-4-4s1.794-4 4-4 4 1.795 4 4-1.794 4-4 4m0-6c-1.103 0-2 .896-2 2 0 1.103.897 2 2 2s2-.897 2-2c0-1.104-.897-2-2-2m8 14h-16v-1c0-3.533 3.29-6 8-6s8 2.467 8 6zM2.16 22h11.683c-.598-1.808-2.833-3-5.841-3s-5.244 1.192-5.842 3\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__desc-wrapper\">\n<p><em>When it comes to work experience, those working in a Business Analyst role now tend to have previously held positions relating to business, analytics, data science, IT, or HR. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Employers typically expect several years of professional experience working within a business in some capacity \u2013 not necessarily as an Analyst, but in some kind of role where you would build your business acumen, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and gain a strong sense of what a business needs to succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That speaks to what employers are really looking for: <strong>business analytics skills<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most important qualification for Business Analysts is to be able to prove you have a rare combination of technical and soft skills \u2014 especially good communication skills and analytical skills \u2014 to thrive in a Business Analyst position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because there are no consistent qualifications for Business Analyst jobs, hopeful career-changers who feel like they have the right transferable skills sometimes find success by looking for entry level Business Analyst positions and rounding out their skill sets on the job.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading--h2 has-text-align-left bstn-blocks-heading--divider\"><h2 class=\"bstn-blocks-heading__heading-element\">Do You Need a Degree to Become a Business Analyst?<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-indented-content-container bstn-blocks-indented-content-container\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-indented-content-container__content col col-sm-8 col-sm-offset-1\">\n<p class=\"is-style-kg-paragraph-article-body\">While it may be difficult to become a Business Analyst without some kind of degree, in many (if not most) cases, <strong>there is no hard requirement for a specific type of degree<\/strong>. Even when job postings stipulate that a specific degree is preferred, most employers weigh a range of factors during hiring, including not only university education but also on-the-job experience and other skills training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading bstn-blocks-heading--h3 has-text-align-left\"><h3 class=\"bstn-blocks-heading__heading-element\">Business Analyst Education Requirements<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-kg-paragraph-article-body\">lyst job. It&#8217;s even better if the degree is in a business analysis\u2013related or adjacent field like business administration, computer science, accounting, finance or economics, analytics or information systems, operations management, logistics, or even human resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-kg-paragraph-article-body\">If you&#8217;re looking to pursue a business analysis career, it might help if you have a bachelor&#8217;s degree in a <strong>related field<\/strong> like: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-kg-list-primary\">\n<li>Business administration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Computer science<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accounting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Financial analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enterprise architecture<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-kg-list-primary\">\n<li>Data science<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Information systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Operations management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Logistics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Human resources.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-card bstn-blocks-card row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card--no-grid col\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--shadow bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--transparent bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--layout-default bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--card-padding-24px\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--top bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--size-default bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--layout-default\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"bstn-blocks-card__icon\"><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0 0h24v24H0z\"><\/path><path d=\"M15.001 16a1 1 0 01-1-1v-2h-1v-2h2a1 1 0 011 1v1l2.4-1.8a1 1 0 01.6-.2h3V4h-10v3h-2V4c0-1.104.897-2 2-2h10c1.103 0 2 .896 2 2v7c0 1.103-.897 2-2 2h-2.667l-3.733 2.8c-.177.132-.388.2-.6.2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.001 16c-2.206 0-4-1.794-4-4 0-2.205 1.794-4 4-4s4 1.795 4 4c0 2.206-1.794 4-4 4zm0-6c-1.103 0-2 .896-2 2 0 1.103.897 2 2 2s2-.897 2-2c0-1.104-.897-2-2-2zm8 14h-16v-1c0-3.533 3.29-6 8-6s8 2.467 8 6v1zM2.16 22h11.683c-.598-1.808-2.833-3-5.841-3s-5.244 1.192-5.842 3z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__desc-wrapper\">\n\n<p><em>That said, employers for business analysis roles will typically prioritize your work experience, professional certification, and other skills training ahead of your academic background.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And although it will likely be required to have a bachelor&#8217;s degree even for entry level positions, it is unlikely that you would need a master&#8217;s degree to qualify for most jobs in the business analysis field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, no degree is sufficient to land a job as a Business Analyst without these other qualifications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-card bstn-blocks-card row\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card--no-grid col\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--shadow bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--transparent bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--layout-default bstn-blocks-card__card-wrapper--card-padding-24px\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--top bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--size-default bstn-blocks-card__icon-wrapper--layout-default\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"bstn-blocks-card__icon\"><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0 0h24v24H0z\"><\/path><path d=\"M15.001 16a1 1 0 01-1-1v-2h-1v-2h2a1 1 0 011 1v1l2.4-1.8a1 1 0 01.6-.2h3V4h-10v3h-2V4c0-1.104.897-2 2-2h10c1.103 0 2 .896 2 2v7c0 1.103-.897 2-2 2h-2.667l-3.733 2.8c-.177.132-.388.2-.6.2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><path d=\"M8.001 16c-2.206 0-4-1.794-4-4 0-2.205 1.794-4 4-4s4 1.795 4 4c0 2.206-1.794 4-4 4zm0-6c-1.103 0-2 .896-2 2 0 1.103.897 2 2 2s2-.897 2-2c0-1.104-.897-2-2-2zm8 14h-16v-1c0-3.533 3.29-6 8-6s8 2.467 8 6v1zM2.16 22h11.683c-.598-1.808-2.833-3-5.841-3s-5.244 1.192-5.842 3z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"bstn-blocks-card__desc-wrapper\">\n\n<p><em>And because business analytics is such a specialized field, few degree programs even impart all the necessary business analysis techniques and skills needed for a job in the field.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Further, given how quickly technology changes and best practices evolve, <strong>skills retraining is a must<\/strong> to stay on top of those changes \u2014 and that&#8217;s part of why business analysis certifications have become such an important piece of the puzzle for many.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Additional Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apart from a degree, there are other crucial attributes you\u2019ll need to develop and highlight during your search for a Business Analyst job, including work experience, specialized skills (re)training, and professional certification. In fact, no degree is sufficient to land a job as a Business Analyst without these other qualifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the first case, work experience, employers typically expect several years of experience working within a business in some capacity \u2013 not necessarily as an Analyst, but the more you\u2019ve been exposed to and have learned about the ways a business operates while on the job, the better. Enough work experience in the right field is equivalent to a degree in the eyes of some employers \u2013 multiple years working in IT or writing technical documentation, for example, can be as persuasive as a computer science degree. After all, nothing demonstrates your ability to effectively harness your skills on the job than a proven history of doing just that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This speaks to the second set of attributes employers weigh: the skills themselves. Because business analysis is such a specialized field, few degree programs even impart all the skills a Business Analyst needs \u2013 and, especially as time passes and technology and best practices evolve, skills retraining is a must to stay on top of those changes. Whatever your level of formal educational attainment, you\u2019ll still need to be able to prove that you\u2019ve acquired those highly specialized and up-to-date skills, and the most effective way to do that is through a <a href=\"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/course\/online\/data-analytics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">data analytics certification<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, you can back up those skills with a certification from one of the many professional organizations that offer them, such as the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA); the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC); BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT; the International Qualification Board for Business Analysis (IQBBA); Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering (CPRE); or Professional in Business Analysis (PBA). Which certification is right for you will depend on your country and location, your sector, the type of business analysis you\u2019re specializing in, and the industry and company you\u2019re hoping to work for \u2013 so do your research first to understand which certification will be most valuable.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-content-navigation-footer bstn-blocks-content-nav-footer bstn-blocks-content-nav-footer--article\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-content-nav-footer__links-container\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-content-nav-footer__link-container\"><p class=\"bstn-blocks-content-nav-footer__link-title bstn-blocks-content-nav-footer__link--desktop\">Previous<\/p><a class=\"bstn-blocks-content-nav-footer__link\" href=\"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/career-guides\/business-analyst-vs-data-scientist\"><span class=\"bstn-blocks-content-nav-footer__link-icon-wrapper bstn-blocks-content-nav-footer__link-icon-wrapper--left\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" class=\"bstn-blocks-content-nav-footer__link-icon bstn-blocks-content-nav-footer__link-icon--left\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M6.345 12.743a1 1 0 0 0 1.31 1.511l5.477-4.749a1 1 0 0 0 0-1.511l-5.477-4.75a1.001 1.001 0 0 0-1.31 1.512l4.606 3.993z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"bstn-blocks-content-nav-footer__link-text bstn-blocks-content-nav-footer__link--desktop\">Business Analyst vs Data Scientist<\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"bstn-blocks-content-nav-footer__link-container\"><p class=\"bstn-blocks-content-nav-footer__link-title\">Next<\/p><a class=\"bstn-blocks-content-nav-footer__link\" href=\"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/career-guides\/what-does-a-business-analyst-do\"><span class=\"bstn-blocks-content-nav-footer__link-text\">What Does a Business Analyst Do?<\/span><span class=\"bstn-blocks-content-nav-footer__link-icon-wrapper bstn-blocks-content-nav-footer__link-icon-wrapper--right\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" class=\"bstn-blocks-content-nav-footer__link-icon bstn-blocks-content-nav-footer__link-icon--right\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M6.345 12.743a1 1 0 0 0 1.31 1.511l5.477-4.749a1 1 0 0 0 0-1.511l-5.477-4.75a1.001 1.001 0 0 0-1.31 1.512l4.606 3.993z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-course-cta bstn-blocks-course-cta\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 1140 621\" class=\"bstn-blocks-course-cta__bg-flair--rich\"><g opacity=\"0.55\"><path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"square\" d=\"M60.026 736.434V203.02\"><\/path><path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"square\" d=\"M60.364 436.132-120 436.131zm0-99.873H-120zm0-99.872H-120zM128 536.004h-248z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"><\/path><path fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M57.518 535.982a2.286 2.286 0 1 1 4.572 0 2.286 2.286 0 0 1-4.572 0m0-99.836a2.286 2.286 0 1 1 4.572-.002 2.286 2.286 0 0 1-4.572.002m0-99.837a2.286 2.286 0 1 1 4.572-.002 2.286 2.286 0 0 1-4.572.002m0-99.837a2.286 2.286 0 1 1 4.572-.002 2.286 2.286 0 0 1-4.572.002\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"><\/path><\/g><g opacity=\"0.55\"><path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"square\" d=\"M979.195-28.206V397.98m81.185-524.745V397.98\"><\/path><path stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"square\" d=\"M1141.45 168.46H964zm0 98.334H964zm0 98.333H964zm66.55-295H964z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"><\/path><path fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M1138.66 70.148a2.244 2.244 0 1 0 4.49 0 2.246 2.246 0 1 0-4.49-.001zm-80.21 0c0 1.243 1.01 2.251 2.25 2.251s2.25-1.008 2.25-2.251-1.01-2.251-2.25-2.251-2.25 1.008-2.25 2.25zm-81.707 0a2.25 2.25 0 1 0 4.5.004 2.25 2.25 0 0 0-4.5-.005zm81.707 98.299a2.25 2.25 0 0 0 2.25 2.251 2.252 2.252 0 0 0 0-4.503 2.253 2.253 0 0 0-2.25 2.252m-81.707 0a2.25 2.25 0 1 0 4.498 0 2.25 2.25 0 0 0-2.249-2.252 2.25 2.25 0 0 0-2.249 2.252m161.917-.001a2.244 2.244 0 1 0 4.49 0 2.246 2.246 0 1 0-4.49 0m0 98.299a2.244 2.244 0 1 0 4.49 0 2.246 2.246 0 1 0-4.49 0m-80.21 0c0 1.243 1.01 2.251 2.25 2.251s2.25-1.008 2.25-2.251-1.01-2.251-2.25-2.251-2.25 1.008-2.25 2.251m-81.707 0a2.25 2.25 0 1 0 4.5.002 2.25 2.25 0 0 0-4.5-.002m81.707 98.299c0 1.243 1.01 2.251 2.25 2.251s2.25-1.008 2.25-2.251-1.01-2.251-2.25-2.251-2.25 1.008-2.25 2.251m-81.707 0a2.25 2.25 0 1 0 4.5.002 2.25 2.25 0 0 0-4.5-.002m161.917 0a2.244 2.244 0 1 0 4.49 0 2.246 2.246 0 1 0-4.49 0\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><div class=\"bstn-blocks-course-cta__container\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-course-cta__copy-container\"><p class=\"bstn-blocks-course-cta__subtitle\"><span>GET STARTED<\/span><\/p><h2 class=\"bstn-blocks-course-cta__title\">Accelerate Your Business Analyst Career<\/h2><p class=\"bstn-blocks-course-cta__description\">Courses built on adaptive curriculum and led by leading industry experts.<\/p><ul class=\"bstn-blocks-course-cta__description-checklist wp-block-list is-style-kg-list-checklist-alternate\"><li><p class=\"bstn-blocks-course-cta__checklist-item\">Work on projects in a collaborative setting<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"bstn-blocks-course-cta__checklist-item\">Get access to VIP events and workshops<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"bstn-blocks-course-cta__checklist-item\">Taught by industry experts<\/p><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"bstn-blocks-course-cta__cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/course\/online\/data-analytics\">Learn more<\/a><\/div><div class=\"bstn-blocks-course-cta__course-container\"><h3 class=\"bstn-blocks-course-cta__course-list-heading\">recommended Certifications<br><a href=\"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/course\/online\/product-design\"><\/a><\/h3><ul class=\"bstn-blocks-course-cta__course-list\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-course-card bstn-blocks-course-card\"><a class=\"bstn-blocks-course-card__link-wrapper\" href=\"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/course\/online\/data-analytics\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-course-card__title-group\"><span class=\"bstn-blocks-course-card__tag bstn-blocks-course-card__tag--yellow\">professional certificate<\/span><span class=\"bstn-blocks-course-card__title\" href=\"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/course\/online\/data-analytics\">Data Analyst Certification (DAC\u2122)<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" class=\"bstn-blocks-course-card__link-icon\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M6.345 12.743a1 1 0 0 0 1.31 1.511l5.477-4.749a1 1 0 0 0 0-1.511l-5.477-4.75a1.001 1.001 0 0 0-1.31 1.512l4.606 3.993z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/div><p class=\"bstn-blocks-course-card__description\">Earn the Data Analyst Certification (DAC\u2122)<\/p><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-course-card bstn-blocks-course-card\"><a class=\"bstn-blocks-course-card__link-wrapper\" href=\"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/course\/online\/data-science\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-course-card__title-group\"><span class=\"bstn-blocks-course-card__tag bstn-blocks-course-card__tag--yellow\">professional certificate<\/span><span class=\"bstn-blocks-course-card__title\" href=\"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/course\/online\/data-science\">Artificial Intelligence Certification (AIC\u2122)<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" class=\"bstn-blocks-course-card__link-icon\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M6.345 12.743a1 1 0 0 0 1.31 1.511l5.477-4.749a1 1 0 0 0 0-1.511l-5.477-4.75a1.001 1.001 0 0 0-1.31 1.512l4.606 3.993z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/div><p class=\"bstn-blocks-course-card__description\">Earn the Artificial Intelligence Certification (AIC\u2122)<\/p><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bstn-blocks-course-card bstn-blocks-course-card\"><a class=\"bstn-blocks-course-card__link-wrapper\" href=\"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/course\/online\/product-management\"><div class=\"bstn-blocks-course-card__title-group\"><span class=\"bstn-blocks-course-card__tag bstn-blocks-course-card__tag--yellow\">professional certificate<\/span><span class=\"bstn-blocks-course-card__title\" href=\"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/course\/online\/product-management\">Product Manager Certification (PMC\u2122)<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" class=\"bstn-blocks-course-card__link-icon\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M6.345 12.743a1 1 0 0 0 1.31 1.511l5.477-4.749a1 1 0 0 0 0-1.511l-5.477-4.75a1.001 1.001 0 0 0-1.31 1.512l4.606 3.993z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/div><p class=\"bstn-blocks-course-card__description\">Earn the Product Manager Certification (PMC\u2122)<\/p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-126338","career-guide","type-career-guide","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/wp\/api\/wp\/v2\/career-guide\/126338","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/wp\/api\/wp\/v2\/career-guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/wp\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/career-guide"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/wp\/api\/wp\/v2\/career-guide\/126338\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":135605,"href":"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/wp\/api\/wp\/v2\/career-guide\/126338\/revisions\/135605"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/wp\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=126338"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/wp\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=126338"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brainstation.io\/wp\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=126338"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}