Find a Job You Really Want In
So you think you want to become a Business Analyst? That’s great! That’s fantastic! Congratulations! You’ve already taken the first step in becoming one, because you’ve decided on what you want to do. And that, as you know, is no small feat.
Before we give you the rundown on how to become a Business Analyst, let’s take a look at what a Business Analyst actually does.
So, what does a Business Analyst actually do?
These guys (also known as business consultants) advise organizations on how to improve their business – finances, efficiency, all the things. They consult with the company’s management and basically come up with a plan to make any changes the company needs, in order to be the best company it can be.
Many business analysts work on a contract basis for several companies—not necessarily just one company at a time. They can do this by being self-employed or perhaps working for a business consulting firm.
If this is the job for you, you should be prepared for some long hours and tight deadlines.
Sound good? Okay, then let’s get you started…
1. First Thing’s First: School
The first step in becoming a business analyst is getting your Bachelor’s Degree. There are some companies that require a Master’s for the job, but mostly, a Bachelor’s is plenty sufficient.
Having majored in any of the following or related fields will give you a leg up on the job hunt: business administration, computer and information science, business, accounting, marketing, statistics, management, or economics.
It can also help to get an internship during or just after your years as an undergrad. You can look for one specifically tailored to students hoping to gain business analyst experience.
2. Gaining Work Experience
This might seem like one of those “easier said than done” points — and yes, we know it’s hard to imagine graduating from college and just landing the job you want — but that’s not what we’re suggesting.
Sometimes, before you can land the job you want as a business analyst job, you need to simply gain experience. It won’t be your perfect job, but in the long run, it will help you land it.
Look for entry-level positions in business management, information tech, human resources, or other related fields. Then, you can start looking for entry-level positions as a business analyst.
3. Get an MBA
I know we said that most business analyst positions don’t require an MBA, but it is an option. If you want to be five steps ahead of the rest in a really competitive job, you might consider it. Most MBA programs are two years, however, some schools offer accelerated programs.
Just something to think about.
4. Get Certified
Once you have some work experience under your belt in the field, it’s a good idea to go ahead and get certified. Some employers will even help you with certification.
There are three different levels of the Certified Management Consultant exam (the CMC). They are: basic, experienced, and management. With the basic level, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, five satisfactory evaluations, and at least three years of work experience.
With the experienced and management levels, you’ll need more work experience.
Plus, you’ll need to pass a written and oral exam to become certified. All that to say—a certification will most certainly help you stand out in the field, garnering you a higher salary and more competitive position.
5. Have Fun
There’s a tendency in the business world to take everything Very Seriously and forget about that most important F Word – fun! Being a Business Analyst is a lot of work—no sugar-coating that—but it is also a rewarding, challenging, and stimulating job. If you’re the type of person who finds fun in self-determination, helping businesses to succeed, and in working in a fast-paced environment, this might just be the job for you. So have fun with it.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
