How to become a business analyst? With the world becoming more data-driven, businesses require professionals who can make sense of large amounts of data and provide insights to help them make better decisions. This is where a business analyst comes in. As a business analyst, you can be the bridge between the technical and non-technical teams in an organization, helping them understand each other and working towards achieving common goals.
In this article, you will learn about the various education and certification options available to become a business analyst, as well as ways to upskill yourself for success in this field. We will also explore different career paths available to business analysts across various industries such as finance, healthcare, IT etc., and discuss specialisations that can help you grow your career further.
Whether you are a fresh graduate or an experienced professional looking for a career change, this guide will provide valuable insights into how you can become a successful business analyst in India.
Career Paths and Job Potential of a Business Analyst
Exploring Career Choices as A Business Analyst
Business analysts can work in various industries such as finance, healthcare, IT, etc. depending on their area of specialization. Here are some job roles that you can apply for after completing your degree:
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Risk Analyst
Here's a list of different job roles related to business analysis:
- Business Systems Analyst
- Operations Research Analyst
- Marketing Analytics Manager
The average salary for entry-level business analysts varies across different industries. Here's a table showing the average salaries for entry-level positions in India:
Current market trends show immense growth potential for the business analyst profession in India. The demand for skilled data analysts has been steadily increasing, with the country expected to generate approximately 2.3 million jobs in analytics by 2022.
Education and Certification Options of a Business Analyst
Navigating Your Educational Pathway
As a business analyst, you need to have a strong foundation in quantitative analysis, statistics, and problem-solving skills. Though any graduate can become a business analyst, having an educational background in engineering, mathematics, economics or information technology can be an added advantage.
A postgraduate degree in management or business analytics can also help you build expertise in the field. Many universities now offer degree programs that cater specifically to this field. Here are some of the popular degrees that students choose to pursue:
- Bachelor's degree in analytics or computer science.
- Master's degree in IT management.
- MBA with a specialization in Business Analytics.
- MS in Business Analytics from a reputed university.
Certifications and training programs are excellent options to enhance your skill set and help you stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends. Some of the top certification courses preferred by recruiters include:
- Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) by IIBA
- Microsoft Certified Azure Data Scientist Associate
- Tableau Desktop Certification
Investing time and money in acquiring these certifications will demonstrate your commitment to the profession and increase your chances of securing a high-paying job. Here's a table comparing the cost, duration, and benefits of three certification courses that you can consider:
Upskilling Your Skillset of a Business Analyst
Upskilling for Success
Upskilling is essential to stay relevant in the fast-paced industry of business analysis. A successful business analyst should have a combination of analytical, technical, communication, and management skills.
Analytical Skills:
As a business analyst, you need to be skilled in understanding complex data sets and converting them into meaningful insights. This requires knowledge of statistical analysis tools like R or Python.
Technical Skills:
You should have expertise in using tools such as Power BI or Tableau for data visualization purposes. Proficiency in SQL queries, predictive modelling techniques and machine learning algorithms is also highly desirable.
Communication Skills:
You need to be an expert at presenting complex ideas in easy-to-understand terms. Writing clear documentation, visual presentations, and speaking persuasively are important skills that you must master.
Management Skills:
Project management skills are essential as you will work with stakeholders from different teams within an organization. Familiarity with Agile methodologies can help improve efficiency while working on projects.
Online platforms like Coursera or Udemy provide several courses that can help you upskill effectively. In-person training programs are available too if you prefer a more structured approach. How to become a business analyst? Upskilling is the answer!
Specialisations and Opportunities of a Business Analyst
Specialising Your Career
Business analysis has several specializations that cater to specific domains or areas of interest. Some popular specializations include data analytics, system analysis, and process improvement.
Data Analytics:
A data analyst specializes in collecting and analyzing large data sets using statistical tools like R or Python. The insights gained help organizations make informed decisions based on consumer trends and behaviour.
System Analysis:
A system analyst works closely with stakeholders from various departments to identify inefficiencies within existing systems and suggest improvements using technology solutions.
Process Improvement:
Process improvement specialists analyze the workflow of an organization and identify gaps that impede efficiency. They develop strategies to optimize processes and eliminate redundancies.
Here's a table showing the current job market demand for various specializations:
Business analysts can expect tremendous growth opportunities in India. With the government's push towards digitization, businesses are increasingly relying on technology and data analytics to make informed decisions.
Certification Programs and Courses of a Business Analyst
Choosing the Right Certification Program
Certification programs can help you stay ahead of competitors and increase your chances of getting hired. WIZR offers several certification courses that cater to different domains.
Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP):
The CBAP course prepares you for a career in business analysis by providing an overview of industry-standard best practices. The course is recognized globally, making it an excellent investment for your career.
Tableau Desktop Certification:
The Tableau Desktop Certification program provides hands-on experience with Tableau software, which is extensively used for visualizing complex data sets across industries.
Microsoft Certified Azure Data Scientist Associate:
This certification program is designed for data professionals.
On Becoming a Business Analyst
In conclusion, becoming a business analyst is an exciting and rewarding career choice for young professionals in India. By acquiring the right education and skills, and upskilling constantly, you can achieve success in this field. Here are some takeaways from this article:
- Pursuing a graduate degree in engineering or management can be a great starting point to become a business analyst.
- Essential skills such as analytical thinking, technical expertise, communication skills, and project management skills are required to excel in this field.
- Various specialisations within the business analysis sector provide excellent growth opportunities.
WIZR offers multiple certification courses that can help you enhance your skill set and advance your career. Take the first step towards becoming a business analyst today by exploring WIZR's upskilling programmes!
FAQs
1. What does a business analyst do?
As a business analyst, you will be responsible for identifying problems within an organisation and proposing solutions using data analysis and modelling techniques.
2. What qualifications are required to become a business analyst?
A bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or management is usually required to become a business analyst.
3. Are there any certification programs that I can take to improve my skills?
Yes, there are many certification courses available that can enhance your skill set and make you more employable as a business analyst.
4. Can I pursue an MBA degree to become a business analyst?
Yes, pursuing an MBA degree with a specialisation in Business Analytics or Data Science can help you jumpstart your career as a Business Analyst.
5. What are some common career paths for business analysts?
Business analysts typically work in industries such as finance, healthcare, IT etc., where they play different roles such as data analysts, system analysts, functional analysts etc.
