The role of a business analyst holds significant value in today’s fluctuating business landscape. Whether you are drawn to solving operational problems, working with data, or shaping strategic decisions, comprehending how to become a business analyst is vital in this regard.
L&Y Tax Advisors sees the way businesses thrive when equipped with well-structured processes and analytical insights. Our professionals help you explore the sequential steps to become a business analyst for newbies or career-changers. We have also outlined the methods to build your skills so you can progress in this rewarding field.
Who is a Business Analyst?
A business analyst serves as a connection bridge between the needs of a business and the technologies or process solutions. These professionals:
- Identify opportunities for improvement
- Gather and interpret data
- Engage with stakeholders
- Help your organisation implement change
- Work on business acumen
- Possess strong problem-solving skills
- Are expert in communication skills
- Have a grip on technical tools (like analytics and visualisation software)
In essence, a business analyst helps your business:
- Improve processes
- Make data-driven decisions
- Deliver value
How to Become a Business Analyst as a Fresher?
If you are a beginner, start by building a strong foundation. Study business fundamentals, such as business:
- Accounting
- Operations
- Strategies
You can also pair that with key analytical skills, such as:
- MS Excel
- Data visualisation
- SQL
- Basic programming
- Data analytics skills
Create real-world experience. Work on small projects (even personal or volunteer ones) that involve process mapping or data analysis. The credible career guides suggest six simple steps:
- Learn fundamentals
- Take a data analytics/BA course
- Work on projects
- Build a portfolio
- Apply for relevant jobs
Showcase your growth by:
- Building your LinkedIn-profile
- Highlighting your projects
- Communicating about how you solved a problem or improved a process
Read: What is an industrial accountant?
How to Become a Business Analyst Without a Degree?
Many business analyst roles list a bachelor’s degree as preferred. The actual requirement is increasingly about skills and demonstrable experience instead of a mere diploma.
If you do not have a degree in business or technology, focus on building skills and credentials:
- Take online courses in business analytics and data visualisation.
- Earn globally-accepted certifications.
- Showcase your analytical thinking through process improvement tasks or case-studies.
In addition, connecting with professionals and networking in the sector will help overcome the ‘no degree’ obstacle.
How to Become a Business Analyst with No Experience?
- Begin with no direct experience.
- Focus on proactive learning and transferable skills.
- Search for business processes you can analyze, even in part-time work.
- Volunteer in your current job.
- Document improvements or automation ideas.
- Make a portfolio of your work with:
- Documents
- Diagrams
- Dashboards
- Improvement proposals
- Seek internships, entry-level roles titled ‘junior business analyst’ or ‘analyst intern.’
- Make use of your curiosity and soft skills to show value.
- Certifications and online courses will also sharpen your profile and show commitment.
Read: What is CPA track?
How to Become a Business Analyst?
Define Your Goal
Why do you want to become a business analyst?
Acquire Core Skills
- Business acumen
- Communication skills
- Data analysis
- Stakeholder management
- Build qualifications
In addition, aim for:
- Certificates that give credibility.
- Practice through
- Internships
- Projects
- Self-initiated tasks
- Build your portfolio by improving your résume.
- Continue learning and specialise in roles can branch into business architecture, intelligence, or consultancy.
The Bottom Line
Comprehending how to become a business analyst is entirely achievable with or without a degree, even if you are a beginner.
Focus first on learning the core skills. Practice through real-world tasks. Build a strong portfolio and earn relevant credentials. Afterwards, apply with confidence.
With dedication, grow yourself into a role where you can help in the improvement of businesses. Assist them in making data-driven decisions to deliver measurable value!
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