How to Become a Business Analyst

This article will explore the path toward becoming a Business Analyst. It will break down the steps involved in finding a job in this field, as well as the sorts of training and experience necessary to work as a Business Analyst.

Steps for Becoming a Business Analyst

A Business Analyst is involved with understanding an organization’s structure, as well as its changing needs, so that they can offer various technological and procedural solutions to improve operational efficiency and profit margins. For those who are interested in beginning a business analytics career, the following steps can be used as a general guide to the job application process:

Step #1: Decide on a Professional Path

The first step toward a career in business analytics is deciding on a professional path. While various business-oriented career paths overlap in many ways, some require specific technical or statistical training. Some of the most popular and in-demand career paths for Business Analysts in 2023 are:

• Quantitative Analyst
• Data Architect
• Market Research Analyst
• IT Business Analyst
• Information Security Analyst
• Business Analyst Manager
• Data Analysis Scientist
• Chief Technology Officer
• Data Business Analyst

Step #2: Learn the Material

The path toward becoming a successful Business Analyst involves acquiring both hard and soft skills:

Hard Skills

• Microsoft Excel
• Data mining
• Research skills
• Programming skills with languages such as Python
• Database design
• Data visualization using software such as Tableau
• SQL and database querying languages
• Statistical analysis
• Business intelligence software, like Microsoft Power BI

Soft Skills

• Critical thinking
• Leadership
• Time management
• Problem-solving
• Self-motivation to work independently
• Negotiation
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Attention to detail
• Collaboration initiative
• Patience in seeing projects through from conception to completion

Step #3: Gain Real-World Experience

Acquiring real-world business analytics experience is essential to becoming a Business Analyst, and it can take many forms. Those new to business analytics can pursue an internship in business or a related field, such as finance or data analytics. In addition, volunteering for a small company can also provide industry-relevant training. For those already working at a small organization in a different capacity, another option is to ask if it is possible to work on projects related to business analytics to gain experience in this field.

Because many skills are transferable to business analytics, various professions can provide relevant training for aspiring Business Analysts, such as telecommunications, finance, customer relations, or government positions. If an individual cannot secure an entry-level business analytics position, pursuing a job in a related field for a few years is another way to acquire relevant training and skills.

Step #4: Create a Portfolio

Once aspiring business analysts have acquired skills and real-world training in business analytics, they can create a professional portfolio to showcase their experience. Many job applicants use online portfolios to display projects they’ve completed and other examples of industry-relevant skills that may be important to employers. Online portfolios are a great option because they can be shared with others simply by sending a link. In addition, the content can be updated as needed. 

Although business analytics portfolios vary, the following components are common to most:

• An introductory section: An “About Me” section is an excellent way to provide a brief introduction to employers. Since some employers will be reading the portfolio without meeting the applicant, they can use this section in place of a formal introduction. The introduction or About Me section is often a paragraph in which the aspiring Business Analyst briefly discusses their interest in business analytics. 

• Work samples: The main component of a strong business analytics portfolio is a series of work or professional samples that showcase the contributions the individual has made to their organization. Including samples that showcase different skills, such as experience with data visualization or SQL, can demonstrate that the applicant already has acquired useful training. In addition, it’s important to contextualize the samples that are included in the portfolio. This may involve explaining how the sample represents a specific contribution to the organization or illustrating how the project solved an organizational problem. The more specific the context is, the better.

• A section that discusses training, skills, and relevant work experience: Although employers will have a copy of an applicant’s resume when they apply for jobs, the portfolio provides a great opportunity to go into more detail about any specific training or skills the aspiring Business Analysts has acquired that set them apart from other candidates. Applicants may use this section to highlight or underscore the skills illustrated in the work samples, such as experience working with Excel spreadsheets, programming languages, or data visualization software training.

Step #5: Network

Another critical step toward securing a job as a Business Analyst is networking with others in this field. Networking can take various forms, such as reaching out to former instructors or professors to ask about their business-related experiences. It can also involve talking with friends or family who work in business analytics to gain insights into their daily work schedules. 

Networking can also take the shape of more formal events such as conferences, cocktail receptions or other occasions designed to help Business Analysts connect and share knowledge. In addition, there are also online groups related to business analytics where people can join, exchange ideas, and even post job opportunities for other prospective business analysts. The more Business Analysts can connect with others working in this profession and forge relationships, the more likely they will hear about job opportunities and make professional connections that will last the duration of their career. 

Step #6: Begin the Job Search

The final step toward becoming a Business Analyst is to begin the actual job search. Many helpful resources, such as Indeed and LinkedIn, are available to facilitate the search. Recruiters often look on LinkedIn to see if a job candidate has an active presence on this site. They also may use LinkedIn to establish initial contact. That’s why it’s prudent to have a professional, up-to-date LinkedIn profile on this site when searching for business analytics posts. 

Enroll in Hands-on Classes to Learn More About Business Analytics

For those who want to start a career as a Business Analyst, various courses are currently available for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students who hope to brush up on their business and analytic skills. Noble Desktop’s Business Analyst Certificate is a great learning option for any aspiring Business Analyst. Relevant tools and skills such as data analysis, Excel, Tableau, and SQL are covered in this program. Those enrolled in this intensive course can elect to study online or in person in Manhattan. This class comes with the option of a free retake for learners who wish to revisit course material. 

In addition, a great resource for finding business analytics classes close to home is Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool. You can use it to search more than 250 live online and in-person business analytics courses currently available in topics such as SQL, PowerPoint, and Excel for Business, among others.