Business Analyst

 How to Make a Career Transition into Business Analysis

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Business analysis has been on the rise in recent years, and many companies are looking to hire new business analysts to help solve their company’s problems in order to achieve more success. Not only does it look good on your resume to have this position, but it also makes you more marketable and valuable in the job market. Check out this article to learn how you can transition into business analysis from another career path.

 

5 Reasons You Should Become a Business Analyst

Business analysts are central to helping a business succeed by determining how projects and initiatives will be executed, how resources will be allocated, how costs will be managed, and what risks exist. Here are five reasons you should consider making a career transition and becoming a business analyst: You’ll solve problems that impact your company’s bottom line. You’ll determine where money is being spent ineffectively and find ways to optimize processes. You’ll work with different departments, from engineering to marketing and sales to HR. You have access across functional areas like IT and finance, which means a broader perspective on projects than other roles. You can shape strategy as well as implement it through consulting relationships with key clients.

 

What Do I Need To Know About Becoming A BA?

Becoming a business analyst requires you to have knowledge in several areas. To excel at your job, you need to understand technology, project management and most importantly, be able to speak both business and technology fluently. These are some of skills you should have before pursuing a career as a BA The first thing you need to know about becoming a business analyst is that it’s an excellent way for those with IT experience or those who want to break into IT. There’s no one specific degree or type of work experience that will qualify you for a position as a business analyst.

 

What Are The Best Universities For Becoming A BA?

The university landscape is constantly changing. That’s why it’s vital that you do your research and choose wisely when deciding which school to attend. Accreditation is important, too. The most reputable accrediting agencies are Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) , Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) , Higher Learning Commission (HLC) , Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) . You will also want to look at university rankings or listings, like US News & World Report Best Graduate School Rankings, Times Higher Education World University Rankings or others.

 

Choosing the Right College Course

                                     

College is expensive—so choose wisely. A degree from the wrong school can leave you with debt but no relevant work experience. Some programs are better than others, so if you have your heart set on an MBA, be sure the program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). An AACSB-accredited business school will offer the foundational knowledge and professional development training needed for success in the modern workplace, and it’ll also prepare you for certain industry exams or certifications that may help you land a job down the road.

 

Top Certifications For Becoming A BA

                              

If you already have an IT background, then getting certified as a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) for business analysis will probably be your best bet. The certification consists of two exams: BizTalk Server 2010 and SharePoint Server 2010. To learn more about it, go here . If you don’t already have an IT background, then either CAPM or PMI-PBA could be your ticket to success.

 

Great Internships For Pursuing a Career in BAsics

A few of our favorite business analysis internships, which are all paid, are through Amazon (three months), IT-Services and Solutions North America (nine months) and Uber (one year). These positions give students a leg up in an industry that values practical experience, along with tangible skills. Other companies known for great internships for business analysts include Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Deloitte, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Microsoft and SunTrust Banks. To build your skills in a meaningful way without leaving school behind completely, try a part-time or full-time internship while still in school. Some of our favorites: Accenture, American Express and Marketo. Read more about these opportunities on our Career Center website! Interested in pursuing an MBA? Click here!

                         

Online Courses That Can Teach Me The Basics Of Being An Analyst

There are many online courses that can teach you how to be an analyst. The best part is that most of them are self-paced so you can take your time learning at your own pace. Some of these courses include The Analyst’s Corner, Introduction to Business Analysis and Key Concepts for Successful Business Analysis. These courses will teach you things like business terminology, systems analysis and how to work with different types of people. Taking an online course can help fill in any gaps in your education on business analysis and help set you up for success as an analyst in today’s workplace.

                       

Great Books On Becoming an Analyst

I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite books on business analysis, why I love them, and why I think you will too. While many are written by industry experts or cover business analysis best practices, I’ve also included some fiction. The latter may not offer any new takeaways but they’re still an enjoyable read—and who doesn’t need more science fiction in their life? If you're interested in learning more about becoming an analyst or simply want to add to your personal library, be sure to give these books a look!

 

Exercises that can boost my career potential as an Analyst

Even with all that, you might not be quite ready to jump into your new career as an analyst. If that’s the case, try giving yourself one last shot at proving your new career is right for you by testing out some of these exercises. Remember that every little bit of effort and preparation can make a big difference in a tough job market. You may find that transitioning from one field to another suits you best – either way, it’s better than staying stuck in a role that doesn’t fully utilize your talents.