How to Become a Senior Business Analyst?
Steps to Become a Business Analyst
A business analyst is responsible for helping a company increase profits and become more efficient by analyzing company systems, policies, and equipment. If you enjoy problem-solving and mathematical analysis, the career of business analyst may be right for you. In this article, we discuss the four steps required to become a business analyst:Earn a bachelor's degree.
A four-year degree is required for most entry-level work as a business analyst. Your undergraduate work should include both business and computer classes. Popular majors for business analysts include:
- Business administration.
- Finance.
- Accounting.
- Computer science.
- Information technology.
- Information systems.
- Management information systems.
What skills do you need to be a Business Analyst?
- SQL Querying
- Requirements Gathering
- Agile Scrum
- Written Communication
- Business Processes
- Powerpoint
- Interface
- EXCEL
Find entry-level employment.
Business analysts can find entry-level employment through career fairs, online job boards, and academic advisors. Professional organizations, such as the International Institute for Business Analysts, also provide career guidance and networking opportunities.
Attain an analysis certification.
Professional certification is necessary for anyone interested in advancing into a senior or leadership role. A certification can also increase your job opportunities. Several institutes offer business analyst certifications.
The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) bases its certifications on the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge. IIBA certifications must be renewed every three years by completing continuing education credits. You can one or more of the following certifications through IIBA:
- Academic Business Analysis Certificate.
- Entry Certificate in Business Analysis.
- Certification of Competency in Business Analysis.
- Certified Business Analysis Professional.
- Agile Analysis Certification.
The International Qualification Board for Business Analysts (IQBBA) offers certification for business analysts that work in information technology, specifically website security and software development. IQBBA offers two different lifetime certifications:
- Certified Foundation Level Business Analyst.
- Certified Advanced Level Business Analyst.
The Project Management Institute (PMI) focuses on project management. PMI certification must be renewed every three years by completing professional development units. PMI offers one certification that is ideal for business analysts working on project teams:
- Professional in Business Analysis.
The International Requirements Engineering Board (IREB) offers certifications for business analysis involved in analysis, validation, documentation, and management of requirements. IREB offers three different lifetime certifications:
- Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering Foundation Level.
- Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering Advanced Level.
- Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering Expert Level.
The Charted Institute for IT offers a multitude of certifications for business analysts. Certifications are broken up into foundational, professional, and expert levels and include:
- Business Analysis Practice.
- Modeling Business Processes.
- Data Management Essentials.
- Requirements Engineering.
- Agile Business Analysis.
- Business Architecture.
- Business Finance.
- Stakeholder Engagement.
- Team Leadership.
- Benefits Planning and Realization.
SimpliLearn Business Analyst Masters Program is a unique stand-alone program accredited by the IIBA that allows you to meet a range of certifications. Analysts that take the course become proficient in Excel, CBAP, Agile ScrumMaster, and Tableau. Certifications included in this program are:
- Certification of Competency in Business Analysis.
- Agile Scrum Foundation.
- Digital Transformation for Leaders.
- Python for Data Science.
- R Programming for Data Science.
Earn a master's degree.
Though not required for entry-level work, an advanced degree can increase your job and advancement opportunities. Business analysts may find the following master's degrees helpful:
- Master of Science in Business Analytics.
- Master of Science in Information Management.
- Master of Business Administration.
Senior Business Analyst Career Path
Senior Business Analyst
Business Analyst IV
Principal Business Analyst
Total Pay Trajectory
Senior Business Analyst Career Path
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