Most job postings for a business analyst require computer science, process engineering, economics or study in a related field. That’s because these degrees are guaranteed to have immersed students in analytical processes that flow nicely into business analysis. Like many positions in the IT industry, there is no standard path to becoming a business analyst. Most people pursue analytical degrees and certifications before becoming business analysts, but it’s not obvious how difficult the path is. As a business analyst matures in his or her career, the expectations should change. Many business analysts’ find themselves in their role quite by coincidence but once there either decide this is a role they love or hate.
What is the average salary of a business analyst in 2025?
What are the qualifications and expectations for senior business analysts in your target area? By defining your career path, you can align your professional development, networking, and job search efforts with your goals and aspirations. Individuals with graduate degrees often qualify for advanced positions and higher salaries. A master’s degree in business administration will help you gain proficiency in operations management, leadership, communication, and business intelligence.
Share this content
We researched 1,395 business analyst jobs to discover the desired tools and skills business analyst candidates must have. According to January 2025 Payscale data, business analysts earn an average annual salary of $68,661. Depending on their company, some analysts can also earn money from bonuses, profit sharing, and commission. Entry-level roles are often available at larger companies that need extra support to manage their operations. Try looking through job-search sites, such as LinkedIn, and consider using the platform to network and reach out to professionals for possible mentorship opportunities. You will need at least a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field to enter this field.
Our Offerings
Understanding the unique processes, regulations, and trends of a particular sector can position you as a subject matter expert capable of offering insightful solutions. Typically, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree at minimum to become a business analyst. Those with a few years of experience, even if its not directly in business analysis, have a higher chance of succeeding in this communication. They learn the subtle ways to speak and handle hierarchy and authority, as well as how to create relationships with key colleagues.
Key responsibilities often include conducting feasibility studies, defining project requirements, creating user stories, and ensuring the implementation of solutions. BAs play a critical role in project management, often serving as liaisons to ensure projects stay on track, are within budget, and deliver intended outcomes. Sign up for edX boot camps and courses in data analytics to learn the fundamentals of the field and gain hands-on experience to help you land your desired role. In an entry-level role, you may also analyze data and use visualization tools to turn your actionable insights into something all stakeholders can understand. If you’re looking for information on how to become a business data analyst, consider taking the following four steps to start or full-stack developer advance this robust career. Understand the essential skills, tools, and education you’ll need to make data-driven decisions.
- Use data to advise a client on how to retain their customers with this free job simulation from BCG.
- Today, businesses and organizations in all industries stay competitive by using technology to drive innovation…
- If you’re just starting out as a business analyst, the ECBA can show hiring managers you’ve received several hours of training and know the basics of business analysis.
- You may also be able to open up opportunities within a slice of business analysis or in a transitional role.
Step 5: Consider Earning a Master’s Degree
The journey to becoming a business analyst can vary, but most secure their roles through a combination of formal education, real-world experience, and professional certifications. If you pursued your MBA right after your bachelor’s, refer to my answer above. If you pursued your MBA mid-career, be sure to go through all 5 steps as it’s likely you have a lot of experience to draw from.
What key skills do BAs need?
You should also be familiar with various methodologies, frameworks, and tools that support business analysis, such as agile, waterfall, BABOK, UML, BPMN, and Jira. To demonstrate your proficiency, you can pursue certifications, such as CBAP, PMI-PBA, or IIBA-AAC, that validate your knowledge and experience. It is possible to become a business analyst straight out of college, especially with relevant education, internships, or extracurricular experience.
Be Open to Transitional Opportunities on Your Path to Becoming a Business Analyst
- A common misconception is that business analysts are separate from data analysts.
- However, you can accrue relevant experience through roles that may not have “business analyst” in their titles.
- To become a business analyst, you need communication, data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Eventually, business analysts progress into supervisory and management positions, using data science to guide company decisions.
- Many business analysts have trouble working with business intelligence and finance teams because they lack these technical, skills.
A Business Analyst (BA) acts as a bridge between an organization’s business needs and the technical solutions required to meet those needs. They are responsible for understanding business processes, identifying areas for improvement, gathering and analyzing data, and creating actionable recommendations. They work closely with managers, employees, and IT teams, to ensure solutions align with the organization’s strategic goals. For example, the employment of operations research analysts, a business analyst who focuses on business operations like supply chains and production schedules, is expected to grow 23% between 2022 and 2032. Learn in-demand skills and get job-ready with Forage’s free job simulations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salary for management analysts, another common title for business analysts, is $115,530.
Based on their findings, they recommend improvements and refinements that address these shortcomings, increase revenue, and reduce costs. A defining characteristic of business analysis is that it’s not just about making high-level recommendations. It also involves designing technical and concrete action steps to make those recommendations a reality.
