How to become a business analyst
Become a business analyst and you could put your love of data and investigative skills to good use, helping businesses improve. Read on to find out how.
大象传媒
CONTENTS
-
Routes to becoming a business analyst
-
Skills you鈥檒l need
-
Finding work experience
-
How to get a job as a business analyst
-
What it's like to be a business analyst
If you want to become a business analyst, a relevant undergraduate course or degree apprenticeship will be a huge advantage. Or, if you already have a non-related IT degree you could become a business analyst by completing a postgraduate qualification.
Undergraduate degrees
A business analytics degree is not the only route on to this career path. There are various undergraduate courses you might consider including business management, business information systems or computer science. Courses usually take three or four years to complete. Entry requirements vary but typically range between 96鈥�165 UCAS points.
Degree apprenticeships
A degree apprenticeship is an alternative to an undergraduate degree when training to become a business analyst. Degree apprenticeships are available for business analysts, but an apprenticeships in project management is also worth considering. You鈥檒l still study as an apprentice, but most of your time is spent learning on the job.
These courses are employer-led and will usually take the same length of time to complete as an undergraduate degree. Entry requirements are set by the employer and the course provider. You鈥檒l usually need to apply and attend an interview. A big advantage of this route is that your employer will pay for your studies, not you. Find an apprenticeship vacancy via .
Postgraduate degrees
Many universities offer postgraduate business analytics courses. A postgraduate degree usually takes a year to complete full time or two years part time. An undergraduate degree is usually a minimum entry requirement.
Aside from a love of how business works, you鈥檒l also need:
-
analytical thinking skills
-
flexibility
-
listening skills
-
using your initiative
-
customer service skills
-
business management knowhow 鈥�
-
Teamworking
-
excellent verbal and written communication skills
-
confidence in using computer systems and applications
Work experience will help you stand out from the crowd in this competitive industry.
You could try:
-
A charity or social enterprise looking for a volunteers.
-
Internships.
-
A company you aspire to work for. You could ask to shadow someone in a relevant department.
Business analysts are needed in a wide range of industries in both the public and private sector so it鈥檚 worth finding a job in a field that interests you the most.
Many business analysts are contracted on a freelance basis so you could set yourself up as a self-employed consultant or look for an employer. You鈥檒l find jobs on individual company websites and job recruitment sites.
It鈥檚 also worth joining professional bodies and societies like the Institution of Analysts and Programmers (IAP), the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) or the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS).
You鈥檒l help businesses understand their data and find solutions to various challenges they face. Depending on your role and specialisation, your tasks could include:
-
Speaking to clients to find out their business needs.
-
Understanding different businesses and how they work.
-
Analysing findings to suggest changes and improvements.
-
Explaining the possible effects of changes, such as the costs, benefits, and risks.
-
Organising business testing and quality checks.
-
Supporting staff making changes with training and guidance.
You鈥檒l be based in an office or home office if you are a freelance consultant. Some travel to client鈥檚 businesses will also be involved.
Business analysts tend to start on a salary of between £22,000 - £30,000. Once you have some experience, this could increase to between £35,000 - £65,000. Business analysts in the finance sector tend to earn more.
Is a role as a business analyst right for you?
If you enjoy scrutinising data and working with systems and processes to improve company performance, a role as a business analyst could be for you.
Related articles
Study Building, why & how to study
A Building degree will help you understand how to plan, create, maintain and conserve...
University tuition fees and financial support in...
An overview of undergraduate university tuition fees and student loans for students from...