How to start your career as a Business Analyst:
Business Analyst education requirements can vary widely. Some employers require a master’s degree while others may be ok with a bachelor’s. You also need industry experience in which you plan to consult. In the United States very few schools offer formal training for Business Analysts, but many choose to study a variety of fields due to the wide range of industries for which to work.
Most business Analysts major in some sort of business discipline like economics, business administration, statistics, computer science, engineering and mathematics. You can expect to work with minimal supervision as a Business Analyst. You need to have strong social skills and communication is a must. In addition a Business Analyst needs the ability to think quickly and work with a diverse group of people within the organization.
Becoming a Business Analyst: Career Outlook
Since the technology boom there are more opportunities than ever for Business Analysts. Other areas of specialization for a Business Analyst may include marketing, H.R. and logistics.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of management analysts is expected to grow 22% from 2010 to 2020, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Despite rapid growth in this sector, the competition for business analyst jobs is expected to be significant, because the pool of applicants is so large and people from diverse educational and career backgrounds can qualify.
The median annual wages of Business Analysts were $78,490 in 2011. Business analysts working at large firms in major metropolitan areas typically tend to earn the highest yearly salaries.
If you are considering becoming a business analyst, keep in mind that there is no road map. While there are many “soft” skills that you need to develop, such as organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, it is not necessary to pursue a specific educational or career path to become a business analyst. One of the best ways to build a career as a business analyst is to pursue a degree in a related field and then gain experience working in the industry in which you wish to consult.
