5 Reasons Why You Need an ECBA Certificate
Landing for your first job can be challenging. A great way to overcome the lack of ‘real world’ experience is to earn an Entry Certificate in Business Analysis offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) to complement your degree, diploma and/or work experience. Research confirms certification increases your earning power. Spending less than 1% of your salary could give you an 8% increase in your annual salary with certification from IIBA.1
Here are five great reasons to earn your ECBA certificate:
1. ECBA highlights you have the fundamental knowledge.
How do you show a potential employer you have the skills without the work experience? A certificate can demonstrate your commitment, enthusiasm for learning, and your fundamental knowledge of business analysis. Some entry level jobs will include a training opportunity, but already having a fundamental knowledge of business analysis best practices will give you an advantage over other candidates.
2. Help your resume get past HR bots.
More organizations are employing HR bots to pre-screen candidates for fit and quality using analytics to make predictions. Having a certificate can help you check another box to make your resume stands out when applying for business analysis related roles.
3. ECBA gives you an overview introduction to working in business analysis.
A certificate can increase your marketability by showcasing your achievement and knowledge of the tools, techniques, and best practices of the industry to potential employers. Your certificate can demonstrate your additional skills beyond your degree. Your certificate shows you’ve met the competency level and have knowledge of the key standards.
4. Practice your interview skills
Learn to think like a business analysis professional! Earning your ECBA will demonstrate to potential employers you have the fundamental knowledge of the industry best practices for business analysis. Once you’ve polished your resume and added your digital badge to your LinkedIn profile it is time to practice your interviewing skills so you can communicate this knowledge in your next job interview. A practice interview is a great way to gather your thoughts about how best to answer possible interview questions. Practice with a friend, record yourself, or practice in front of a mirror. Believe in yourself and do your best. Achieving the ECBA can give you the confidence you need to show that you know what you are talking about. There are lots of online tools to help you prepare. If you’re a recent graduate check your school’s resources, read a blog, watch how to videos, and check LinkedIn or job sites for tips and tools to help you prep for your interview.
5. Build your peer network
Building your network through IIBA LinkedIn Group, IIBA ECBA LinkedIn group, or joining a local IIBA Chapter meet-up, presentation, or study group will give you an opportunity to meet other ECBA holders and connect with experienced business analysis professionals. You never know who might be able to help you find the right job. Paying it forward can also help you later in your career journey.
If you are just getting started as a Business Analyst or are looking to build up your resume to make the switch into the industry, now is a good time to complete IIBA’s ECBA.
Learn how to certify your future with IIBA’s ECBA certification.