5 Ways to Gain Business Analysis Experience (and Jumpstart Your Career!)

Getting started in business analysis is rewarding, but it can be tough to gain experience without already being in the role. Luckily, there are ways to build your skills, gain hands-on experience, and position yourself for success in business analysis—even if you’re just starting out.

Here are my thoughts on how to gain practical experience and lay a strong foundation for a successful business analysis career.

1. Start With Self-Study

While on-the-job experience is invaluable, starting with a strong foundation in business analysis principles will give you a real edge. Familiarize yourself with key concepts, methodologies, and tools that drive the field.

Foundational resources like the BABOK Guide and The Business Analysis Standard are essential for understanding the fundamentals.

You might also want to think about getting certified. Certifications are a great way to demonstrate your commitment and baseline knowledge in business analysis. The Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA) is an excellent option for early career professionals, covering foundational topics such as requirements gathering, process analysis, and stakeholder engagement.

Having the ECBA designation on your resume (as with many other IIBA certifications) can make you a stronger candidate for business analysis roles and internships.

2. Gain Hands-On Experience

If you’re not in a formal business analysis position yet, you can still gain relevant experience by applying business analysis techniques to your current work. Many business analysis skills—such as gathering requirements, problem solving, and stakeholder communication—are valuable in a wide range of roles.

How to start

• Identify and solve problems: Look for opportunities within your current responsibilities to analyze data, gather requirements, or propose solutions. For instance, are there processes in your team that could benefit from a fresh perspective?
• Take on extra responsibilities: Volunteer for tasks that involve process documentation, data analysis, or workflow diagrams. This will allow you to develop business analysis skills and show your team you’re ready to take on new challenges.
• Offer to document processes: Many roles have areas for process improvement. Ask if you can document workflows or processes, then look for areas where the process could be more efficient and propose optimizations.

By using these practices, you’re building real business analysis skills—even if your title isn’t “business analyst” yet.

3. Volunteer

Volunteering for business analysis work, whether within your company or outside it, is a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience. Many internal teams or non-profit organizations need business analysis support but may lack a dedicated analyst, creating great opportunities for you to step in.

Finding opportunities

• Within your organization: Express your interest to team leads or project managers. Many projects need someone to define requirements, analyze needs, produce reports, or facilitate a meeting—classic business analysis tasks you can volunteer to take on.
• External opportunities: IIBA offers volunteer opportunities through local chapters and many other initiatives. They provide a great way to give back while developing new skills.

Volunteering strengthens your skills and shows employers your dedication to growing as a business analysis professional.

4. Network, Network, Network

Building a network in the business analysis field can open doors to new opportunities, provide mentorship, and give you valuable insight into the day-to-day work of a business analysis professional.

• Join professional associations: Consider joining organizations (like IIBA), which offer local chapters, online communities, and access to interactive webinars and events. These are great spaces to connect with other aspiring and seasoned analysts.
• Utilize online platforms: LinkedIn, discussion forums, and online communities are also useful for finding resources, asking questions, and learning from others in the field. These communities can connect you to job leads, recommendations, and possibly even mentors who can guide your career growth.

It’s a word that’s bandied about a lot, but for good reason. Networking expands your opportunities and provides learning experiences that can deepen your knowledge of business analysis.

5. Showcase Your Skills and Experience

As you build your skills and complete projects, start showcasing your experience to increase your visibility as a candidate for business analysis roles.

• Update your resume and LinkedIn profile: Emphasize relevant experiences gained from volunteer work, self-study, or projects at your current job. Be sure to highlight specific tasks and skills, such as stakeholder communication, requirements analysis, and process documentation.
• Share earned credentials: If you took a course or earned a certification, share your success! These digital credentials can help you gain more credibility and legitimacy as a business analysis professional.
• Create a portfolio: If possible, build a portfolio with sample projects, process maps, or case studies you’ve worked on. A well-curated portfolio demonstrates tangible evidence of your analytical skills and understanding of business processes, giving hiring managers a clearer picture of what you can bring to their team.
  
  

Taking Initiative Pays Off

Starting a career in business analysis doesn’t require years of experience—you just need a willingness to learn and a proactive approach.

A globally recognized certificate, the ECBA is the first step for early career business analysis professionals, validating your knowledge and commitment to growth. By following the steps in this article, you’ll gain practical knowledge, hands-on experience, and the confidence to succeed in the field. Remember, every step you take to build your skills brings you closer to your goals.

Ready to take step one? Now is a perfect time! Save 20% on IIBA certification exams (including the ECBA) until December 30. Invest in yourself and fast-track your business analysis career!

Find out more today.

---

About the Author