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How to Get Started in Your Business Analysis Career

 
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Starting a new career is a major decision. It can be especially challenging when there is not a clear-cut career path for the job role you are most interested in. Those who want to get started in business analysis may find that they need a little extra help planning out their career path, which is where the Business Analyst Career Road Map comes in. Additionally, it is vital that prospective business analysis professionals know what to look for in a good job role and have the certifications they need to increase their earning potential and succeed in their role.

How to Get Started in Your Business Analysis Career

 

3 things to look for in a business analysis job role

A career in business analysis can be fulfilling for those who have the aptitude and desire to practice good analysis, as well as the credentials to do so. It is also in-demand and can be lucrative. The demand for business analysts is expected to rise 14 percent by 20241, and the average business analysis professional in the U.S. earns $104,502 annually, according to the 2020 IIBA Global Business Salary Survey of over 5,400 respondents.

If you are ready to start your career in business analysis, you should be aware of the signs of a great job role. According to the BA Times2, the ideal business analysis job role will include the following:

  • An emphasis on stakeholder engagement -- When seeking a business analysis role, look for one that emphasizes stakeholder engagement. “Some job descriptions seem to be over-reliant on extensive domain experience or use of some specific software,” stated the BA Times. “Prior knowledge certainly helps you ask the right questions, but it shouldn’t be a substitute for building strong stakeholder relationships to reach the answers you need.” The contributing writer suggested job seekers search for roles that detail who they will be working with and that guarantee access to them.

  • A commitment to your professional development -- It’s vital that the employer you choose is committed to your professional development as a business analysis professional. While your role with the company may not change, your tasks could change as technology changes. The right employer for you will articulate early on exactly how they will support your professional growth, such as paying for business analysis certifications and other forms of continued education.

  • A competitive salary -- One of the perks of a career in business analysis is a competitive salary. A worthwhile job role will be tied to a salary that reflects your professional worth, including your credentials, experience, and education. “The title ‘business analyst’ can cover roles across a huge salary range, so you want to be clear the role pays an appropriate amount for what you bring and for the market you’re in,” stated the BA Times. “Some adverts are quite coy about what’s on offer, which can inevitably lead to time being wasted.” Those who are certified in business analysis are more likely to be offered a higher salary. For example, individuals who hold at least one certification earn about 13 percent more than their non-certified peers, according to IIBA’s 2020 global salary survey.


Get your business analysis career started with the IIBA Entry Certificate in Business Analysis

Earning a professional certification will make you a more competitive candidate and increase your earning potential. It is also a logical first step to getting your career in business analysis started. With all of the business analysis certifications on the market, it can be challenging to choose your first one. Simplify things by opting for IIBA’s foundational certification, the Entry Certificate in Business Analysis.

The ECBA is perfect for those who are new to business analysis as it covers basic knowledge on how to approach business analysis according to the BABOK® Guide. It also proves to prospective employers that you possess the core knowledge and competencies necessary to be successful in a business analysis role. Learn more about the Entry Certificate in Business Analysis and how it can help you get your career started here.


Advance Your Career with Business Analysis

Business analysis helps to facilitate the rapid digital transformation of 2020, and it's important you find a business analysis role where you can shine. This is an opportunity to supercharge your career and make your organization's rapid change a success.

IIBA Membership provides you with a community of business analysis professionals, curated knowledge, and career resources for your long-term career success. Tools like the Career Action Guide are here to support you in understanding the skills, and education needed to find the role to match their goals and passions, while reports like the 2020 IIBA Global Business Salary Survey help you to understand the latest trends to support your career development.

 

 

References:

  1. https://www.computer.org/publications/tech-news/trends/advance-cybersecurity-practice

  2. https://www.batimes.com/articles/10-things-a-great-ba-role-will-offer.html