What Education Is Needed to Become a Business Analyst?
The business analyst works with a company to improve efficiency or implement a process that will help the business gain a competitive advantage in an industry. Business analysts may work as independent consultants for a number of businesses or in a consulting firm with a number of client businesses. Analysts may specialize in a particular industry such as manufacturing businesses or healthcare, or in an area of a business regardless of its industry, such as marketing or human resources. Analysts must identify problems in an organization and offer solutions to correct the problems.
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Degree Programs
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Students preparing for a career as a business analyst should complete master’s degree programs in business administration, accounting, finance, economics, statistics, marketing or information systems. The field of study depends on the specialization the student plans for his consulting career. For example, a student planning a career as a business analyst specializing in information systems should pursue a computer-related field such as computer science to gain the specialized knowledge a consultant in that industry needs. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree can qualify the consultant to specialize in a number of business-related areas such as marketing, accounting, finance or human resources. Students in an MBA program can complete additional courses in organizational behavior and business strategy to develop their skills for a career as a business analyst.
Internships
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Internship opportunities provide students with experience in a field, which is a necessity for a career as a business analyst. For example, students in an accounting program may participate in an internship under the supervision of an experienced accountant, which provides training in auditing and the financial analysis a business analyst must conduct. Finance students can intern with an investment firm to develop skills in creating an investment strategy. The training in an internship develops the business analyst’s skills to identify weaknesses and develop strategies to improve the position of a client company.
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Certificate Programs
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Certification is available for business analysts to demonstrate their skill and knowledge in a particular area of business. For example, Northwestern University offers a certificate program that combines business analysis, project management and information technology analysis to prepare business analysts for a career in the field. Students completing the program earn the Certified Business Analyst Professional credential, which can enhance career opportunities.
Continuing Education
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Courses such as financial management, investment strategies and organizational behavior prepare the business analyst to make sound financial decisions for a client company. Business analysts continue to attend seminars, workshops and courses to stay abreast of the latest information in business analysis and changing trends in the business environment.
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References
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