Business analysts help businesses improve the way that they meet the demands of clients. When a business needs to figure out ways to deliver better service to customers, it will typically consult with business analysts. As a business analyst, you can be responsible for improving a variety of aspects in a company. One day, you may be trying to figure out ways that a business can cut down on its expenses for the year. Another day, you may work on legal compliance issues with a team of lawyers for a business. This is a great career for people who like to be fully immersed in the world of business. You should also enjoy working with others if you want to work as a business analyst.
What’s it like to be a business analyst?
When you are a business analyst, you may work long hours. You should have excellent written and oral communication skills. A business will likely want you to make presentations in front of high-powered people. You will need to offer recommendations on what a business can fix in order to better relate with customers. You may also need to submit a business proposal that outlines the most cost-effective ways that a business can create a new product. You will need to figure out ways that a business can also improve upon its efficiency. You will need to figure out the ways that a business can distribute products in cost-effective ways. Lastly, many business analysts are now charged with the task of implementing new social media programs for businesses. You may need to research the best social media programs that can allow businesses to advertise at a low cost.
Education Requirements
To become a business analyst, you should obtain a four-year degree. You can pursue a variety of fields of study during your undergraduate years. You should try to pick a major that helps you to develop your analytical abilities and written communication skills. A degree in business engineering and English can be very helpful for pursuing a career as a business analyst. You may also want to obtain a special certification for a particular industry. For example, it may be helpful for you to have a CPA certification if you plan on working as an analyst in the finance industry.
It can also be helpful to have a finance background if you plan on becoming a business analyst. When you have a finance background, you will be able to help a business make wise financial decisions. You may be able to help a business cut down on its costs if you have a finance degree. You can also help a business develop its own budget when you are fully aware of all of the ways that businesses can cut costs.
Salary & How to Get a Job
The starting salary of a business analyst is about $78,000 a year. To obtain a position in this field, individuals should look for open positions at corporations. This field is expected to grow by 22 percent in the next ten years. Individuals should be ready to take entry-level positions in companies. It is not uncommon for individuals to work their way up in order to obtain positions as business analysts for a company. One of the other ways that individuals frequently enter this career is through networking with other established business people. You should try to attend business networking events in order to learn more about the key players for a corporation. This will put you in a good position for applying for a job as a business analyst with the company.
References
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_2069020_become-business-analyst.html