How to Become a Business Analyst

Business analysts play a crucial role in an organization’s development and improvement. These professionals gather and analyze data regarding processes, systems, or revenue to help solve problems and improve outcomes.

Beyond analyzing data, they often leverage analytical, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

You will need at least a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field to enter this field. However, there are some additional steps you should take to qualify for better, higher-paying positions.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll break down how to become a successful business analyst.

Business analysts help organizations solve complex business problems by making data-driven decisions.

Some of their key responsibilities include:

Here are some common steps to follow to become a business analyst:

Most business analysts earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration or business management. However, you can also consider pursuing a degree in a related field, such as finance, economics, accounting, or data science.

These degrees can teach you core business concepts and key soft skills employers look for, such as problem-solving and communication.

While pursuing your bachelor’s degree, make sure to strengthen your business and analytical skills.

Key skills include data analysis, problem-solving, and business communication. You’ll need these to analyze revenue trends, cost breakdowns, performance outcomes, and other business information to help you review and improve existing systems and processes.

Also, consider getting into computer programming, database management, data mining, and systems engineering. These technical skills can make it easier to work with complex data sets and help you find more efficient ways to support business decisions.

If you’re still in college, internships can be beneficial stepping stones to landing a full-time role down the line.

After graduating, look for entry-level positions, like junior business analyst. These positions can provide the hands-on experience you need to improve your resume and career prospects.

Entry-level roles are often available at larger companies that need extra support to manage their operations. Try looking through job-search sites, such as LinkedIn, and consider using the platform to network and reach out to professionals for possible mentorship opportunities.

Business analysts may want to pursue the following certifications to boost their reputation and standing:

These certifications can enhance your credibility and career prospects. They show potential employers that you’ve got expertise and are serious about your role as a business analyst.

A master’s degree, such as a master’s in business administration (MBA), can help business analysts advance their careers and earn more money. While this step is optional for business analysts, it can help broaden your skill set and deepen your understanding of business fundamentals.

Earning additional credentials, degrees, or certifications can also help you qualify for more senior positions, such as enterprise architect, technology architect, senior analyst, or senior project manager.

You need at least a bachelor’s degree to become a business analyst, which typically takes around four years (or 120 credits). However, keep in mind that it can take longer if you do internships or take additional classes to improve your technical skills.

If you consider all these steps, becoming a business analyst will take you at least 4-5 years. You can speed up the process by enrolling in an accelerated degree program, which condenses the coursework so you can finish faster.

If you decide to go for a master’s degree, it can take you around 6-7 years in total. But keep in mind, this step is optional. It can help you qualify for more senior positions and boost your career, but it’s not a requirement.

According to January 2025 Payscale data, business analysts earn an average annual salary of $68,661. Depending on their company, some analysts can also earn money from bonuses, profit sharing, and commission.

Your salary is also highly influenced by your years of experience. Here’s a breakdown of average annual salaries for business analysts based on years of experience, according to January 2025 Payscale data:

If you are interested in finding business solutions, analyzing data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams, becoming a business analyst may be the right fit for you.