Career Progression in Business Analysis_ Pathways and Advancement Opportunities

Posted on 21st August 2023

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In the era of significant advancement, organizations are looking to business analysts to make smart decisions and take their business growth to the next level. The demand for business analysts is constantly growing, as we bridge the gap between business objectives and technology solutions. This article will discuss the BCS, the leading accrediting organisation in the UK, what a business analyst is, qualifications, and examine some business analyst career pathways.

So, let’s dive into the profound explanation of the article.

The BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT)

The British Computer Society, branded BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, is the leading professional body in the United Kingdom for business analysis learning and career pathway. BCS courses and certifications ensure standards and competence are met within the industry, which is to be expected by it’s high standards and royal charter the BCS holds.

What is a Business Analyst?

Generally speaking, a business analyst is a professional who works with an organisation either as an employee or consultant to identify the needs, review the problems, and deliver solutions that work for the goals and objectives of the business.

Business analysts are key communicators, working closely with stakeholders of the business and bridging the gap between business and technology solutions.

Business Analyst Career Path

The business analyst career pathways are as follows:

Degree or online learning?

It could be advantageous if you had a bachelor’s degree to start your career in this field, related to business administration, business information systems, sociology, statistics, finance, and logistics. As much as a degree is a positive step, it’s not critical to become a business analyst. In fact, it may be the wrong approach for you, should you want to start building experience sooner rather than later.

Many business analysts may skip this longer degree step and take advantage of recognised certifications, such as the BCS Business Analysis Foundation, building towards a BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis. The combination of recognised certifications and experience could even provide you with a Chartered IT Professional status (CITP).

List of Business Analyst Career Paths

To become a business analyst, you could choose to study the BCS Business Analysis Foundation certification as an early career starter or transpire from various careers. Not an exhaustive list, but some possible job paths for business analysts include the following:

1- Data Analyst

A data analyst collects all data and then analyses it, and provides some fruitful conclusions that will help in decision-making. The data analyst implements different tactics while analysing the data, maintaining data systems, and finding other trends in data sets.

2- Test Analyst

The duties of a test analyst are linked to hardware and software issues. They check the functionality of all software and hardware before placing them on the market. They apply different methods like the development process, create plans, execute them, and analyse the results.

3- Business Consultant

The areas like management, finance, and security require business consultants. Their primary role is to provide professional advice regarding business weaknesses and practical solutions to solve the issues and uplift the business.

4- Network Analyst

Network Analyst handles the company’s computer network like installation, layout, and maintenance. They aid in improving IT processes, including network analysis and configuration.

5- Project Manager

Project managers are responsible for monitoring the day-to-day governance of a specific business. They monitor project progress, handle all resource planning and other kinds of activities, and provide profound analyses to reduce project risk and ensure customer satisfaction.

6- Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative analysts assist companies in analysing their quantitative data. They do market research and analysis, design and apply quantitative models, manage portfolio risk, and contribute to the reduction of any transaction costs or market penalties.

7- Portfolio Manager

Portfolio managers check the activities of their clients and also make investment decisions. They properly guide their clients regarding investment and give valuable advice to avoid any risks while making investments.

Conclusion

Choosing a career as a business analyst can be a great choice for various reasons. This is a field with growing demand, with organisations always looking to streamline processes and address issues. Transferable skills, business analysts evolve from other branches of the business. Diverse work opportunities, you could be working on various projects from any department, keeping the role exciting and interesting. Impactful role, your solutions can have a significant effect on the running of the business, making your work important and rewarding. Ultimately, it’s a great career to follow with no sign of slowing down. Furthermore, business analysts earn good salaries and can earn even more as consultants.

FAQs

What soft skills make you a successful business analyst?

To become a successful business analyst, some interpersonal and soft skills may include; good communication skills, robust analyses, problem-solving abilities, leadership, curiosity, critical thinking, and attention to detail.

How do I start my career as a business analyst?

Speak to a training provider about your career goals and the BCS certifications necessary behind the pathway. If you have a busy schedule, consider approaching an online learning provider about taking courses and exams online.