Some possible jobs within this career area are:
The career you want will dictate the degree you need. Depending on your choice, you might need a graduate degree in business or you could advance your career with a career specific certification. Common degrees available to business majors include:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- PhD
- Career-Specific Certifications
The expansion of the global economy and the importance that our national economy plays in our daily lives has a direct impact on the future of business majors. There are dozens of business-related fields, and many of them are in constant need of skilled and trained workers. Many of these fields place a high importance on returning to school and getting extra training.
You could complete a routine certification a year, or get your Bachelor’s Degree in four years. MBA programs or other international business programs can take an additional three years.
How to Become a Business Analyst
Today, one of the key business buzzwords is “business insight” or BI – and becoming a business analyst can help you make a significant impact on a company’s profitability and success. A business analyst takes a range of internal and external data to help a company identify and solve any number of business problems.
- Earn your bachelor’s degree. To become a business analyst in any industry, you’ll need a minimum of a four-year bachelor’s degree in finance, business, engineering or science. As with most professions in the financial field, an MBA is a distinct advantage.
- Consider a specialized credential. A Certified Business Analyst Professional (CBAP) credential earned via an accredited institution can give you an additional edge in the field.
- Stay current in the profession. Join professional industry groups, LinkedIn groups and sign up for relevant newsletters and other information to know what is going on in the world of business analysis. Consider attending conferences – even on your own dime – to gather important contacts and learn new skills.
- Intern, intern, intern. This is the tried and true way to get yourself into the financial services firms and other corporations where business analysis is a key function.
- Be comfortable starting at the bottom. Successful professionals are accepting that they must start out working in an entry-level position and making their way to the top positions. After three to five years of experience in the field, you should be able to pursue more senior business analyst positions.
What are Average Business Analyst Salaries?
Becoming a business analyst can be a financially rewarding career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that business analysts earn between $43,570 and $100,880 per year. Depending on where you live and your level of experience, you could be positioned to earn more. To get the education you need to become a business analyst, find a degree program now! (Salary data retrieved 3/29/11)