Hello there,
You are in a really good position as you are thinking. You have an IT background that is a big plus.Atleast you know how the industry works.
To get started:
1. I would recommend to take some really good course.But do not focus on courses that want to train you in a specific area.You want to go for a course that will train you in everything and will also prepare you for interviews and resume . EG the course I offer is called as Business Analysis Boot camp and is espefecially designed for students like you.
analystschool.com/index.php?pr=Business_Analysis_Boot_Camp
You can get an idea of what I'm talking about.
2. Your 2nd question is around certification. As a BA if you want to get certified, get certified from IIBA. But IIBA want some previous experience for you to sit in an exam.I suggest , do not focus so much on certifications at this point. You can put training's in your resume and that to tell the employer that you are serious in what you are doing
3. It is not necessary to have an MBA for Business Analyst. But, or long term as you grow it is definitely a good education for management posiitons later.
4.That is ok... if you do not want MBA , it wnt hurt your resume. And ofcourse it is expensive, so you cannot just takethis big decision withouth looking at a bigger picture
5. I offer classes. Go to analystschool.com
In fact I'm conductin a demo session today at 8.30 p.m CST .Email me if you are interested to attend the free session
[email protected], [email protected]
6. There is no one book that covers all the requirements concepts. I have tons of materials that I have prepared and I teach. I'm in the process of releasing a one show stop for BA's.I will be happy to share it when it is ready....
Thanks
Supriya
[email protected]
analystschool.com