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New Post 1/26/2008 4:11 AM
Informative
User is offline Jason
3 posts
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What is best way to become a Business Analyst? 

Hi folks,

I am so glad I stumbled upon this website and thought perhaps some of you could give me suggestions of the best way for me to become a BA given my background.   I have a music degree and have been working as a music teacher for a while.  I do not have any experience whatsoever in business nor IT. Recently, I have decided to make a career change and have been thinking about becoming a business analyst or financial analyst.

My question is given my background, what would be the best way for me to become a BA?  I am struggling to determine whether getting certification to BA is the way to go or get an MBA in Decision and Information Science at a local university.  How do the two different ways determine the prospect of finding a job at a good company? 

Much appreciated if anyone could provide some insights.  Thanks.

 
New Post 1/26/2008 6:33 AM
User is offline Adrian M.
765 posts
3rd Level Poster




Re: What is best way to become a Business Analyst? 

Hi Jason,

If you take a look at some of the other similar posts in this forum you'll see some other great advice which will also be useful for you.  Here are some things you should consider:

  • Why are you thinking of becoming a business analyst or financial analyst?  You want to make sure you clearly understand what the profession is all about and ensure that it's the type of work you would enjoy and find fulfilling.
  • Since you do not have any experience in business analysis or IT you will need formal training in order to switch careers but, before going for an MBA, you should take a few business analysis courses offered by many training providers.  See the training directory.
  • Network with other business analysts and find out what they do day-to-day.  This will give you a good idea of what the profession is all about.  Consider attending some IIBA chapter meetings in your area.
  • If possible and if it's something you enjoy, try to leverage your educational background and see if there are any business analysis opportunities in that field working for a school district, etc.

Best of luck in your career transition!

- Adrian


Adrian Marchis
Business Analyst Community Blog - Post your thoughts!
 
New Post 1/27/2008 8:48 AM
User is offline Jason
3 posts
No Ranking


Re: What is best way to become a Business Analyst? 

Hi Adrian,

Thank you very much for your input.  To answer your question, I have always been interested in business and finance although my profession is music.  The only regret that I have about my career path is that I did not make the decision sooner to get into business/finance.  I am very interested in how the financial world works and how business processes work (The first thing I do every morning is read the financial news and the stock and bond markets, intead of listening to classical music!).  I am very people-oriented and communicate well with people, given my education background.  I can also be analytical since I enjoy music theory very much.  Therefore, I think I may have the qualities of making a good BA or FA.

The reason why I am thinking of getting an MBA is because I do not think without a degree in finance or business, I would not be able to find a job in either finance nor business analysis.  Furthermore, studying full-time would allow me intership with a company, which will help me to gain some experience and perhaps transforming the temp position to a permanent one.  What is your take on this?

I have considered of attending the IIBA chapter meetings in my area and I will do it asap.  Thank you for the great idea of leveraging my educational background with school district, I am also thinking of perhaps working for the governments or the non-profit organisation.

Appreciatively,

Jason

 

 
New Post 1/28/2008 12:42 PM
User is offline Adrian M.
765 posts
3rd Level Poster




Re: What is best way to become a Business Analyst? 

Hi Jason,

Looks like you've done your homework.  You seem to have a good understanding of what business analysis is all about and know that this is for you.

I think that you have a great game plan: MBA -> MBA + Internship -> Full Time Job!!!

Here are a couple more thoughts:

  • Consider getting an MBA from a reputable school (i.e. don't get your degree from GetYourMBAIn3Days.com type schools),
  • Once you have an MBA, a great place to begin your career would be as a consultant/analyst with one of the big consulting firms (e.g. Accenture, E&Y, Deloitte, etc.) as they will not only give you great experience but also more training.
  • When you have a break/vacation from business school consider taking one or two courses from a business analysis training provider as most business schools do not teach skills for the IT Business Analyst such as: requirements elicitation and management, functional specs, UML, etc.

Wishing you the best!

Keep us up to date on how your plan is progressing.

- Adrian


Adrian Marchis
Business Analyst Community Blog - Post your thoughts!
 
New Post 1/28/2008 2:09 PM
User is offline Jason
3 posts
No Ranking


Re: What is best way to become a Business Analyst? 

Adrian,

Thanks for more thoughts on the best way for me to go about it.  Would you recommend getting an MBA in Decision and Information Science or get an MBA with any focus as long as I take the BA courses at a training institute?   I am wondering because I also have interest in Finance and thought maybe MBA in Finance plus the BA courses would allow me to kill two birds with one stone.  Perhaps I could get myself into Financial System Analysis in the future.

I really appreciate your help.  This is a great place for people like me to want to know more about BA.  I definitely would refer friends who are interested in becoming a BA to this place. 

Jason

 

 
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