How to become a business systems analyst | edX

How to become a business systems analystDiscover the steps to becoming a business systems analyst. Explore the necessary skills, education, and certifications needed to excel in IT and business collaboration.Browse online business systems programs and coursesDo you want to start a career in business but don't want to abandon your love for information technology (IT)? Then a career as a business systems analyst may be a great fit for you.Learn what a business systems analyst does and find out the steps you need to take to become one.What does a business systems analyst do?A business systems analyst collects and analyzes data, uncovers business problems, and then uses technology to solve those problems and make businesses more efficient. In this role, you can expect to:Collect, clean, and analyze customer dataIdentify patterns that highlight business issuesAnalyze current business processesAssess IT needs and recommend improvements and best practicesDesign and implement new technology solutionsThe Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide specific salary data for business systems analyst roles. However, the agency does include data for the similar role of computer systems analyst, a role that earned a median annual salary of $103,800 in 2023.Steps to become a business systems analystBusiness systems analysis is a great way to merge the fields of IT and business management. If you're wondering how to become a business systems analyst, here are three steps aspiring professionals commonly take to enter the field.Step 1: Obtain a degreeGetting your bachelor's or master's degree in business analytics or a related field is not a strictly required step on your journey to becoming a business systems analyst. However, many employers prefer their new hires to have one because of the knowledge and training a degree program provides.You can opt for a degree in a technical field like information systems or computer science or something more comprehensive like business administration. Whatever major you choose, make sure it offers coursework in:Information systems managementOperations managementStrategic managementCloud computingComputer and network securityThese subjects will give you knowledge of both technical and overall business management, helping prepare you to analyze and optimize business IT systems.Step 2: Gain practical experienceEmployers know that experience is key when learning how to become a business systems analyst, as it is a very hands-on profession. For that reason, it's important to gain practical experience in the field.One way to do this is by getting an internship or entry-level position in the field. This can allow you to shadow more advanced business systems analysts and learn key skills, including:Compiling and analyzing complex datasetsDesigning and implementing strategies and frameworksCreating technical reports and dashboardsMonitoring progress and optimizing processesGaining proficiency in key analysis software applicationsLearning how to think critically and analyticallyYou can also learn these skills while working on volunteer projects for businesses and organizations in your local community. If you are currently working, consider asking your manager for opportunities to work on business analysis tasks and projects.Finally, you can join a professional organization like the International Institute of Business Analysis to network with professionals who may be able to help you land some new projects.Step 3: Get a certificate or certification (optional)Business systems analyst certificates or certifications are optional, but having one or a few prominent ones under your belt can enhance your résumé and make you more competitive in the job market. A few you may want to look into include:Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA): Validates foundational knowledge, including planning, monitoring, elicitation, and life cycle managementCertified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP): Covers everything on the ECBA plus strategy analysis and design and solution evaluationAgile Analysis Certification (IIBA-AAC): Showcases the development of the agile mindset and an understanding of the strategy, initiative, and delivery horizonsKeep in mind that you can only earn the CBAP certification after you have also obtained 7,500 hours of experience plus 35 professional development hours.You can also consider taking certificate-level business analysis courses offered online, which can help you gain additional knowledge, showcase your commitment to continuous learning, and potentially increase your chances of career advancement.Get started on edXTaking an introductory course can help you hit the ground running once you start your bachelor's program. Sign up for an IT fundamentals or business systems analysis course on edX and begin your journey toward a new career.Stand out in your fieldUse the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.Learn at your own paceOn your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.Earn a valuable credentialShowcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.Explore all online business systems programs and courses Frequently asked questionsWhat is a business systems analyst?A business systems analyst collects and analyzes data to identify business problems and designs technology solutions to solve those problems.How much does a business systems analyst make a year?Though it can be challenging to determine exactly how much business systems analysts make since there is not much official salary data available, the BLS reports that those in the similar role of computer systems analyst earned a median annual salary of $103,800 in 2023.How long does it take to become a business systems analyst?If you decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree, you can expect it to take at least four years to earn the degree, potentially obtain certifications or certificates, and land a role as a business systems analyst.