How to become a business analyst
In a world where data is king, the person who understands its meaning unlocks true business potential.
It’s one thing to understand how to extract data but how do you communicate this information back to humans when you’re not a robot? (You’re not a robot, are you?)
When the world is swimming in data and it feels like AI is getting ready to take over, if you can look at the numbers and tell their story, you’ll hold powerful insights in your grasp and become Lord of the Data Key (forget Rings).
Data and storytelling? Don’t worry if writing words is not your thing. If you prefer to surround yourself with stats, see patterns in everything or are more of a visual learner (rather than a word-y one), you could craft some epic data tales that transform how the world operates.
And, as every business – profit or purpose-based - is hungry for data insights (and what to do with them all), as a business analyst you could steer business digital transformations in a never-boring, always-stimulating career.
What does it take to become a business analyst?
- Complete a bachelor degree in business analytics and analysis. This will take around 3 years of full-time study.
- Engage in a real industry experience. With a Swinburne bachelor degree, it’s guaranteed.
- Join an industry body like the Australian chapter of International Institute of Business Analysis to meet future colleagues, friends, mentors, and employers.
Career proof points from industry
As a business data analyst, you can work across a range of industries, including:
- Finance and banking
- Information technology and communications
- Marketing, particularly market research
- Healthcare
- Retail
- Government and not-for-profit organisations
What skills do you need to become a business analyst?
To become a business analyst, you need analytical skills and the technical know-how to organise and extract using a range of software platforms including:
- JavaScript, Python, SQL and Tableau,
- Database technologies, query building and modelling languages,
- Business intelligence and data visualisation,
- Process modelling and automation,
- AI and machine learning,
- Web platform development software
- Industry-relevant training in cyber security, technology governance and data ethics.
You'll also need interpersonal prowess as you collaborate with your peers and stakeholders to grow essential soft skills, you’ll use throughout your career including:
Why study business analytics and business at Swinburne?
Steps to becoming a business analyst
If you’re considering a career as a business analyst, here’s how to quickly get with the program.
1. Get qualified.
Just because you’re a whiz at Excel doesn’t mean you can crash course Business Analytics 101 in six weeks and expect to land a high-paying job. By committing to three years of study you’ll be able to speak a second language fluently by the time you graduate (it’ll be programming, not French).
| Undergraduate degrees | |
|---|---|
| Business Analytics and Analysis | BA-BAA |
| Duration | 3 years full-time or equivalent Part-time available - could be extended due to WIL |
| Delivery | On-campus Online Flexible learning |
| Entry | 2023 Guaranteed Entry ATAR: 65 Or, via Early Entry Program – range of criteria with school recommendation. Head here for more info on this program and the VTAC code associated with this entry pathway. One of:
Course Prerequisites VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent. |
| Work Experience | Work Integrated Learning opportunities:
|
| Advanced study pathways | Postgraduate study by coursework or research. |
| Scholarships | Yes |
| Industry memberships | Accredited by Australian Computer Society (ACS). |
| Postgraduate degrees | |
|---|---|
Master of Business Information Systems |
|
| Career Pathways |
|
| Duration | 1 year, 1.5 years or 2 years full-time or equivalent part-time (dependent on prior qualifications and experience) |
| Delivery | On-campus Online Flexible learning |
| Entry | Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Learn more about RPL. |
| Advanced study pathways | Postgraduate study by coursework or research. |
| Scholarships | Yes |
| Industry Memberships | Accredited by Australian Computer Society (ACS), and endorsed by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). |
| TAFE courses | |
|---|---|
| VE Pathways to Bachelor of Business Analysis and Analytics |
|
| Duration | Typically 12 months |
| Delivery | On-campus Online Flexible learning |
| Entry | Year 12, applicants without formal qualifications but with significant relevant work experience are welcome to apply. |
| Work Experience | Dependent on the pathway |
| Advanced study pathways | N/A |
| Skills First Government-subsidised place | You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now. |
| Concession rates for vocational students | Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative. The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time. Find out if you’re eligible for a fee concession. |
2. Connect and collaborate.
Soak up every opportunity to collaborate with your peers/future colleagues/data business trailblazers. This is one of the best ways to grow essential problem-solving, interpersonal and communication skills, as well as your network.
3. Get industry experience.
With every industry wanting to harness the power of data, get your data geek on and find a variety of opportunities to test your business analytics and analysis skills. Would your part-time job benefit from some insights, or a local community group? Or perhaps you could shake up a Student Club, hello Swinburne Entrepreneurship Club?
Plus, with a Swinburne bachelor degree, a real industry experience is guaranteed. And it could help you discover what industry resonates with you most, so you can get to transforming it for the better.
4. Network.
Consider joining the Australian chapter of International Institute of Business Analysis to connect with future collaborators, mentors and employers.
Kick-start your business analytics and analysis career at Swinburne
Ready to get down to business? Browse our business courses to find the one for you. Tomorrow, you’ll be glad you started today.
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