Business Analyst

Business Analysis vs Data Science Difference #1: Definition
Put simply, the overarching goal of a business analyst is to help grow a business in a given market under certain conditions. They have a direct influence on critical financial decisions made in the company. They use data to create and change policies, improve productivity and stabilise systems. A data scientist, on the other hand, is responsible for collecting, processing and reporting findings from a massive data dump. Data scientists convert raw data into structured, meaningful silos which are then used to generate reports on trends or make forecasts. Business Analysis vs Data Science Difference #2: Analysis
A business analyst perceives data, insights and requirements from the perspective of the business and its overall operational systems. A data scientist observes and visualises the relationship between data in a database. While data analysts derive insights from data dumps, business analysts take what is needed to make the business function better and meet certain milestones. Both problem-solving roles are highly data-focused; the difference is that they enter at different stages of the operation and manipulate data to different goals. Business Analysis vs Data Science #3: Outlook
Business analysts are strictly organisation-centric, though their policies might have a national or global impact. They deal with strategies, alliances and networks a lot more than data scientists. The latter is more likely to be mathematicians and statisticians in their outlook, sifting through data to find salient patterns and outliers. Whether a finding is of significance to the business or not, is up to the business analyst. That said, the business analyst heavily relies on data scientists to collect and segregate data they can work with.

The role of a business analyst is employer specific, while some might require only IT knowledge, others might require finance or accounting background and a few might want specific marketing skills. Academics from a specific field is not that crucial, as far as you have a Bachelor or an equivalent degree. Although in recent times employers swing towards candidates with a degree in MBA, or a Master of Science in Information Management (MSIM), or a Master of Science in Business Analytics (MS-BA). You can also boost your portfolio with certifications, especially if you intend to take up this role with a few years of work experience. Depending upon when in your career you plan to enter this field, it is important to take stock of your transferable skills. Basically, the role of a business analyst requires a combination of Soft skills, Technical skills, and Transferable skills. Analytical skills, critical thinking, problem solving skills, research skills, communications skills, understanding of IT skills, which would mean some systems knowledge above using Microsoft office efficiently could help a great deal. People interested in a career change or initiating their career as a business analyst should acquire additional qualifications through relevant certifications that can leverage their existing skills. For a role of a business analyst is much sought after these days, and as forecasted the demand will only continue to grow.

Yes you can. You need to do business analyst certification to kick start career as business analyst. There are various institutes that offer full-time courses on business analysis, and if you are looking for specific job oriented programs, then opt for business analyst course from Imarticus Learning. Career Path:
1. Business Analyst or B.A. Purely concentrating on being a business analyst can help you in many ways. Once you are thorough in being a B.A. You can easily change or switch industries to find the one you are comfortable with or that suits you and start working at all levels of the company once you have enough experience.
2. Business Analysis Manager: For someone who likes to manage people and teams, being a business analysis manager is a good place to start. You will be assigned a team to manage, and you will have the role of a leader which you can ascend in career growth.
3. Project Manager: Being a project manager makes you someone who has a diverse set of skills. These skills are completely different from being a business analyst. If you are someone who is looking for a change of skills, this position is worth checking out. This is a route that business analysts traditionally aim for because of the very satisfying and highly rewarding career path.
4. Relationship Manager: If you are a good speaker, listener, and influencer, this is the job for you. In this post, you are expected to make great connections with stakeholders, listen to them, understand them, and answer their questions about various things, according to the ever-changing business environment.
5. Business Analysis Competency Manager: This career option deals with the theoretical and developmental aspects of business analysis. Here, you do not get any practical and hands-on experience. The role of a B.A. Competency manager is to improve the business, analyze proficiency, and also track development within the company.
6. Business Architect: Another career option for a Business Analyst is to become a business architect. In this role, you get to work closely with the company, along with a combination of informal requirements. This role is best suited for senior analysts who have an understanding of the enterprise and has the ability to observe the company from a general point of view.
7. Subject Matter Expert: Here, you have the role of being proficient in a particular domain, industry, or subject matter.

The scope of being a business analyst is endless in India. Top tier companies like Accenture, Wipro, Infosys, IBM, and TCS are using business analytics tools to generate intelligent business solutions for making a larger profit. There are various private universities and colleges that offer full-time courses on business analysis, and if you are looking for specific job oriented programs, then there are many certification courses that are available in the market. Salary of Business Analyst: The normal analyst salary in a larger company is between 53,000 to 69,000$. You also earn commissions that are equal to the payout according to the 2017 Robert Half Accounting and Finance Salary Guide.

Here are a few qualities you will need to make a career as a business analyst:
Having An Eye For Detail
If you feel that you can confidently pick out the proverbial needle out of the haystack, then this field definitely appreciates your NIT-picky qualities. Business Analysts are people who more often than not are the mediators of conversations, they are responsible for getting people to communicate and hash out differences, which could be potentially liable to business. If you believe in the gleaning process, of getting to the root of the problem, finding great ideas amidst an incoherent mess, then this field is for you. Technicalities Are Your Comfort Zone
Be it looking for a solution or implementing it, a B.A. Always needs to be equipped with in-depth technical knowledge about the requirements of the firm. Whether you are considering work in capital markets, technical writing, project management or recruitment, being in tune with all the technicalities in indispensable. This field will fit your personality perfectly if you have always liked being in the thick of things and are interested in being responsible for bringing about changes. There are aptitude tests so as to check whether your career choice fits your personality. The Must-Haves
Wasting resources or getting work outsourced are two things that a B.A. Would never go along with, mainly because it is their job to untangle internal knots in the set boundaries. Mediator skills make up for important components of a B.A. As they are the ones responsible for conflict management most of the times. BAs are professionals who like to get the proverbial ball rolling; facilitating meetings, brainstorming sessions, being hands-on for every crisis are some of the skills that are required off of them. Imarticus Learning offers certification courses in Business Analysis that are specifically designed for careers in various functions like technology, operations, and finance. They offer industry endorsed courses, with expert professionals as their faculty and provide a well rounded programme for candidates looking for a career in Business Analysis.