How Fast Can I Become a Business Analyst?

Business analysts play an important role in many different types of companies. Perhaps you're looking to get started in this field, but you're wondering how long it's going to take. Is it possible to become a business analyst in an accelerated timeframe?

Most business analysts hold a bachelor's degree in their field, and it typically takes about four years to complete a bachelor's degree. That said, you can speed up the process in several ways. And, while most organizations prefer you have a bachelor's degree, it is possible to get started as a business analyst without a degree as long as you have the appropriate skill set.

Keep reading for more information on becoming a business analyst.

Tips for Quickly Becoming a Business Analyst

When pursuing a business analyst career, it's important to learn both hard skills, like data visualization and using Excel spreadsheets, and soft skills, like problem-solving and critical thinking. The key to getting your first business analyst job fast is to learn these skills more quickly than normal, such as an accelerated degree program. Let's look at some tips that can help you do just that.

1. Find an Accelerated Online Degree Program

Most business analysts have a bachelor's or master's degree in business administration, business analytics, data science, or a related field. If you don't already have a business analyst degree, consider the accelerated online programs discussed below.

Bethel University � Online BBA

Bethel University in Indiana is a private school that offers online degree programs, including a Bachelor of Business Administration. The flexible online coursework can be completed in a timeframe that works for you � dedicated students can finish the program in as little as two years. Students can transfer up to 90 credits, giving them the opportunity to finish even faster.

Regis University � Online BSBA

Regis University is a private school in Colorado. It offers an accelerated online Bachelor of Science in business administration that provides convenient five-week and eight-week course sessions. Students can transfer up to 84 credits when they enroll in this school.

Columbia Southern University � Online BSBA

Columbia Southern University is an online school providing a wealth of degree programs. Students completing a Bachelor of Science in business administration, can choose from various specializations, including data analytics. This affordable degree program allows you to transfer up to 90 of the 120 credit hours required.

2. Utilize Transfer Credits

If you have ever taken college classes before, you may be able to get credit for them in your current degree program. This means you won't have to repeat those classes, which can help you graduate sooner and more affordably.

Most schools accept a certain number of transfer credits from regionally accredited schools. If you have many credits to transfer, choose a transfer-friendly school. Some colleges and universities allow you to transfer up to three-quarters of your total credit requirements, meaning you could potentially get a bachelor's degree in as little as a year.

3. Test Out of Courses with CLEP Exams

CLEP exams provide an alternative way to earn credit, which you can use as transfer credit. When you pass these exams, you earn credits to apply toward your degree.

Some colleges may limit the number of CLEP credits you can use, while others may have stipulations regarding the types of classes you can test out of using CLEP. Check your school's transfer admission policies to find out more.

4. Take Online Business Analysis Courses

It is sometimes possible to land an entry-level business analyst role simply by completing short-term online certificate courses. Let's look at some online business analyst certifications you can pursue that help you develop the technical skills you need to succeed.

Coursera's Microsoft Business Analyst Course

Microsoft offers an online business analysis certification through Coursera. The training course helps students identify and address business problems, prepare data, create effective data models, and communicate information to stakeholders. Students can complete the self-paced course in as little as three months.

Harvard Business School's Business Analytics Course

Harvard University offers an eight-week business analysis course to help students learn to address business needs through data interpretation. The course helps students improve decision-making and forecasting through properly analyzing data sets. The course leads to a certificate of completion and credential of readiness that you can add to your resume.

Udemy's Business Analysis Course

Udemy offers an in-depth course covering everything from fundamental business analysis methodologies to making good business decisions to professional development techniques. This certificate program is self-paced and features hours of video lectures and dozens of online resources.

5. Create a Disciplined Study Routine

Regardless of your career path, you will get there sooner if you discipline yourself and have a set study routine. Studying at the same time each day can help you develop good habits and stay on schedule, even if you struggle with some of the coursework.

Whether you are completing a degree, an online course, or some other training program, set aside time each day to study outside of class periods. This will help you develop better business analyst skills and learn the material more quickly.

6. Network With Business Professionals

Your professional network can be your lifeline, especially when just starting. Consider networking with others in the business industry such as project managers, data analysts, and computer science professionals.

Chances are, those in your network will be happy to offer you advice or share helpful resources with you. They may even help you learn about jobs that you otherwise wouldn't have had access to.

7. Seek Internship Opportunities

An internship is one of the best ways to gain real-world experience and practice the analytical skills you learned in the classroom. If your degree program doesn't include internship opportunities, consider seeking them out on your own.

Not only do internships help you gain work experience, but they can also help you make new connections to add to your network. Many companies that offer internships may hire former interns for entry-level positions, so working an internship can be a great way to make a solid first impression with potential employers.

FAQs About Quickly Becoming a Business Analyst

If you're still concerned about learning business analysis skills and landing your first job, read on. Below, we'll discuss a few frequently asked questions you may have.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Business Analyst?

Though it usually takes about four years to get started in business analytics, it's possible to break into the field much quicker. By following the tips discussed in this article, you can speed up the process quite a bit, potentially landing your first job in as little as a few months to a year.

Is It Hard to Get into Business Analytics?

Business analytics involves a solid understanding of business processes, information systems, programming languages, and, most importantly, strong data analysis skills. Some students find these topics more challenging than others; however, whether or not you find it hard to get into business analytics will depend on your unique strengths and skill set.

What Is the Fastest Way to Transition into Business Analysis?

The fastest way to get into business analytics is to complete a short-term online training course since this can be completed within a few months. However, you may also need to work internships and gain other experiences before landing your first job, which could take months or years. If you have significant transfer credits, enrolling in an accelerated degree program may be a quicker path for you, so you can potentially land a job within a year.