How To Become a Business Analyst Without a Degree

You want to enter the business world, specifically to work as a business analyst; however, you don't have a degree in business. So, you're considering your options and wondering if it's possible to land this job without a formal education.

Most business analysts hold a bachelor's degree in business administration, data analytics, project management, or a related field. However, you don't need a degree to pursue a business analyst role. There are other paths you can take as you work toward your career goals and develop the skill set you need to take on a business analyst job.

Read on for more information on becoming a professional business analyst.

Can You Become a Business Analyst Without a College Degree?

Many companies require business analysts to have a bachelor's degree, but not all. Many prospective employers are interested in your skills and knowledge, outside of a formal education, that can apply to the job.

Becoming a business analyst requires a strong knowledge of data science and various hard and soft skills like critical thinking, Microsoft proficiency, and an understanding of information systems. Though getting a degree is the most common path to learning these fundamentals, you can master them through alternative educational means as well.

If you're hoping to pursue this new career with no degree, consider participating in bootcamps, taking online courses, pursuing internships and entry-level positions, and earning certifications. These steps take time and hard work, but they can help you develop a strong resume to land your first business analyst role.

Steps To Becoming a Business Analyst Without a Degree

Now that you know it's possible to become a business analyst without a degree, you're ready to get started. But you're still wondering about the specific things you should do. Follow the steps below to find out.

1. Develop Technical Business Analyst Skills

Before landing a job as a business analyst, you'll need various technical and analytical skills to help you perform the essential functions of the role. In addition to communication and problem-solving skills, you'll need to know how to use programs, like Excel, SQL, and data visualization software.

Excel

As an analytics professional, you'll be creating spreadsheets using the data you collect and interpret. Excel is the most common tool for this, so you'll need to be adept at using it to create clear and useful spreadsheets.

SQL

SQL is a specialized programming language used for extracting data from relational databases. As a business analyst, you will be working with these databases regularly. As such, you must be proficient at using SQL to extract and organize necessary data for various business needs.

Data Visualization Software

Data visualization refers to the process of presenting data in a visual form, such as by creating graphs and charts. Various types of software are used to create these infographics. Knowing how to use this software is a top business analysis skill that will enable you to represent case studies, business problems, and other data visually, making it easier for other professionals to understand.

2. Pursue Certifications

Pursuing business analytics certifications provides credentials that may help employers overlook your sparse educational background. You can enroll in online business analyst certification programs through various schools and organizations. We've listed some top business analyst certifications to consider.

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

The Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) certification is a top credential available through the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). This internationally recognized business analysis certification demonstrates experience and expertise in business analysis. To qualify for the exam, you must have at least five years of experience in a field closely related to business analysis.

Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA)

Another credential from the IIBA, the Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA) demonstrates proficiency in working with stakeholders, analyzing potential business outcomes, and creating business process models. Those with two or more years of work experience may be eligible for this certification.

Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)

The Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) certification comes from the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS). This world-class certification demonstrates proficiency in seven distinct areas of business analytics. To qualify for the exam without a degree, you must have at least eight years of related work experience.

3. Take Online Courses

You can teach yourself the skills necessary to become an entry-level business analyst by taking online courses. These courses are available through sites like Coursera, Udemy, and edX.

Most online courses are self-paced so you can study whenever it's convenient for you. Some charge a nominal fee, while others are completely free. You can find courses in business analytics and related fields, like data analytics.

Learn more: Free Online Data Analytics Certificates

4. Network With Business Professionals

Building a professional network is an important step on your career path. Knowing others in the business world, especially those in business analytics, gives you a support system that can provide you with resources and even help you find jobs.

You can meet potential connections at business seminars and conferences, by participating in bootcamps, and by working business internships.

5. Build a Strong Resume

Your resume is your best chance to create a good first impression with potential employers. Make sure it highlights your best academic, volunteer, and professional accomplishments.

When creating your resume, include letters of recommendation, any certifications you hold, and professional or volunteer experience related to business analytics. If you don't have this, highlight courses you've taken or bootcamps you've participated in to show that you've done the work to learn important business analysis skills.

Alternative Business Analyst Career Paths for Non-Degree Holders

Various careers fall under the umbrella of the business analyst profession. Some good options to consider if you don't have a degree are described below.

Data Analyst

Data analysts organize and collect various types of data. They use different techniques to analyze the data, then use it to create databases and draw conclusions for business decisions.

Data analysts must have expert data analysis and computer science skills. While they sometimes hold bachelor's or master's degrees, many enter the field with only a high school diploma or GED.

Business Intelligence Analyst

Business intelligence analysts manage data retrieval and oversee data analysis within an organization. They commonly organize and analyze data, as data analysts do, but they may also communicate with upper management and IT personnel to determine a company's needs.

Business intelligence analysts can work with or without a college degree. Some companies may require a degree, while others may be more concerned with your relevant work experience and other forms of training.

Junior Data Scientist

Junior data scientists work with senior data scientists to help companies understand and interpret data to make better business decisions. Junior data scientists spend much of their time extracting and analyzing data, using it to draw conclusions that they submit to senior team members.

Junior data scientists typically don't need a college education, though getting a bachelor's degree can help them pursue career advancements. Those without a degree can learn the necessary skills through bootcamps, online courses, and internships.