Here’s your 5 step roadmap to Master Business Analytics in 2025

In today’s digital day and age, we’re surrounded by numbers. Be it on social media, or while trying to book Coldplay’s concert tickets—numbers are everywhere. And more often than not, these numbers define a metric. Coldplay’s ticket booking run, for example, displayed the number of people ahead of you in the queue to get the ticket.

Similarly, businesses rely on many metrics and their numbers, that help them plan, strategise, and execute different plans to accelerate their growth. For this crucial task, organisations need an expert who can understand said metrics, numbers, and translate them into actionable strategies.

Such an expert is called a Business Analyst. In this short read, you will discover what a roadmap to becoming an expert business analyst looks like. There may be challenging but fun times ahead of you, so tighten your seat belts!

What do business analysts do?

The role of business analysts in the tech-driven world today is quite crucial. With an aim to boost organisational growth, in quantity and quality alike, here are some key roles and responsibilities of business analysts:

• Understanding business processes, constraints, objectives, and goals
• Conducting research, gathering relevant data and resources
• Identify and analyse trends, gaps, anomalies in existing strategy as well as in the current market
• Designing implementable solutions and strategies that can help the business grow

In summary, those are the significant roles and responsibilities of a business analyst. Needless to say, for a role so crucial, you have to pull up your socks and prepare yourself for a journey that is challenging but equally rewarding. And 2024 is a good year to start with. Let’s see what the roadmap to mastering business analytics looks like!

Roadmap to Mastering Business Analytics in 2025

Business analytics is a diverse domain with a lot of potential applications in almost every field. With organisations seeking more implementation of business analytics in their processes, there is a growing demand for business analysts. Thus, many new avenues of opportunities are opening for candidates looking to pursue a professional career in business analytics.

To make things easier for you, we have mapped a full-length journey that will help you gain more knowledge and complete mastery over the science (and art) of business analytics. And to keep it light, let’s see it as a game: With every level you cross, you come closer to your win. Are you ready? Let’s begin.

Level 1: Understand the Craft of Business Analytics

The very first step is to understand the field of business analytics. By following these three steps, you will be equipped with the right knowledge and understanding of business analytics to start your journey in this field:

1.1: Score your Academics

The very first step to begin your journey of business analytics is to study and know the field of business. You can do this by completing and gaining a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (BBA) with a specialisation in finance, marketing, or economics, or one in Business Management (BBM). These degrees equip you with good knowledge about the fundamentals of business which marks as your first interaction with business understanding.

After your undergraduate, you can take this a step further by working towards a postgraduate degree as well. A Master’s in Business Analytics or Business Administration (MBA) are two popular alternatives to choose from. A higher level of education deepens your understanding and familiarises you with the specifics of the industry. And of course, the Master’s signifies your competence in business analytics, further bettering your shot at well-paying job opportunities.

The third and your most-preferred alternative could be undertaking a Business Analytics course in one of the most reputed institutions, Proschool. Their comprehensive course covers all the topics particularly relevant to business analytics, from the basics to the technical tools and techniques, programming languages, etc. There are many ways of pursuing business analytics, but this course brings all of them under one roof (online or offline), making the path a lot smoother for learners.

1.2: Sharpen your tools

The field of business analytics is an intricate nexus of large data sets, trends, strategies, and more. Data gathering is the initial part of the process, where analysts collect information relevant to the organisation or the industry it serves in. The collected data is understood, evaluated, and extracted into actionable insights with powerful, data-backed strategies. Organising this data and insights is the most crucial step because it helps stakeholders and other decision-makers to grasp the material and make a well-informed decision.

This length process involves juggling with data, quite a lot. And at such times, you have to pick up the right tools to set it all in place. A good understanding of programming languages can prove helpful. But you need to learn and polish the use of advanced tools like MS Excel, SQL, Python, Tableau and Power BI to organise large data sets.

Approach these data sets with a problem-solving mindset, keeping the brand’s objectives in mind. Furthermore, make proper use of data manipulation and data visualisation tools to present your data in innovative ways that are easy and quick to understand – always a bonus.

1.3: Statistical/probabilistic analysis

There are two styles of analysis, statistical and probabilistic. Statistical analysis is a style of analysis that evaluates past outcomes, and with that analysis, helps predict future performance as well. Probabilistic analysis, on the other hand, reveals data patterns that sets the base for decisions to be taken. Both styles of technical analysis are important, covering key topics like regression analysis, data distribution, risk assessment, etc., which business analysts should be equipped with.

Also Read – Where Can Business Analytics Take You? Understand the Scope in 2024!

Level 2: Become a Certified Business Analyst

Certified is more than a prefix. Adding it to your designation of business analyst signifies your expertise in this profession. Being a certified business analyst can increase your domain knowledge, while strengthening your career prospects and credibility. For all its value, getting a certification comes with its own set of requirements. By clearing these next few steps, you can gain a certification in business analytics:

2.1: Get Formal Degree(s)

While there’s no formal degree of business analytics, a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (BBA) with a specialisation in marketing, finance, economics, information technology, data science or related disciplines is required.

2.2: Gain Work Experience

Some business analyst certifications require candidates to hold a number of years of experience in the business analytics field or a related discipline. The number of years of experience varies depending on the certification you are seeking. Entry-level certifications may demand fewer years of experience than advanced certifications.

2.3: Pass Certification Exams

Passing the certification exam administered by the certifying body is the most crucial step of the process. These exams evaluate your knowledge and competence in all aspects of business analytics, such as data analysis, problem solving, business process modelling, and more. Like most exams, acquiring a minimum passing score (or more) gets you the certification.

2.4: Learn From Training Programs

Certifying bodies usually require candidates to complete certain training programs. Recognised professional training institutions, accredited institutions, or online platforms provide training programs in project management, stakeholder management, techniques of business analytics, etc., as approved by the certifying body.

2.5: Complete Professional Development Hours

To gauge your knowledge of the industry, some certifications require you to complete a certain number of professional development hours. These hours can be accumulated by attending relevant seminars, workshops, conferences or by undertaking training. Such a requirement gives you a competitive edge by ensuring you’re always updated with best industry practices in business analytics.

Also Read – Top 10 Business Analytics Courses | Online & Offline

Level 3: Experience It All

Practical experiences hold their own value and significance, much like education degrees. Learning from on-field experiences, around people and real-time projects, leaves you with a much clearer understanding of the profession and helps you get a better hang of the required roles and responsibilities. Following are some ways to gain practical experience in business analytics:

3.1: Start With Internships

Internships are often the first opportunities to gain practical experience, be it during your college days or after. Taking up internships relevant to business analytics can help you get real-time experience of the profession by introducing you to the fundamentals of it. An early exposure to the workings of business analytics can help you quite a lot in the long run.

3.2: Indulge Online courses

Apart from sharing in-depth knowledge of the subject, online courses also offer a good glimpse of the working world. And more often than not, these courses have hands-on projects in the course, to gain experience of the field. You can, thus, learn in theory and with practical applications while completing online courses – the best of both worlds!

3.3: Build a Portfolio

To deepen your understanding of the subject, it’s always a good idea to work on building your own portfolio. Include all your personal projects, assignments, and practical projects to get the portfolio started. Any work experience or certifications you have acquired from internships and online courses also count.

3.4: Take Part in Competitions

Platforms like Kaggle run many data competitions that put forward some interesting challenges for data enthusiasts to take on. These challenges will help you test your expertise in data analysis, while also evaluating your problem-solving skills. Participating in such competitions fuels your passion for data, and makes learning a lot more fun!

Also Read – Top 8 Tools Every Business Analyst Should Use In 2024 To Solve Problems

Level 4: Expand Your Knowledge (And Horizons)

They say you are never too old to learn something new. And in a world as fast and evolving as today, there’s something new to learn every day. To stay ahead of the competition, we suggest religiously pursuing the following activities for continuous personal and professional upgrades:

4.1: Work and Network!

Networking allows you to meet many new people, each with unique journeys, experiences, and a wealth of knowledge. Talking to them, exchanging thoughts, and sharing experiences can broaden your understanding of the industry. It can also help you build new connections and potential colleagues to work with, opening doors for collaborations and learning.

4.2: Find a Specialisation

The field of business analytics is made up of diverse aspects, each with unique roles and responsibilities. After gaining practical experience in business analytics, you might consider finding a specialisation that resonates with your interests and skill set. Specialisations can be industry-specific, like Human Resources Analyst or Marketing Analyst, or area-specific, like predictive modelling, data visualisation, or financial analysis.

Proschool’s Business Analytics course can help you explore various specialisations and dive deeper into your area of interest.

4.3: Stay Updated

Business analytics is driven by technology, meaning constant updates and upgrades are part of the landscape. Keep an eye out for emerging trends, tools, and techniques that make processes more efficient. Understanding the current market demands from business analytics helps you stay relevant by developing new skills on the go.

4.4: Keep Learning

Beyond formal degrees and practical experiences, there is a vast world of books, podcasts, and online resources. If you enjoy reading, dive into books about business analytics or related fields. Alternatively, listen to industry podcasts to gain insights and stay inspired. These resources are refreshing and often present unique perspectives that fuel both knowledge and curiosity.

Also Read – Top 12 Skills Every Business Analyst Should Possess

Level 5: Build Your Career Path

After completing your education, the next big step is securing a job. Before we dive into the roadmap of a career in business analytics, always ensure your resume is polished and up-to-date. Your CV and portfolio are often the first things a recruiter sees, so they should reflect your best self. Carefully review job descriptions, align your skills with the job requirements, and highlight these in your resume.

Here are some popular roles a business analyst can pursue, based on education and work experience:

5.1: Entry-Level Roles

If you’re new to the field, entry-level roles like Junior Business Analyst, Data Analyst, or Business Analyst Intern are ideal for gaining hands-on experience. These roles provide foundational learning opportunities in business analytics and often serve as a stepping stone to more advanced positions.

5.2: Advanced Roles

For professionals with relevant work experience and advanced skills, consider roles such as Senior Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, or Data Scientist. These positions allow you to apply your expertise, take on more responsibilities, and potentially supervise junior analysts.

5.3: Consultancy Roles

For those who prefer variety in their work and the flexibility to work with multiple organisations, business analyst consultancy is an option. Consultants offer specialised, data-driven solutions and strategic advice to companies on a project basis, making their expertise valuable across industries.

5.4: Entrepreneurship

If you aspire to run your own business, consider building a business in the data-driven space. From consulting firms to data product companies, launching a business in business analytics offers exciting opportunities to apply your knowledge and explore the vast potential of the analytics field.

Also Read – Want a job in Business Analytics? Read top 6 job profiles & salaries

How Proschool Offers the Entire Package of Business Analytics

What if many of these steps could be achieved through a single program? That’s essentially what Proschool’s Business Analytics course offers. Ranked among the top ten analytics institutes in India, Proschool provides a comprehensive program with experienced professors, in-depth courses, and hands-on projects.

Why Choose Proschool?

• Comprehensive tools and techniques: From Excel to Python, Proschool equips you with essential analytics skills.
• Problem-solving focus: Courses are designed to build a problem-solving mindset, which is critical in business analytics.
• Interactive learning: Courses are highly interactive, with ample opportunities for Q&A.
• Hands-on experience: With 15+ case studies and projects, Proschool provides real-world applications.
• Placement support: The placement program connects students with leading companies actively hiring business analysts.

Conclusion

Pursuing business analytics may seem extensive, but it is incredibly rewarding. The journey is filled with learning opportunities and challenges that foster both personal and professional growth. With a solid roadmap and a passion for data, you’re well on your way to a promising career in business analytics. So, buckle up and embrace the journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the four types of business analytics?

The four types of business analytics are Descriptive, Diagnostic, Predictive, and Prescriptive analytics, each serving a unique purpose in analysing and leveraging data.

What is the career path of a business analyst?

The typical path involves education (often a degree in business administration or analytics), gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level roles, and then progressing to advanced roles or certifications.

Is business analyst a stressful job?

The role can be challenging due to high responsibilities in decision-making, but if you are passionate about data, the work is rewarding and fulfilling.

Can a fresher get a business analyst job?

Yes, many companies hire freshers. Internships, certifications, and skills in data analysis can increase your chances of landing an entry-level role.

Will AI replace business analysts?

While AI can assist with data processing, business analysts bring critical thinking and business context that AI cannot fully replicate.