How to Become a Business Analyst in 2025?

Summary

This video explores how to become a successful business analyst (BA) in 2025, focusing on key industry trends, required skills, and certifications. With the rise of generative AI, BAs are in high demand, playing a crucial role in evaluating and enhancing products using AI. The video highlights essential qualifications, including a strong aptitude for analytics, communication skills, and certifications like SQL, Tableau, CBAP, and PMP. It also emphasizes the importance of machine learning, automation, and product management knowledge. The speaker offers practical advice for breaking into the BA field, with a focus on both large companies and startups.

Takeaways

• 😀 AI is transforming industries, and Business Analysts (BAs) are playing a critical role in this shift. Their demand will increase in the coming years.
• 😀 A successful BA can potentially rise to leadership roles such as CTO or CEO after 5-10 years of experience.
• 😀 You don't need a specific degree to become a Business Analyst. Engineers, BCom graduates, and even arts students can pursue this career with the right skill set.
• 😀 Skills in quantification, business communication, and problem-solving are crucial for a BA role.
• 😀 Along with your degree, pursuing certifications like SQL, Tableau, CBAP, and PMP can significantly boost your chances of landing a BA role.
• 😀 Business Analysts coming from tier one colleges may have an easier path, but those from tier two colleges can still succeed by focusing on their skill set and applying in startups or mid-sized companies.
• 😀 For entry-level BAs, gaining practical experience in fundamental skills, such as business acumen and technical know-how, is key for career advancement.
• 😀 To stand out in 2025, learning machine learning, generative AI, and automation tools like RPA will be essential for Business Analysts.
• 😀 Understanding API integrations and how they enhance products and services is becoming increasingly important for BAs.
• 😀 A strong feedback model is crucial for improving products, and mastering this will help a BA excel in their role.

Q & A

What role does generative AI play in the growing demand for business analysts?

Generative AI is reshaping industries by introducing 'backward engineering'—the process of re-launching products or services with AI integration. As businesses look to innovate and optimize with AI, business analysts play a critical role in this transformation, driving demand for their expertise.

What career opportunities are available to business analysts in the next 5-10 years?

In the next 5-10 years, successful business analysts are expected to reach senior leadership roles, such as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) or even Chief Executive Officer (CEO), thanks to their experience and expertise in guiding companies through digital transformations.

Do I need a specific degree to become a business analyst?

No, there is no specific degree required to become a business analyst. People from diverse backgrounds, including engineering, commerce (BCom), science (BSc), and even arts, can transition into this role as long as they possess the right skill set, especially in quantitative aptitude and business communication.

What certifications should I pursue to become a successful business analyst?

You should pursue certifications in three phases: 1) Start with SQL or PL SQL to master databases. 2) Learn analytics tools like Tableau to improve your data analysis skills. 3) For advanced expertise, consider certifications like CBAP (Certified Business Analyst Professional) and PMP (Project Management Professional).

How can a person from a tier-2 college become a business analyst?

While it may be more challenging to land a BA role in a large company coming from a tier-2 college, you can still break into the field by focusing on skill development. Start by applying to startups or mid-sized firms, where your technical skills and communication abilities will be valued.

What are the most important skills for an aspiring business analyst?

Key skills include strong communication, quantitative aptitude, technical skills like SQL, proficiency in analytics tools such as Tableau, and a deep understanding of business processes. Additionally, gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level roles is crucial.

Why are machine learning and generative AI important for business analysts in 2025?

Machine learning and generative AI are essential for business analysts in 2025 as they allow for more advanced data analysis, model building, and AI integration into business processes. Understanding these technologies will help analysts better support businesses in their digital transformation.

What role does automation play in the future of business analysis?

Automation, particularly through tools like Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Alteryx, is becoming increasingly important for business analysts. These tools help streamline business processes, improve efficiency, and provide more data-driven insights, which are crucial in the evolving BA role.

What is the value of API integration knowledge for a business analyst?

API integration knowledge is becoming increasingly valuable for business analysts as more companies rely on integrating different tools and platforms to enhance product and service value. Understanding how to implement and manage APIs will allow BAs to improve business operations and drive innovation.

How can learning backend engineering and product management benefit a business analyst?

Learning backend engineering and product management provides business analysts with a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of product development. This knowledge allows BAs to work more effectively with technical teams, improve product performance, and drive continuous improvement in the products and services they analyze.