Education · 1 of 4
The path
A degree or diploma, then a first job near software, then the analyst title. Certifications come later.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
English, math, business and computer science. Practise explaining technical things to people who do not care about technology.
- 2
Degree or diploma
2 to 4 years
Business administration with an information systems focus, computer science, or a college computer systems diploma. Co-op terms at a bank or software company are the best possible start.
- 3
First job
1 to 2 years
Junior analyst in a bank program, or a related role like software tester, support specialist or operations. Learn how the business really works.
- 4
Business analyst
Year 2 to 3 onward
Owning requirements for a project: interviewing users, writing what the system must do, checking the built product does it.
- 5
Certify and specialize
Ongoing
ECBA (Entry Certificate in Business Analysis) early, CBAP (Certified Business Analysis Professional) after 5 years. Specialize in an industry like payments, insurance or health care.