Education

• To qualify for a position as a business analyst in a private company, candidates should have a master’s degree in business administration. A master’s degree program provides the student with an education in the core areas of business, such as accounting, finance, communications, marketing, organizational behavior and economics. In addition, the student also completes courses in information technology management, business policies and decision-making techniques. The master’s degree program prepares the student to analyze areas of a business to identify and correct weaknesses.
  
  

Experience

• Candidates may meet the qualifications for a position as a business analyst with an undergraduate degree and experience in the field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, companies may hire an individual as a research analyst and offer advancement opportunities to a business analyst position after gaining experience in the company. Business analysts can advance to complex projects and take on a supervisory role in project management after gaining years of experience in a company or the field.
  
  

Skills

• Business analysts must have good communication skills to report to business management the findings from a detailed analysis of the organization’s structure. Analysts often work without supervision, which requires the discipline, time management skills and motivation to complete tasks on time. Business analysts must have the ability to work well with other employees in the organization when analyzing the processes in various company departments.
  
  

Certifications

• Business analyst positions do not require certification, but it can improve job opportunities. Analysts can obtain the Certified Management Consultant certification provided by the Institute of Management Consultants USA, Inc. To obtain the certification, analysts must pass an examination and interview, as well as meet education and experience requirements.