Start Your Business Analyst Career

Business analysts use data to identify ways that businesses can improve efficiency, reduce costs, or strengthen processes. Learn how to get started in this growing career path.

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[Video thumbnail] Data analyst vs business analyst
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Data Analyst vs. Business Analyst: Which Career Path Is Right for You? [VIDEO]

Love data and want a career that's both in-demand AND rewarding? This video breaks down two hot roles - Data Analyst and Business Analyst - to help you choose the path that's right for you.

January 25, 2025

Article

[Featured Image] Three members of a business’s human resources team discuss the business systems analyst salary range for a new hire.
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Business Systems Analyst Salary Guide

A business systems analyst reviews data and information to make recommendations for a company’s software systems and operations. Learn how much you can earn as a business systems analyst based on a variety of factors.

January 28, 2025

Article

[Video thumbnail] Become an IT business analyst
Status: Featured

Career Spotlight: IT Business Analyst (VIDEO)

Want a career that blends your love for technology with your passion for business? Become an IT Business Analyst - the strategic thinkers who keep organizations running smoothly!

February 5, 2025

Article

[Featured Image] Two analysts look at charts on a whiteboard as they discuss business intelligence versus business analytics.

Business Intelligence vs. Business Analytics: What’s the Difference?

Just how similar are business intelligence and business analytics? We dive into how they differ and where they overlap.

September 6, 2023

Article

[Featured Image] Two coworkers look at a desktop computer display.

15 Data Analysis Tools and When to Use Them

Learn about 15 data analysis tools that may benefit you in your professional career. Plus, discover key differentiators between common tools so you can find the right one for you.

August 23, 2023

Article

[Featured Image] Person in interview

14 Business Analyst Questions to Prepare for Your Next Interview

Review the role of a business analyst and possible business analyst interview questions to prepare for an upcoming job interview.

April 27, 2023

Article

[Featured Image] Two analysts look at charts on a whiteboard as they discuss business intelligence versus business analytics.

Business Intelligence vs. Business Analytics: What’s the Difference?

Just how similar are business intelligence and business analytics? We dive into how they differ and where they overlap.

September 6, 2023

Article

[Featured Image] Two coworkers look at a desktop computer display.

15 Data Analysis Tools and When to Use Them

Learn about 15 data analysis tools that may benefit you in your professional career. Plus, discover key differentiators between common tools so you can find the right one for you.

August 23, 2023

Article

Grow key business analysis skills

Status: Free Trial

University of Pennsylvania

Skills you'll gain: People Analytics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Fraud detection, Business Analytics, Descriptive Analytics, Business Intelligence, Financial Data, Business Research, Marketing Analytics, Talent Management, Financial Analysis, Predictive Analytics, Human Resources Management and Planning, Peer Review, Data Analysis, Business Analysis, Financial Statement Analysis, Analytics, Financial Forecasting, Customer Insights

4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
18K reviews

Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills

Microsoft

Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Power Platform, Excel Formulas, Process Flow Diagrams, Business Process Modeling, User Story, Business Requirements, Stakeholder Management, Data Modeling, Microsoft Excel, Software Development Life Cycle, Requirements Analysis, Requirements Elicitation, Quality Management, Pivot Tables And Charts, Microsoft Visio, Power BI, Microsoft Power Automate/Flow, Business Analysis, Scrum (Software Development), Data Analysis

4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills

Google

Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Rmarkdown, Data Literacy, Data Visualization, Data Presentation, Data Ethics, Data Cleansing, Data Validation, Ggplot2, Tableau Software, Sampling (Statistics), Presentations, Spreadsheet Software, Data Analysis, Data Visualization Software, LinkedIn, Dashboard, Data Processing, Interviewing Skills, Professional Development

Build toward a degree

4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
177K reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

[Featured Image]: IT Business Analyst, working at a desktop computer, evaluating the company's current technology.

IT Business Analyst: Duties, Salary, and How to Become One

Find out what an IT business analyst does and discover how you can get started on a path to land IT business analyst jobs.

February 10, 2023

Article

[Featured Image]: Team of financial analysts analyzing the organization's financial processes to help improve its profitability.

What Is Financial Analytics? Skills, Jobs, Salary, and More

Learn about the degree, technical skills, and experience needed for a career in financial analytics. Find out more about this field and average salaries for financial analytics jobs.

January 7, 2023

Article

[Featured Image] A person in a dark blue shirt sits facing a trio of computer monitors in a large open-office space.

How to Become a Certified Business Analyst

Consider advancing your career as a business analyst by becoming a certified business analyst. Explore some of the top business analyst certifications available.

December 15, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A supply chain analyst holding a device records and discusses information with a warehouse worker while they stand in the warehouse.

What Is a Supply Chain Analyst? (And How to Become One)

Supply chain analysts help facilitate and manage the complex world of supply chain for companies. Learn more about a career as a supply chain analyst and what you need to do to start a career in the field.

October 26, 2022

Article

[Feature Image] A business systems analyst reviews recommendations with a business leader as they discuss ongoing strategies for process improvements.

Business Systems Analyst: Duties, Salary, Jobs, and More

Discover business systems analyst jobs, including responsibilities, skills, and qualifications. Uncover what it takes to become a business systems analyst and the earning potential.

August 5, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A person holding an entry-level analyst job, wearing a gray sports jacket and white shirt, is working on their laptop and conferring with a co-worker in their office.

6 Entry-Level Analyst Jobs: Salaries and Skills to Get Hired

Use this guide to learn what you need to start your career as an analyst. Find examples of entry-level analyst jobs, see what different fields are paying, and build a pathway for your education and skills to land your first job.

July 21, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A man wearing a blue sweater, and glasses collecting and analyzing data sitting in front of his computer.

9 Business Intelligence Tools You Need to Know

These nine essential BI tools can help you discover insights to make important business decisions.

April 25, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A team of business data analysts meet and discuss visualizations as they prepare to share their findings with key stakeholders.

What Does a Business Data Analyst Do? 2025 Career Guide

Business data analysts use data to uncover trends, drive growth, and improve operations. This guide covers their role, tools, skills, salary outlook, and steps to enter the field, plus how they differ from business analysts and key education paths.

March 26, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] Smiling person walking outside on a sidewalk surrounded by trees, on their way to their first job.

How to Get Your First Job: A Guide

Getting your first job can be a confusing process. Here's a guide on how to navigate it.

August 11, 2021

Article

[Featured Image] Person in interview

14 Business Analyst Questions to Prepare for Your Next Interview

Review the role of a business analyst and possible business analyst interview questions to prepare for an upcoming job interview.

April 27, 2023

Article

[Featured Image]: IT Business Analyst, working at a desktop computer, evaluating the company's current technology.

IT Business Analyst: Duties, Salary, and How to Become One

Find out what an IT business analyst does and discover how you can get started on a path to land IT business analyst jobs.

February 10, 2023

Article

[Featured Image]: Team of financial analysts analyzing the organization's financial processes to help improve its profitability.

What Is Financial Analytics? Skills, Jobs, Salary, and More

Learn about the degree, technical skills, and experience needed for a career in financial analytics. Find out more about this field and average salaries for financial analytics jobs.

January 7, 2023

Article

[Featured Image] A person in a dark blue shirt sits facing a trio of computer monitors in a large open-office space.

How to Become a Certified Business Analyst

Consider advancing your career as a business analyst by becoming a certified business analyst. Explore some of the top business analyst certifications available.

December 15, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A supply chain analyst holding a device records and discusses information with a warehouse worker while they stand in the warehouse.

What Is a Supply Chain Analyst? (And How to Become One)

Supply chain analysts help facilitate and manage the complex world of supply chain for companies. Learn more about a career as a supply chain analyst and what you need to do to start a career in the field.

October 26, 2022

Article

[Feature Image] A business systems analyst reviews recommendations with a business leader as they discuss ongoing strategies for process improvements.

Business Systems Analyst: Duties, Salary, Jobs, and More

Discover business systems analyst jobs, including responsibilities, skills, and qualifications. Uncover what it takes to become a business systems analyst and the earning potential.

August 5, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A person holding an entry-level analyst job, wearing a gray sports jacket and white shirt, is working on their laptop and conferring with a co-worker in their office.

6 Entry-Level Analyst Jobs: Salaries and Skills to Get Hired

Use this guide to learn what you need to start your career as an analyst. Find examples of entry-level analyst jobs, see what different fields are paying, and build a pathway for your education and skills to land your first job.

July 21, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A man wearing a blue sweater, and glasses collecting and analyzing data sitting in front of his computer.

9 Business Intelligence Tools You Need to Know

These nine essential BI tools can help you discover insights to make important business decisions.

April 25, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A team of business data analysts meet and discuss visualizations as they prepare to share their findings with key stakeholders.

What Does a Business Data Analyst Do? 2025 Career Guide

Business data analysts use data to uncover trends, drive growth, and improve operations. This guide covers their role, tools, skills, salary outlook, and steps to enter the field, plus how they differ from business analysts and key education paths.

March 26, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] Smiling person walking outside on a sidewalk surrounded by trees, on their way to their first job.

How to Get Your First Job: A Guide

Getting your first job can be a confusing process. Here's a guide on how to navigate it.

August 11, 2021

Article

A business analyst uses data to discover new business insights for a company. They typically focus on improving efficiency and effectiveness, and may work across all areas of business, including IT processes, organizational structure, or supply chain management.

At the entry-level, a business analyst may participate in team efforts to identify and prioritize an organization’s functional and technical needs, use SQL and spreadsheet software to conduct data analysis, and create data visualizations and financial models in order to address crucial business questions.

Similar and adjacent roles include IT business analysts, data analysts, business data analysts, supply chain analysts, and business intelligence analysts.

Learn more about entry-level careers in business analysis:

Ready to start learning? Explore our business analytics courses catalog or accelerate your career growth with a Coursera Plus subscription. When you enroll in either the monthly or annual option, you’ll get access to over 10,000 courses.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)