According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 907,600 business analysts working in the United States today. This field is experiencing faster-than-average growth, too, so it’s a great option for those who are looking to enter a booming industry.
One of the best, most lucrative positions within this field is that of an agile business analyst. If you’ve never heard of this job or what it entails, this ultimate agile business analyst guide is the perfect resource for you.
What Is an Agile Business Analyst?
Before we define “agile business analyst,” let’s take a step back and talk about business analysts in general.
A business analyst is a professional who analyzes and documents various aspects of a business’s processes, systems, and market environment. Their goal is to identify patterns, pick up on potential problems, and help businesses improve their performance and productivity.
An agile business analyst is a special type of analyst. They do their jobs using Agile methodologies like Kanban and scrum.
These methodologies emphasize adaptive planning, continuous team improvement, and early delivery. They share the same goal of being able to quickly and easily respond to changes.
How to Become an Agile Business Analyst
There’s no one set path or agile business analyst course that you must take if you want to work in this field. However, most agile business analysts typically take the following steps to gain proper qualifications and increase their chances of getting hired:
Consider Formal Training
Many agile business analysts have a four-year degree in a field like business management, information technology, or computer science. You don’t need this kind of degree, but it can help to give you a leg up on the competition.
Start with an Entry Level Job
Getting some on-the-job training in an entry-level position can help you decide if this is the right career for you. Look for junior business analyst positions or internships so you can learn the basics and fine-tune your skills.
Obtain Agile Certifications
Your agile business analyst resume will be more impressive if you’ve obtained some agile certifications. Examples include a Professional Certification in Agile and Scrum (PCAS) or a PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP).
This shows that you understand the BA role in agile and will use the right kinds of techniques to help the business grow and thrive.
Apply for Senior Roles
When you’ve gained experience and the proper certifications, you’ll be ready to start applying for senior roles.
Luckily, there are lots of job openings in this field. With the right training and experience, there’s a good chance you’ll have an easy time getting hired.
Follow These Agile Business Analyst Tips
Now that you know more about what the role entails, are you ready to become an agile business analyst? Follow the steps outlined above so you can draft an impressive agile business analyst CV and get hired right away.
Do you want to learn what it takes to land other careers in the agile field? If so, check out the education section of our site today for more information.