If you have ever seen any quest based games, we have to improve our level before we can fight and win the boss round. How to hone new skills necessary to become a Business Analyst in Canada.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Business Analytics
A business systems analyst plays a pivotal role in optimizing business processes through the effective utilization of computer systems. By studying business functions, gathering information, and evaluating output requirements, they determine operational objectives and bridge the gap between business-related issues and technology.
In this capacity, a business systems analyst is responsible for analyzing user requirements, automating or improving business processes, and managing critical software systems. To excel in this role, the analyst must possess a diverse skill set, including expertise in data analysis tools such as Python, SQL, Advanced Excel, and data visualization skills. Additionally, familiarity with business intelligence tools and a general understanding of IT products and tools are essential.
The business systems analyst’s ability to analyze and report data trends, communicate effectively with both business and IT stakeholders, and apply technological solutions to business goals is crucial for driving efficiency and adding value to the organization. As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven insights, the demand for business systems analysts with strong technical and soft skills is at an all-time high, making them indispensable in today’s data-driven business environment.
Industry’s Demand
The demand for a business systems analyst in Canada and the USA is significant in 2023. In Canada, there are approximately 3200+ open jobs for business systems analysts, indicating a healthy demand for professionals in this field. The average salary for a business systems analyst in Canada is $74,294 per year.
In the USA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 14% increase in demand for business systems analysts, which is faster than the average for other professions. This high demand is attributed to the role’s contribution to helping organizations be more effective and efficient.
As businesses continue to rely on data-driven insights, the need for professionals with strong technical and analytical skills is expected to remain robust. Therefore, pursuing a career as a business systems analyst in both Canada and the USA presents promising opportunities for individuals with the right qualifications and expertise.
Entry Level Requirements
The entry-level technical job requirements for a business systems analyst typically include a bachelor’s degree in IT, information systems, business administration, or a related field such as economics, finance, accounting, psychology, computer science, or mathematics. Additionally, obtaining a data analytics certificate can be valuable.
Candidates should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to gather and define requirements, configure and implement new systems, write and execute test plans, and troubleshoot complex system issues. Familiarity with data analysis tools, business intelligence software, and IT products is also beneficial.
Entry-level business analysts typically perform tasks such as generating reports, performing detailed research and analysis, and assisting with solution development. Strong technical and analytical skills, along with a solid understanding of business processes, are key for success in this role
Steps I recommend
The following are the steps I recommend you take follow to land your first role. I have attached resources with every topic, that might help you out.
- Headline and Summary:
- Craft a captivating headline that includes relevant keywords, such as Business Systems Analyst, Data Analytics and IT Specialist to enhance search visibility.
- In the summary, showcase your expertise, experience and unique value proposition.
- Highlight your ability to bridge the gap between IT and business, problem-solving skills, and contributions to organizational efficiency.
- Experience and Specialization:
- Highlight your experience and specialization in areas such as Data Modelling, SQL, Python, and other relevant coding languages to attract the right prospects and recruiters.
- Create projects aligned to the field and business you are trying to access.
- The majority of the projects that are present online have been replicated, duplicated and copied over millions of times and essentially makes your effort null.
- Generate projects which have an end-to-end functionality that can be simple but are unique utilizing the latest tech stack for relevance.
- Access to Jobs:
- Let’s be clear. We need a simple looking resume with the right ATS formatting for AI to pick your resume.
- Highlight few points as per STAR method for your experience and mention your unique projects.
- Create job alerts and apply to the company’s websites directly. No number of Easy applies will help you access jobs.
- Accept that the jobs that you are applying might not reply back to you, so don’t loose hope. You will get that call back.
- Does Networking really help?
- Sources suggest that upwards of 85% of open positions are filled through networking, and around 70-80% of people end up in their current position thanks to networking.
- In terms of specific response rates, it has been reported that the response rate on networking emails to people who attended the same college is approximately 30%, while cold “no connection” emails have a response rate of around 10%.
I hope all these suggestions bring some ideas and help you in this journey in conquering our destiny. Please feel free to leave a comment and share this post to everyone who wants to hear this.
