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Information Technology

How to become a business analyst in Australia

By Ashleigh Ho
Ashleigh Ho

So, you want to be a business analyst. What do you need to do to get into the field? This blog will help you take charge of your future career and figure out what is required to step into the business and IT industry in Australia.

How to become a business analyst

Here are four steps to get you on the right track to become a business analyst:

1. Work towards getting a qualification.

Here at Upskilled, we offer a nationally recognised qualification in information technology. Our ICT50120 - Diploma of Information Technology has a range of classes that will define the skills and knowledge needed to become a business analyst.

This course can teach you valuable technical and transferable skills, including:

  • Emotional intelligence
  • Project management
  • Gathering and analysing data
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Installing and managing complex ICT networks

2. Acquaint yourself with what being a business analyst involves.

team brainstorming

A business analyst works with a company’s managers and key stakeholders to find areas within the organisation that require improvement. This could include anything from issues within human resources to problems within the sales department. 

The business analyst will research the processes, technologies and systems in place and suggest areas of improvement. They will assist the company in implementing new procedures to create a better workflow for the organisation.

3. Gain work experience.

The ICT50120 - Diploma of Information Technology can be studied flexibly, meaning there is more opportunity to get hands-on experience in the professional workplace. Take a look at job-search websites such as LinkedIn, SEEK and Jora to find entry-level, casual and part-time jobs.

In addition to finding entry-level work, it's highly encouraged to seek out internship opportunities where available. They can provide you with valuable experience and complement your studies while you build your career in IT. There are plenty of benefits that come with gaining internship experience, including:

  • The ability to network with other people: you can meet new people and expand your professional network, giving you a chance to explore other career opportunities through those already in the industry.
  • Applying theory into practice: online studies allow you to balance work in the mix so an internship program can give you the opportunity to apply all the theory you learn into real-world experience.
  • Boosting your resume: having internship experience means you can include this information in your employment history on your resume, making you a more suitable candidate if you apply for work in the IT industry.

4. Look into further study!

It's recommended to gain further qualifications to better understand the ins and outs of being a business analyst. To become a business analyst, it's important to have all-rounder knowledge of company processes, technologies, and systems..

Upskilled is a partner of La Trobe University, which offers applied Bachelor degrees in information technology and cloud technology. These are great options for further study to pursue a career as a business analyst; they are also delivered 100% online and the programs can be done on a full-time or part-time basis. 

You'll get a good mix of practical experiences and theoretical study. You'll also get the opportunity to acquire vendor certifications, which are recognised worldwide. These certifications can enhance your CV, as they demonstrate that you have a practical understanding of specific software and programs.

There are plenty of benefits that come with studying an applied degree, including their focus on practical skills rather than theory.

What will I learn in a business analyst course?

woman working on laptop

The ICT50120 - Diploma of Information Technology is a great step towards becoming a business analyst. The diploma has a diverse range of subjects focusing on business and information technology. 

While this course is not necessarily a "business analyst" focused course, you can still develop skills that are still relevant towards the career pathway of business analyst. Some of these include:

  • Communication skills
  • Analytical thinking and problem-solving
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Attention-to-detail 
  • Understanding databases, networks and other technology

How long does the diploma take to complete?

The ICT50120 - Diploma of Information Technology can be done flexibly and be completed over a period of 24 months. The fully online mode of study means that you can hold another job whilst completing the diploma.

What is the application process?

Enrolling in this course is easy with Upskilled. All you need to do is hit the 'Enquire now' button and fill in some information about you via our enquiry form. From there, one of our education consultants will be in touch for a free consultation, which can help them assess your suitability for the course.

Learn the skills needed to be a business analyst

A business analyst is an important asset to many organisations. It's a diverse role which requires plenty of practical, technical, and interpersonal skills. Start your journey towards becoming a business analyst today and enrol into the ICT50120 - Diploma of Information Technology.

Want more advice? Follow our SkillsTalk blog for more articles about different careers, education and job advice and study tips!

Ashleigh Ho
Ashleigh Ho Ashleigh (she/her) is a freelance writer with an interest in topics relating to being culturally and linguistically diverse and part of the LGBTQ+ community. She is experienced in public relations, digital marketing and social media, and has worked within the arts, education and not-for-profit sectors. Ashleigh is passionate about working with under-represented groups and looks forward to creating content that is inspiring and educational for all communities.