You might be wondering whether experience is what makes a good business analyst or whether possessing only knowledge about business analysis concepts and techniques. And to simply answer your thought, experience vs knowledge for BA are equally important.
Experience and knowledge are crucial since they demonstrate to companies that you possess the necessary qualifications for the position. Experience is significant because it demonstrates your past performance as a business analyst. Listing your experiences might help demonstrate to potential employers that you’ve had the chance to gain valuable skills from previous employment. Your knowledge or education is significant because it demonstrates your understanding of business analysis concepts.
In this guide, let us take a look at the difference between experience and knowledge for business analysts.
Difference between education vs experience
To help you understand the difference between education and experience for a business analyst, we have created a detailed table for you.
| Basis | Education | Experience |
| What is it? | Education is a formal process of learning about concepts and techniques. | Experience is something that you gain through the practical application of your education. |
| Pros | When you gain a formal education as a business analyst, you are more confident about your theoretical knowledge. Moreover, by attaining education, you will gain proof of education/skills/knowledge. | When you gain experience, you can put your theoretical knowledge to practice with the help of practical application. This way, you can hone your skills and expertise as a business analyst. |
| Cons | Learning and education can be a little expensive. | You might not get the precise skill set needed for your business analysis career. |
How to become a Business Analyst with the right education?
A bachelor’s degree in a field like business studies, business administration, management, or information technology is the bare minimum needed for a business analyst.
In addition to earning your business bachelor’s degree, you should learn some computer programming. Different business analyst positions require varying degrees of technical expertise, but the more advanced your programming knowledge, the more attractive you will appear as a candidate.
Read More – How To Become a Business Analyst Without IT Background?
Certifications: To boost career growth
There are several business analysis certifications that you can opt for to give your business analysis career a boost. Several industry-recognized credentials are available from the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), and they can be obtained by passing an exam. A few core business analysis certifications offered by IIBA are as follows:
- Entry Certificate in Business Analysis
- Certification of Capability in Business Analysis
- Certified Business Analysis Professional
To start your certification journey, check out our learning portal as we are IIBA-endorsed education providers that offer comprehensive certification exam training.
How to become a Business Analyst with the right experience?
Before moving up to a higher-level role, look for internships and entry-level jobs in the accounting, finance, or business sectors that can help you gain the necessary experience.
Look for positions with titles like an entry-level business analyst or junior business analyst in your job search. Making a visit with a career counselor while you’re still studying might help you comprehend the opportunities that are available to you after you complete your education.
Read More – How to become a Business Analyst?
Is experience more important than academic qualification?
You might have come across recruiters who make job advertisements that specifically state that a degree is required for the said position. This states the value of academic qualification for any professional. Gaining the right academic education will give you a headstart in your corporate life.
Similarly, on the other hand, experience enables you to explore and develop your skills as a business analyst. It will allow you to explore what you are good at, and what areas need improvement, and will eventually allow you to hone your skills and gain the necessary experience required for high-level business analyst positions.
Therefore, we can say that a good combination of both experience and academic qualifications is needed to grow in this competitive market.
Also Read – CCBA vs CBAP- Which Is Better To Study For?
Conclusion
We hope this guide was insightful, and that you were able to understand the basic difference between experience and knowledge for a business analyst. If you are ready to gain your academic knowledge, then you can check out our ECBA certification training course offering. It is an entry-level certification offered by IIBA, and with the help of this training, we will help you become a business analyst. This hands-on training also covers the practical experience of tools like MS Visio and JIRA, along with other benefits.
