23 answers
29
Updated 1001 views

How do you handle the lack of skill preparation for a job search?

I recently graduated from college, finally! But I'm not sure if I'm qualified to be the Business Analyst that I was told that I could be. I was watching a video on what a business analyst does and it said that I'm supposed to know PowerBI and other data visualization tools. Never learned any of them in my data science elective class nor any of my other IT major classes. What do I do now? How do I start my job search all over?

EDIT: Thank you so much for all of your valuable insights and encouragement. I truly appreciate the guidance as I start this journey!

career technology job-search information-technology business-analyst
Answer This

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you
29

23 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Michele’s Answer

Hello! You are already doing well to reach out here and you've been provided with some great advice already! Your question displays that you have been giving thought into what you need to be successful as a Business Analyst. Well, guess what... I have been a Senior Business Analyst for the past 7 years and I am not skilled on using a BI tool. I have familiarity with BI and am skilled in excel and understanding data models, but as for running the analytics, there has always been a Data expert on my teams that handles that. Most of the Business Analyst roles I have been engaged on involve listening to client requirements, ask probing questions to get to the bottom line of 'why' something is done, and then write the requirements in a structured format. So the main skills you need are soft skills: active listening, curiosity, and organization.

If you are looking for additional resources to brush up on skills for a Business Analyst, I would suggest taking some Trailhead modules, offered free by Salesforce, all you need to do is register for a free account.
Here is a link to get you started:https://trailhead.salesforce.com/en/career-path/business-analyst/
There are also free courses there if you want to learn more about Business Intelligence and Data Analysis.
I wish you the best of success in your future, you are on a great path!
Thank you comment icon Your advice was so helpful! YS
Pending review We will review this content before it's visible to others to make sure it follows our guidelines. Learn more.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Twilio’s Answer

Hey, Analyst here - there will always be new tools and new skills to pick up on, however the foundation and analytical frameworks you have learned in your classes will not differ. Companies will always ask for the perfect candidate but the truth is, that if you have 60%-70% of the skills, you should still apply and give it your best shot. PowerBI for example can be picked up pretty quickly if you have played with Tableau or other viz tools before. The first analyst role you land, will open your eyes to all the things you don't know and that is the beauty of it, it will be another learning lesson as you continue to sharpen your skills. Focus on the foundation, learn the tools you do know well and apply apply, apply. Good luck
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Kejul’s Answer

Congratulations on your graduation Ys! It's normal to feel overwhelmed or underprepared when starting your job search. Many recent graduates face similar challenges. Here are some steps you can take to bridge the skill gap and increase your chances of landing a Business Analyst role:

1. Research the Specific Requirements of Business Analyst Roles:
- Identify the skills: Pay attention to the skills and qualifications listed in the job descriptions of job postings. Assess Your Current Skills and Knowledge, identify what specific skills you acquire, and list what skills you lack.

3. Prioritize Skill Development:
- Online courses and tutorials: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of courses on PowerBI, data visualization, and other relevant topics.
- Certifications: Consider obtaining certifications like the Microsoft Power BI certification to validate your skills.
- Personal projects: Apply your knowledge through personal projects to build a portfolio and demonstrate your capabilities.

5. Practice Interviewing:
- Mock interviews: Practice answering common interview questions with a friend or mentor to gain confidence

Kejul recommends the following next steps:

Obtain a certification to boost your resume
Complete the learning program for the required skills
Practice in the mock interviews
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to provide me with a game plan! YS
Pending review We will review this content before it's visible to others to make sure it follows our guidelines. Learn more.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Yisel’s Answer

YS
"What an excellent and honest inquiry. Having graduated, the question arises: what's next? A business analyst is an individual who provides guidance to businesses in enhancing processes, products, services, and software through data analysis. While my expertise lies in healthcare, I can advise not to be concerned about unlearned concepts in college. The acquired tools can enable you to engage in analytical and exploratory endeavors beyond the conventional framework. One suggestion is to familiarize yourself with AI and automation, burgeoning tools for which you can pursue complimentary courses to obtain certification. The knowledge gained in academia holds relevance, yet practical experience will ultimately elucidate your path. Keep in mind the saying, 'Rome wasn't built in a day,' and afford yourself the patience and latitude to navigate your professional niche."

I hope this helps.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. YS
Pending review We will review this content before it's visible to others to make sure it follows our guidelines. Learn more.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Nick’s Answer

Hello! This is a great question and one so many struggle with going into their first (and many times subsequent) jobs out of college. If you have an education in a field, I would not worry so much about specific tools that are constantly changing. What's more important is understanding general principles and concepts that span across tools and know how to quickly apply those principles and concepts to whatever tool might be necessary for a given job / project. That said, there are so many courses available online if certain job descriptions are prescriptive about what they're looking for. Assuming you're used to learning a new tool quickly, it would go a long way to familiarize yourself with these tools to at least give yourself a foundation of knowledge that would certainly be build upon starting your job. Be transparent with the recruiters / interviewers about where you are at with your experience (showing how dedicated you are to learning quickly as well) and they will be thrilled to have someone highly motivated and excited to learn as it sounds you are!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Chelsea’s Answer

That's alright! Most people do not know what skills they should have as they enter into the workforce - a lot of these skills are usually learned through performing them on the job. For now, I would encourage you to think about translating the skills you learned from school into the ones that could be helpful for your job. No need to start job searching all over - make sure to emphasize how one skill can connect to another when you are job searching instead. In your off time, you can seek out tutorials on how to use data visualization tools and self-study.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Sophy’s Answer

Congratulations on your graduation! Be proud of your accomplishment.

As a business analyst, there are two key areas you should focus on:

First, the domain in which you plan to work. For example, a business analyst role in investments is very different from one in pharmaceuticals. Having a certain level of domain knowledge is crucial for creating meaningful analysis.

Second, the tools for a business analyst. Regardless of the domain, the tools used by analysts are generally the same. Getting hands-on training with these tools will be beneficial. This often involves taking certification courses online to learn the nuances of each tool.

You can work on mastering the tools regardless of your job, while gaining domain knowledge will depend on the specific area you choose to work in. Continuous learning will be essential in both areas.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

James Constantine’s Answer

Hello YS!

Handling Lack of Skill Preparation for a Job Search

1. Assess Your Current Skills and Knowledge

The first step in addressing the lack of skill preparation is to conduct a thorough self-assessment. Identify the skills you currently possess that are relevant to a Business Analyst role. This may include analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication skills, and any knowledge of data analysis or project management methodologies. Understanding your strengths will help you build confidence and identify areas for improvement.

2. Research Job Requirements

Next, research the specific requirements for Business Analyst positions in your desired industry. Job postings on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor can provide insight into what employers are looking for. Pay attention to common tools and technologies mentioned, such as Power BI, Tableau, SQL, Excel, and other data visualization or analysis tools.

3. Create a Learning Plan

Once you have identified the skills you need to develop, create a structured learning plan. This could involve:

Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or edX offer courses specifically focused on business analysis and tools like Power BI.
Certifications: Consider pursuing certifications such as Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) or Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate which can enhance your credibility.
Books and Resources: Look for books on business analysis methodologies and tools that can provide foundational knowledge.

4. Gain Practical Experience

While learning theoretical concepts is essential, gaining practical experience is equally important. You can do this by:

Internships: Seek internships or entry-level positions that allow you to work alongside experienced analysts.
Projects: Work on personal projects or volunteer for non-profit organizations where you can apply your skills in real-world scenarios.
Networking: Join local business analyst groups or online forums (like LinkedIn groups) where you can connect with professionals in the field who might offer mentorship or advice.

5. Update Your Resume and Online Profiles

As you acquire new skills and experiences, update your resume to reflect these changes. Highlight relevant coursework, certifications, projects completed during your learning process, and any internships or volunteer work related to business analysis. Additionally, ensure that your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date with these new qualifications.

6. Prepare for Interviews

When you’re ready to start applying for jobs again, prepare thoroughly for interviews by practicing common business analyst interview questions. Focus on how you’ve applied your analytical skills in past experiences—even if they were academic projects—and be ready to discuss how you’ve learned new tools.

7. Apply Strategically

Finally, approach your job search strategically by targeting companies that value potential over experience—especially those known for hiring recent graduates or those willing to train new employees in necessary skills.

By following these steps methodically—assessing your current abilities, identifying gaps in knowledge required for the role of a Business Analyst, creating a learning plan tailored to fill those gaps through courses and practical experience—you will position yourself more favorably in the job market.

Probability the answer is correct: 95%

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:

1. Coursera Coursera offers numerous online courses from reputable universities covering business analysis fundamentals and specific tools like Power BI.

2. LinkedIn LinkedIn provides insights into job postings across various industries which helps understand current market demands regarding skills needed for Business Analysts.

3. Project Management Institute (PMI) PMI offers resources related to project management methodologies which are often integral components of a Business Analyst’s role; their materials also cover best practices in business analysis.

GOD BLESS!
JC.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is amazing! YS
Pending review We will review this content before it's visible to others to make sure it follows our guidelines. Learn more.
Thank you comment icon IT IS AN AMAZING JOB AT CAREER VILLAGE! James Constantine Frangos
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Quantise’s Answer

I would say don’t panick and don’t put yourself down. Be proud you graduate and you have an amazing field ahead of you. No need to worry, you can always seek out free courses (coursera) or watch online tutorials on Power Bi and data visualization tools. That can help ease your worries.

Also, I wouldn’t give up on the job search as your employer will understand you recently graduated and will be in the growing phase. I would say continue the job search and when examining the job description, see if aligns with your background.

You’re more than likely going to be seeking entry level so it won’t be too much pressure. You will more than likely receive training on your job and maybe, when searching, seek jobs that offer (for example: 5-6 weeks training). So as previously pointed out, seek out free resources on these areas in the interim and pursue your job search.

You seem very smart and know you will be successful. Trust me, I have been there. I felt the same as you’re not going to learn everything. I just sought out free resource’s on certain areas that wasn’t part of my curriculum. You can do it and just know your career is ongoing learning. Best of luck!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Ine’s Answer

Congratulations on graduating! Don’t worry about the skills gap—many graduates face this. Start by taking online courses on PowerBI and data visualization tools (check out sites like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning). Meanwhile, highlight your strengths and willingness to learn in your resume and cover letters. Apply for entry-level jobs where you can grow these skills on the job. Also, seek out internships or volunteer opportunities to gain practical experience. Keep pushing forward—skills can be learned, but your degree and drive are your foundation.
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! YS
Pending review We will review this content before it's visible to others to make sure it follows our guidelines. Learn more.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Logan’s Answer

Hi YS,

In addition to all the responses above, I might add that the business analyst role varies significantly company by company. While one company may emphasize the data visualization skills, others likely will not. I would not be discouraged by what you perceive as a lack of skills here (though it could certainly be worth developing them). Instead I would suggest applying broadly to a variety of roles in this space to find a role that feels like the right fit.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to help. YS
Pending review We will review this content before it's visible to others to make sure it follows our guidelines. Learn more.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Raphael’s Answer

First of all, no worries, it's natural to feel unprepared for the job market. Try to look at some specific jobs you would like to apply for, and see if there are any actual gaps in knowledge. After you have identified the specific skills you need, there are numerous online resources available, including platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning.

In addition to online courses, consider joining professional groups or forums related to business analysis. Networking with professionals in the field can also lead to job openings and recommendations. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect your proactive learning efforts. Highlight any relevant projects or coursework, and mention the new skills you are acquiring. Tailor your job applications to showcase how your background and ongoing learning make you a strong candidate for the role.

The job search process is a journey, and it's okay to start from where you are. Good luck with everything!.
Thank you comment icon This advice is very helpful, thank you! YS
Pending review We will review this content before it's visible to others to make sure it follows our guidelines. Learn more.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Barry’s Answer

Review the skill requirements for the position that you are looking at as it will define specifically for what the company is looking. Many times companies provide training if you are the right fit. Don't rely on college to teach you everything that you will need, especially in tech jobs. There are lots of free training to give you basic knowledge and consider targeted training classes for things that you feel you have an interest in doing.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. YS
Pending review We will review this content before it's visible to others to make sure it follows our guidelines. Learn more.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Mian’s Answer

As a fresh graduate, it's okay if you don't already possess certain technical skills or have internship experience. These skills can be quickly acquired within a day or two. Just dedicate around 10-12 hours of focused learning on platforms like Coursera or similar sites.

However, remember that being a business analyst isn't just about mastering tools like PowerBI. It's more about your ability to analyze and understand the problem at hand. It's about asking the right questions in a simple, straightforward manner that a program can understand and provide data for.

For instance, if you're asked to determine how many of our customers are using our product, PowerBI is merely a tool to help you visualize the data. The real challenge lies in deciding what the final chart should look like. How many columns should there be? Should the data be segmented by geography or office location? Should it be broken down into sub-segments like gender, age group, etc.?

Once you have this data, the next step is to draw meaningful insights that can help the business. For example, if most of our customers are males aged 20-30 from New York, perhaps we need to expand our marketing efforts in other regions.

So, while it's important to acquire technical skills quickly, during a job interview, it's even more crucial to demonstrate that you can think through business problems and understand the company's needs. Employers value this ability highly.
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! YS
Pending review We will review this content before it's visible to others to make sure it follows our guidelines. Learn more.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Swati’s Answer

Hello YS, I wholeheartedly concur with the previous statements. Your curiosity is a tremendous asset. Indeed, every profession requires the mastery of certain tools, and learning how to use them is a part of the process. It's common to acquire these skills while on the job, so don't hesitate to inquire with the hiring managers about whether they expect you to have these tool skills prior to joining, or if they can be developed on the job considering your educational background. Remember, most of these tool skills can be learned while working. If there's a requirement to know them beforehand, simply look for reputable certifications and dedicate yourself to learning these tools. There's a wealth of free courses offered by top-tier tech companies and prestigious universities. Make sure to explore these opportunities. Wishing you all the best on your educational journey. Keep up the great work!
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! YS
Pending review We will review this content before it's visible to others to make sure it follows our guidelines. Learn more.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Jami’s Answer

Hi YS,

First of all, congratulations on graduating! It’s completely normal to feel uncertain after graduation, especially when entering a competitive job market. Here are some steps you can take to build your skills and prepare for a job search as a Business Analyst:

1. Identify Required Skills: Make a list of the key skills commonly required for Business Analyst positions, including data visualization tools like Power BI, SQL, Excel, and any relevant soft skills (communication, problem-solving, etc.).

2. Online Learning: There are many free or affordable online courses available to help you learn the necessary tools. Websites like Coursera, Udacity, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer modules on Power BI and other relevant software. Some specific courses to look for include:
- Basics of Power BI
- SQL for Data Analysis
- Data Visualization Techniques

3. Get Practical Experience: Consider working on personal projects or taking internships that allow you to apply what you've learned. You could create a sample dashboard in Power BI using publicly available datasets or volunteer for a nonprofit organization to help them analyze their data.

4. Build a Portfolio: As you complete projects, assemble them into a portfolio. A strong portfolio can showcase your skills to potential employers. Include examples of dashboards, reports, or data analyses you’ve conducted.

5. Networking: Connect with professionals in the business analysis field through LinkedIn, alumni networks, or local meetups. Informational interviews can provide insights into the field and potentially lead to job opportunities.

6. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Highlight your willingness to learn and any relevant courses or projects you've completed. Make sure to emphasize your analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and any related experience during your studies.

7. Practice for Interviews: Familiarize yourself with common interview questions for business analysts. Practice using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your experiences and explain how they relate to the job you’re applying for.

8. Stay Positive and Persistent: Job searching can be challenging, but remember that many recent graduates feel the same way. Continue to learn and apply for positions you’re interested in, even if you don't meet every requirement. Employers often value enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

9. Consider Entry-Level Positions: Look for internships, assistant roles, or junior positions that can help you gain experience and build your confidence before taking on a full-fledged BA role.

10. Join Relevant Communities: Engage in online forums, groups, or communities focused on business analysis and data science. This can help you gain a better understanding of the role and connect with others who may have been in your position.

By approaching your job search and skill-building systematically, you can cultivate the confidence and expertise needed to enter the field as a Business Analyst.

Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Your advice was so helpful! YS
Pending review We will review this content before it's visible to others to make sure it follows our guidelines. Learn more.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Krishna’s Answer

Would highly encourage you to still explore the opportunities! Some things you can try to learn in advance of interviewing for the job, but you learn so much on the job by being around folks who do the the work day to day.

There are great tools like coursera that have some free courses that can also help you learn in case you can't find things on YouTube.

You're doing a great job of doing you research but don't feel discouraged!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this was helpful! YS
Pending review We will review this content before it's visible to others to make sure it follows our guidelines. Learn more.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Shay’s Answer

Congratulations on your graduation!

The exciting part about starting your career is that learning doesn't stop here. In fact, it's just the beginning of a lifelong journey of growth and development. Now that you've graduated, you have the opportunity to identify the tools and skills you want to master. To get started, you can take advantage of the numerous online courses and tutorials available on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning. These resources can provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to get comfortable with these tools. Additionally, working on practice projects can help you apply what you've learned and build a portfolio that showcases your skills to potential employers.

When it comes to job applications, make sure to highlight your willingness and dedication to continuous learning. Employers value candidates who are proactive about their professional development and eager to grow. Mention any relevant coursework, projects, or certifications you've completed, and emphasize your enthusiasm for learning new skills

Good luck, and once again, congratulations on your graduation!
Thank you comment icon I'm excited to put your great advice to good use! YS
Pending review We will review this content before it's visible to others to make sure it follows our guidelines. Learn more.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Christine’s Answer

Perhaps it is possible to take a course on the required tools or technology platforms. Although I'm not familiar with this specific tool, certain community colleges offer courses or certifications that will help students become proficient in the use of certain technology tools. With rapid technology advances, you will likely have to learn and relearn several times how to perform your job responsibilities using new tools or technology platforms throughout your career. The investment of time and money to learn the technology tools is worth it in the long run,
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Sam’s Answer

Congratulations on graduating!! I was in a similar situation as you when I was graduating and these are the action items that helped me land a job:

1. Go on youtube, coursera, etc and learn the basics of Excel, Power BI, and maybe SQL if you have time.
2. Simultaneously, work on relevant side projects that help you become a better data analyst. I would just look up relevant side projects or go on leetcode and practice problem sets for data analysts.
3. Be able to articulate your skills, projects, and experience concisely and in a way that shows the employer your value.
4. Apply to jobs and interview as much as you can because job searching is a skill that can be improved upon.

Good luck!!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Chelsea’s Answer

Congrats on graduating!

A great thing about being a Business Analyst is there are so many paths you can go down to learn the skills needed! I started in Customer Support while I was learning skills online. Technical Support Roles can be a great starting ground, because you can learn system to see the numerous ways you could use the system. It helped me learn a lot of what I was looking to do in a skillset.

If I were starting over I would also want to learn data practices, as data comes into a huge play. Take a plethora of online courses (freebies are our there :) )
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Tony’s Answer

Hi YS,

Congrats on graduating - well done! It's a great accomplishment especially during these times and speaks to your determination and resilience. I would encourage you to keep exploring the Business Analyst role as the qualifications will vary across industries and companies so a specific software product may not aways be required but experience with software will, since these are the necessary tools to analyze the vast amount of data systems are now generating. So I think it's worth it for you to invest in learning how to use these tools now since the requirements will only increase. Lots of free online resources out there so you can quickly get a basic level of proficiency which is often an acceptable level necessary for an entry level position. It's a growing position for the future so will be worth the effort in my opinion. Good luck!

Tony
Thank you comment icon This advice is very helpful, thank you! YS
Pending review We will review this content before it's visible to others to make sure it follows our guidelines. Learn more.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Angel’s Answer

Congratulations on your graduation! It's completely normal to feel uncertain about your skills when entering the job market, especially in a field as dynamic as business analysis. Start by identifying the tools you need, like Power BI, and look for online courses or tutorials to build your proficiency. Many resources are available for free or at low cost.

Also, focus on transferable skills from your coursework and projects. Tailor your resume to highlight those relevant experiences. Networking is key too! Connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn and consider informational interviews. You’ve got this—keep learning and stay confident!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is helpful! YS
Pending review We will review this content before it's visible to others to make sure it follows our guidelines. Learn more.
0