Loading...
Answers
MenuI would like to pursue a career as a business analyst. I have experience on the business side but none in SQL or databases, how should I get started?
This question has no further details.
Answers
Easy... Contact companies you would want to work for and offer to intern or work for free for a few days/week under someone with that experience. Soak in the info. Help them in other areas. Ask a lot of questions as if you are completely new to the field.
I'm a business analyst with a similar background (intelligence analysis, liberal arts, visual presentations and written reports). At my technology company we have found that SQL/DBA work can be added as you go and that "seeing the big picture" is the more essential skill.
I'd look for:
1) A tech company
2) One that is growing (see Inc 500|5000 list for too many leads to even chase)
3) Basic fluency – take some courses on codeacademy, codeschool, etc
It really depends on the type of Business Analyst you want to be - what kind of work you want to do. There are courses and certifications for Business Analysts you can look in to which might be helpful. You may want to give serious consideration to a tool like Crystal Reports, which can connect to any database and generates its own SQL. After all, the point isn't to be a Database Admin, it's to get at data and analyze it.
If you have the option of taking one course in Database Management or Analysis, do it. The basic principles will take you far.
If you really want to learn databases and SQL I would recommend starting with MS SQL Server Express. It's free, relatively easy to use and is well documented.
There is much more to being a business analyst SQL or databases. So, if I were you, why would I want to become a business analyst? One of the main reasons I want to be a business analyst is because I always measure the success of my work through the positive impact I leave on the company's goals, product's improvements, and client's needs. Another thing I love about being a business analyst, is the chance this role gives me to work with people from different departments in the company who have a variety of great expertise, and always have interesting perspectives to add to the table. I think that one of the remarkably interesting aspects of a business analyst's job is understanding the core need of the client and working with the development team to fulfil that need. The beauty of this role is that business analysts are always evaluating their product's performance, which gives the company a great advantage in terms of staying on top of the latest trends and implementing clients' feedback with every new step. In general, I believe that this role has so much to offer in terms of a long term professional career, and allows one to continuously learn new techniques to tackle complex business problems and find innovative solutions in today's technology driven economy.
Besides if you do have any questions give me a call: https://clarity.fm/joy-brotonath
Related Questions
-
What is the best way to break into Product Management?
Hello Aidan. I was recently featured on a panel at General Assembly for an audience looking to make a career shift towards product management. In 2014 I moved from a marketing / user engagement role at a software startup to product management. The transition is still fresh in my mind. Based on the experience on your LinkedIn profile, it seems like you would be well-equipped to make the switch. You have a technical background, experience with generating team outcomes and strategic direction. I think the challenge you face is not whether you have the right skills and resources, but rather how you would like to apply them. Product management is broad and so is your choice of employers. It would be great to jump on a call to get a better context of your situation so I can give you specific tips on how to put your best foot forward.ML
-
What is the best job to get to learn to become an entrepreneur? Working at a VC as an analyst? Work in Sales? Work in Marketing? Consulting?
The best way to learn is by starting a company yourself. This could be anything from a web development company, e-commerce or even a lemonade stand! The second best way to learn is to work closely with another entrepreneur, either at a startup or as an assistant to the CEO/executive. It's important to see exactly how the startup works on the inside so you can bring experience when you start out on your own. Being an entrepreneur isn't easy, don't forget to have fun.MG
-
How to demonstrate leadership when you are not the boss and the company is not a traditional startup?
I think you may be using the word "leadership" with a different meaning. You seem like a go-getter and a potential high performer (do more, do it very well, do things beyond what's expected of you), but these are different than a leader (inspire other people, set direction and governance) or a manager (optimize resources use, human or otherwise) A low-risk, good way to grow and stretch your talent, comfort zone and how people perceive you is to take on special projects. Ideally special projects that will lead to new products and new roles down the line, that way if you perform there is a natural transition towards the new role. The reality though is that a company of 25 employees and a culture such as the one you describe may simply not be one where growth opportunities abound.MG
-
Is it harmful for a job seeker to have an entrepreneurial background or be interested in being one?
This is a really good question and one I ask myself all the time. I also am an entrepreneur and have owned my own businesses off and on for the past 15+ years. During the times that I was looking for work, I also found myself pigeon holed because I was not the "cookie cutter" Enterprise Account Exec for Salesforce then Oracle, etc. It seemed to me that it became a detriment as potential employers see you as a flight risk. I would steer away from being overly entrepreneurial. HOWEVER, with that being said, I wear the entrepreneur title as a badge of honor. I am battle tested, been in the trenches, worked for no money at length and can walk the walk. At the end of the day it is a monetary decision. Good Luck!JJ
-
I am a marketing executive with 30+ years experience. A young start-up wishes to hire me for salary plus part ownership. What do I need to consider?
First, congratulations! This sounds like an exciting opportunity. However, part ownership/partnership can be tricky. What happens if you disagree down the road? What happens if someone gets sick, dies, or has to leave the company for any reason? What happens if there is a divorce and a spouse who isn't currently involved in the business also becomes a part owner? Have you considered structuring your compensation to be salary plus a share of the profits without true ownership? That could potentially reduce headaches and liability for both of you.JS
the startups.com platform
Copyright © 2025 Startups.com. All rights reserved.