If you’ve ever wondered how businesses make smarter decisions, the answer generally involves a business analyst. Business analysts apply data, strategy, and communication to show ways organisations can improve their performance. Learning how to become a business analyst opens doors to a career that’s both analytical and creative.

Business analysts are in demand, and the career is certainly on the rise in South Africa.Companies want people to interpret data to eradicate inefficiencies and implement those insights into actionable initiatives.Be it a student looking to take the next step in their career or a working professional seeking a new challenge, this detailed article will explain what the role actually entails, what to study, and how to get started.

What does a Business Analyst do?

The main role of the business analyst is to bridge the gap between the objectives of the business and technical solutions.They map the operation of a company, find the gaps, and make recommendations on how processes or systems could be improved.Their work may involve data analysis, project management, or consulting with stakeholders to align business priorities.

For example, a bank would hire a business analyst to analyse and simplify a loan application process, or a retail chain could make use of one to estimate the spending habits of patrons. No matter the industry, the intention is all the same, i.e. to make better, quicker, and data-driven decisions.

Why Business Analysis Is Worth Considering

If you enjoy problem-solving, communicating, and working with data, the role of a Business Analyst would definitely suit you.This is ideal for people who understand how a business works and consider how it can be made to run more efficiently.

The role is flexible as business analysts are needed across industries, be it finance, healthcare, telecommunications, or more. You can work in a corporate environment, a consultancy, or even remotely.

Many start out as analysts and then later move to project management or data-related roles. In case you are wondering how to become a business analyst in South Africa, the job role will offer you both stability and room for growth.

Steps on How to Become a Business Analyst

Although there is no set route to enter this career, clear steps will lead a person to the right path. Becoming a business analyst is not just about learning tools or earning a qualification; it’s about developing the right mindset to understand how businesses function and where improvements can be made. 

Here are a few steps that you can follow to become a business analyst:

1. Start with the Right Education

One of the most common queries people ask is, “What should I study to become a business analyst?”

A degree in business administration, economics, IT, or data analytics would be a good starting point. If you’re researching how to become a business analyst without a degree, then the good news is: A short, focused online course can be just as effective.

Digital Regenesys, for example, offers a Data and Business Analytics course covering the basics that one can eventually use on the job. Programmes like this allow you to have the technical and analytical foundations that every employer wants when you are new to the field.

2. Build Analytical and Technical Skills

Whenever working with numbers, you should feel comfortable. Keep focusing on the identification of trends. Learn to work with tools that help you make data meaningful, for e.g. Excel, Power BI, or Tableau are good places to start.

Business analysis isn’t all about data; it’s also about people and process.You constantly need to translate the most complicated findings into insights that can be acted upon by non-technical teams. This means communication and critical thinking are as important as technical knowledge.

3. Gain Practical Experience 

While theory does help, hands-on experience builds confidence.Try to involve yourself in various projects that could require data analysis, process reviews, or even recommendations for improvements.Even within your current role, try to find opportunities to apply the analytical approach.

There can be internships, freelancing, or even small part-time projects that add to your experience. For those thinking about how to become a business analyst without a degree, this hands-on exposure often weighs much more than qualifications.

4. Enrol in a Recognised Business Analytics Course

If one wants to grow in this field, the right course can make a difference. Formal training helps you develop both technical and analytical skills while understanding how data shapes business decisions.

Digital Regenesys’ Data and Business Analytics course has been designed keeping the demand for practical, job-readiness-oriented learning in mind. The course focuses on important areas like data interpretation, visualisations, reporting, and facilitating decision-making with real business situations.

It’s ideal for professionals looking to upskill without having to leave their current professional roles, as it provides flexible online learning with content tailored for South African industries. Completion of the online course provides a sound basis in business analysis and data-driven thinking-valuable skills that employers seek in today’s market.

5. Comprehend Business Operations

The best analysts don’t just analyse data; they understand the dynamics of how a business works.It is essential to understand how departments such as finance, operations, and marketing are interconnected.This will help you identify what the actual problems are and suggest solutions that work in practice.

Understanding business operations allows you to speak the same language as decision-makers; hence, trust and influence are fostered in an organisation.

6. Networking in a Professional Manner

Networking is also said to be a crucial part of career development. Network with local analytics communities, attend workshops and connect with professionals in the field.The fast-growing communities in data and business analysis provide continuous learning, collaboration, and new opportunities for people.Building relationships can bring about mentorship and even job referrals.

Requirements to Become a Business Analyst

Therequirements for becoming a business analystvary from company to company, but usually, employers seek people who possess the following qualities:

• A qualification in business, data, or IT
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience with business intelligence tools
• Good communication and report-writing skills
• Understanding of process design or project management

It’s not necessary to have all these in the beginning, but having a desire to learn and an ability to think critically about how things might be improved is key.

How to Become a Business Analyst in South Africa

The South African economy is increasingly becoming data-driven, and thus organisations seek people who are able to combine business knowledge with analytical thinking.

If you’re considering becoming a business analyst in South Africa, seek practical and applied learning. A course like Digital Regenesys’s Certification Course in Data and Business Analytics will equip you with skills in demand by employers in all sectors.

As companies continue to invest in digital transformation, skilled business analysts are becoming central to the way they plan, grow, and compete.

Career Outlook and Salary

‘Payscale’ quotes that the general salary range in South Africa per year is from R350,000 to R600,000 per annum, while those with experience and highly specialised skills earn substantially more.

Business analysts are well paid and enjoy excellent job mobility within South Africa. According to Payscale (as of October 2025), professionals in this field can earn between R400,000 and R700,000 every year after a few years of experience, while senior roles will earn more. This is a role that can offer long-term security, since businesses in every sector depend on informed decision-making. As technology evolves, analysts who understand data and business strategy alike will be increasingly in demand.

Final Thoughts

A career in business analysis offers the satisfaction of solving problems that make a real difference. Apart from the numbers or software, it’s truly about how businesses work and helping them do better. If you’re asking yourself,”How do I become a business analyst?”, start by building your foundation.Learn the tools, strengthen your analytical thinking, and gain practical experience wherever you can.

Digital Regenesys offers you the training and flexibility that allow you to grow your skills while not stopping your current job or studies. Commitment and the right learning path might be all you need in building a fulfilling career that integrates analysis, strategy, and impact. 

Take the first step and start your business analysis journey at Digital Regenesys now!