Business analyst is a person who analyze, transform and ultimately solve the problem with their skills. Many BAs get their start as a subject matter expert (SME) on a big project in their organization. Another common approach is to be a developer-who can write and speak to the client. One other option is to find a BA training program. Many of these are aimed at existing BAs who are looking to improve their skills and resume, and are priced for professionals. MS certification won't help much. But if some SDLC experience in any capacity is there can help you. The ability to draw a process with some sort of recognized boxes and lines notation,like UML process diagrams, BPMN, or data flow diagrams. or else you can even learn online. Having a work experience will definitely help you but in the same sector.

The basic qualification required in Masters in either one in Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Statistics, Information Science etc. Work experience of 3-5 years can help in good package and designation. Yes you should have certifications. Some employers prefer business analysts with certification from the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC). The certified management consultant (CMC) exam is available in three levels: basic, experienced and management. The basic level requires applicants to have a bachelor's degree and 3-9 years of consulting experience and five satisfactory evaluations. The experienced and management levels require more work experience. In addition to meeting requirements, applicants must pass a written and oral exam to become certified. Certification can help business analysts stand out in the field and provide proof of competence.

These are few career paths you can follow later on after reaching a position of BA. They are: 1. Project manager is a common route. After many years of filling up risks, issues, and project schedules, and knowing what it really takes to deliver to time/cost/quality, it is a logical move to manage projects. After some years, project managers may continue their development into program managers. 2. Generally one will come to this role after being a BA-Business process architect. You can say it is a logical profession. 3. Operations Head - Business Strategy Analyst who analyses the business need by analyzing their current products, services, process and operations, and recommends solution to improve the business. 4. A Business Analyst starting with Junior consultant, create a path towards Consultant, senior consultant and management consultant. 5. You can aim at becoming a Practice lead and be responsible for establishing the processes for business analysis activity in an organization and managing the BAs. 6. A Business Analyst starting a career as a Business analyst, and moving towards lead Business analyst, and a role of heading Business Analysis activities as an enterprise or Business Architect in an organizations. These are the options you can choose after you have attained a successful position as a BA.