The Analyst Who Coded: A Business Pro’s Guide to Programming

But I am not Technical! 

You are not technical and maybe you can never be as good as technical as others. But this is not a reason not to learn programming. Below are some compelling reasons why a business analyst should learn programming

How

What (Programming) Language do you Speak

Choose a programming language: Select a language that aligns with your goals and industry. Popular options include Python, JavaScript, Java, or C#.

I chose Python 


  • Ease of learning: Python’s syntax is clear and readable, making it relatively easy for non-programmers to learn and understand.
  • Versatility: It’s useful for a wide range of tasks, from data analysis to web development and automation.
  • Strong data analysis libraries: Python offers powerful libraries like Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib, which are excellent for data manipulation and visualization.
  • Integration capabilities: Python can easily integrate with various business systems and databases, allowing analysts to work with diverse data sources.
  • Automation potential: It’s great for automating repetitive tasks and creating scripts to streamline business processes.
  • Large community and resources: There’s a wealth of learning materials, forums, and libraries available, making problem-solving easier.
  • Free and open-source: Python is cost-effective for businesses and individual learners alike.

How to Learn a new Programming Language

  • Learn the basics: Start with fundamental programming concepts like variables, data types, loops, and functions.

I used the syllabus from PCECP and the 100 days of coding by Replit https://replit.com/learn/100-days-of-python

  • Take online courses: Platforms like Codecademy, Coursera, or edX offer programming courses for beginners.
  • Build projects: Create small applications to apply your skills and build a portfolio.
  • Learn version control: Familiarize yourself with Git and GitHub, essential tools for collaborative coding.
  • Explore frameworks and libraries: Once you’re comfortable with a language, learn relevant frameworks (e.g., React for JavaScript, Django for Python).

Practice, Practice, Practice

  • Practice regularly: Consistent coding practice is crucial. Try sites like LeetCode or HackerRank for coding challenges.
  • Attend coding bootcamps: Consider intensive programs that provide structured learning and often assist with job placement.
  • Network: Join coding communities, attend meetups, and connect with other programmers.
  • Continue learning: Stay updated with new technologies and programming trends.

How Python is Helping my with my Work 

  1. Improved communication with IT: Understanding programming helps you bridge the gap between business needs and technical implementation, facilitating better collaboration with developers.
  2. Requirements validation: Use programming to create basic models or simulations to validate and refine business requirements before they’re passed to the development team.
  3. Process automation: Create scripts to automate business processes, improving efficiency and reducing manual errors in workflows you’ve analyzed and documented.
  4. Prototype development: Build simple prototypes or proof-of-concepts for software solutions you’re proposing, helping stakeholders visualize your recommendations.
  5. Enhanced data analysis: While not primarily focused on data, business analysts often work with data. Programming allows you to perform more sophisticated analyses when needed.