Link to original video by Shane Hummus

Is The Microsoft Business Analyst Professional Certificate ACTUALLY Worth It?

Summary of "Is The Microsoft Business Analyst Professional Certificate ACTUALLY Worth It?"

Short Summary:

This video reviews the Microsoft Business Analyst Professional Certificate offered by Coursera, analyzing its value and effectiveness in preparing individuals for a career in business analysis. The video delves into the certificate's content, cost, time commitment, demand for the skills learned, and its potential to help land a job. It highlights the certificate's practical focus on real-world skills, its affordability compared to traditional education options like boot camps and college degrees, and its potential to open doors to various data-driven roles. The video concludes with a strong recommendation for the certificate, emphasizing its value and effectiveness in today's job market.

Detailed Summary:

Introduction:

• The video introduces the Microsoft Business Analyst Professional Certificate offered by Coursera and its potential benefits for those seeking a career in business analysis.
• The speaker mentions that the certificate is designed for beginners and professionals alike, requiring no prior experience.
• The video emphasizes the certificate's focus on practical, job-ready skills and its potential to launch a career in business analysis within 3 months.

Course Breakdown:

• The video outlines the six-course series that comprises the certificate:
  • Business Analysis Fundamentals
  • Data for Business Analysts using Microsoft Excel
  • Data and Business Process Modeling with Microsoft Visio
  • Requirements Gathering in Business Analysis
  • Power Platform in Business Analysis
  • Project Delivery in Business Analysis and Capstone Project
• The speaker highlights the comprehensive nature of the course, covering a wide range of skills relevant to business analysis.

Time to Completion and Cost:

• The video states that the certificate is designed to be completed in 3 months with a 10-hour weekly commitment.
• The speaker suggests that the certificate can be completed much faster, potentially within a few weeks to a month and a half.
• The speaker compares the certificate's time commitment to boot camps and college degrees, emphasizing its significantly shorter duration.
• The video discusses the cost of the Coursera Plus subscription, which provides access to the certificate and other courses.
• The speaker highlights the affordability of the certificate compared to boot camps and college degrees, emphasizing its value for money.

Demand and Job Prospects:

• The video discusses the high demand for business analysts and related roles, citing statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
• The speaker mentions that the certificate can prepare individuals for various entry-level roles, including business analyst, data analyst, financial analyst, market research analyst, and process improvement specialist.
• The video highlights the growing number of job postings for these roles on platforms like LinkedIn.
• The speaker emphasizes the certificate's potential to help individuals stand out to recruiters and hiring managers, particularly those seeking candidates with practical skills.

Engagement and Course Quality:

• The video acknowledges the lack of extensive reviews for the certificate due to its recent release.
• The speaker draws on the positive reviews of other Microsoft certificates and certifications, suggesting that the engagement and quality of this certificate are likely to be high.

Chances of Landing a Job:

• The video acknowledges that the certificate alone may not guarantee a job but emphasizes its value in demonstrating proactive learning and acquiring in-demand skills.
• The speaker suggests that the certificate can be a valuable asset when combined with a portfolio and additional skills gained through experience or other certifications.
• The speaker highlights the certificate's potential to appeal to companies that use Microsoft products and Azure, increasing job prospects for those with these skills.

Overall Value:

• The video emphasizes the exceptional value of the certificate, considering its affordability, practical focus, and potential to open doors to various career opportunities.
• The speaker compares the certificate's cost to the significantly higher expenses of boot camps and college degrees, highlighting its affordability and effectiveness.
• The speaker mentions the certificate's inclusion of resume review, interview preparation, and career support as additional value-added features.
• The video concludes with a strong recommendation for the certificate, emphasizing its value and effectiveness in today's job market.

Notable Quotes:

• "This program can be right for you." (referring to the certificate's suitability for both beginners and professionals)
• "This is a dynamic and rewarding career which focuses on improving business processes and helping them with decision making using data." (describing the role of a business analyst)
• "These certificates are actually respected and it makes sense because like I said before, these are companies telling the market what skill sets they want." (highlighting the value of the certificate in aligning with industry needs)
• "This one is an absolute no-brainer, the value is incredible." (emphasizing the exceptional value of the certificate)
• "Unlike other education methods, this provides practical real-world skills that are actually in demand by businesses right now." (contrasting the certificate's practical focus with traditional education methods)