Hi Jane,

The business analyst career can take you in many different directions - it just depends on you interests and skills.  If you have strong communication and business skills in a given industry you should consider starting your career as an IT Business Analysts.  On the other hands if you have a technical background (i.e. programming) you can begin your career as a Systems Analyst.  There are many options available to you.

Jr. IT BA -> IT BA -> Sr. IT BA -> Functional Architect

Jr. SA    ->   SA  ->   Sr. SA  -> Designer/Architect

You may also find this blog article useful in identifying some of the roles that an analyst may play in an organization:

Business Analyst Roles AKA “In Search of the Business Analysis Holy Grail”

Once you determine what you interest are and the type of analyst you want to be you can begin to pick up the skills and competencies require of that role through a variety of methods: courses, books, articles, mentorship, and hands-on experience.

Hope this helps!

- Adrian