Business analysis and business analyst
Business analysis is a specific and concentrated part of data science. Instead of only combing through various data, business analytics involves locating important points that can be used to enhance business organizations. The goal of the organization is connected to the trends and patterns that the data reveals. No wonder a business analyst is known as the connecting link between information technology and business. On the able shoulders of a business analyst lies the responsibility of understanding an organization’s changing requirements and providing technological solutions for the improvement of systems and processes.
What is the business analysts’ job role?
To increase the efficiency of an organization, business analysts scan sets of data. This makes them co-ordinators between different departments of the organization, stakeholders and clients. They are involved in strategic analysis, systems analysis, business model analysis, and process design analysis. Their job role revolves around gathering research, presenting solutions, and implementing solutions.
A business analyst is required to:
- Communicate with stakeholders & colleagues
- Analyze and model data
- Suggest solutions for operational changes after studying risks
- Streamline processes to implement these changes
- Present reports, conduct surveys, and workshops
- Support and communicate with staff and senior management
Skills required to become a business analyst
- Technical skills
Business analysts use various technical tools for data crunching, diagramming, wireframing. Knowledge of computer programming, big data mining techniques, database management, and systems engineering are essential. - Communication skills
Strong spoken and written skills are required to do justice to the job role of a business analyst. Communication with stakeholders, customers, and staff must be very clear and crisp. - Business acumen and strategic thinking
A sharp intellect and the ability to focus on the many facets of business with the organization’s growth as the ultimate are skills that a business analyst must possess.
Also Read: Best Business Analytics Tools For Every Business Analyst
Steps to start a career in business analytics:
#1. Arm yourself with a bachelors’ degree in business administration, finance, accounting. Additional computer skills would help deal with the different levels of technical proficiency that a business analyst has to deal with.
#2. Gain work experience with a small company initially. A summer internship would help. Working professionals can volunteer for projects that are normally undertaken by data analysts. This would give them hands-on experience even if they are working in a different role in the organization. An entry-level hire will allow you to gain experience across several different projects. This will enable you to select the industry or domain of your choice.
#3. Acquire an advanced certification or a master’s degree.
Business Analyst Courses and Programs
There are many IIBA-endorsed business analysis certification programs & business analyst courses online available. These programs help to gain in-depth exposure to business analysis techniques and frameworks as prescribed by the latest BABOK 3.0 (Business Analysis Body of Knowledge). They offer comprehensive coverage of important business analysis topics such as requirements elicitation, enterprise management, solution design, validation and stakeholder management, etc. The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) has also recognised the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) as a professional certification.
Business analysts must keep abreast of technological developments.
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