In general, a business analyst is someone who studies an industry or company domain and documents its overall business, economic systems, or processes, assessing its viability or the current integration of technologies with business. Business Analyst assists in supporting companies in improving processes, goods, services, and applications via detailed data analysis. They are called upon to make strategic decisions and provide analysis and critical information regarding the most important areas for improvement.
While these analysts are required to have a bachelor’s degree in business in order to perform their job duties, recent business innovations and advancements have made it possible for them to perform their job duties by simply attending college and earning a master’s degree in business administration or another similar field. In fact, more business school graduates are choosing to earn a master’s in business administration so they can fulfill a professional requirement and acquire a valuable skill set that will serve them well into their careers.
Although business analysts are required to understand and analyze processes and products of a company, there are also skills that any analyst can learn and develop to be highly effective at other roles within the firm. Business analysts are not only taught how to analyze processes but they are also taught how to communicate their findings in understandable and effective ways to decision makers. Communication skills are especially important because business Analysts spend a great deal of time communicating with decision makers outside the company. This requires great listening, writing, and speaking skills as well as being a good listener and communicator.
As a business analyst, you will also be required to possess a wide range of technical skills. Many times an analyst will be required to make critical and initial technical decisions based on statistical and practical analysis, though they should always seek a consensus in their technical analyses. Technical skills are especially important for Business Analysts because often times they will be required to make a decision based on incomplete or conflicting information. A competent business analyst should be able to demonstrate their technical skills in both written and verbal communication.