what is a business analyst?

Your job is to help your employer improve productivity, solve existing business problems and achieve goals. A business analyst works alongside business and data analysts to investigate issues that affect profitability. As a business analyst, you check financial information and company data to find issues in the business model that affect profitability. You also ensure the company operates at an optimal level by identifying wastage and introducing technologies that boost productivity. After analysis, you provide recommendations to improve business processes, software and products.

Apart from analysing internal company data, you monitor market trends and provide feasible solutions to the company's problems. You also advise on the organisation's investments and the best time to sell company assets. You constantly learn and implement new analytical techniques.

A career as a business analyst is linked to information technology since you rely on IT professionals' statistical expertise to analyse data and draw conclusions. You can work in various business sectors, from IT to manufacturing and retail. Many industries rely on your expertise to expand their production and boost efficiency. A business analyst has the analytical skills and creative thinking to develop solutions for a range of business problems. 

Would working as a business analyst suit your analytical skills and creativity? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a business analyst role. 

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average salary of a business analyst

According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for a Business Analyst is ₹8,00,000 in India. While many business analysts are not permanent or full-time employees, some companies offer benefits and allowances. You may also be eligible for year-end bonuses and overtime pay for working extra hours.

how to increase your business analyst salary 

A business analyst role is an entry-level position, but your income increases as you gain experience and expertise. Your educational qualifications will determine your pay bracket. Apart from the mandatory bachelor's degree for the graduate programme, you can improve your salary with postgraduate qualifications or certifications. Having prior experience in related roles also boosts your earnings. Some locations are better for business analysts. For instance, working in Mumbai guarantees higher pay due to the high cost of living and increased demand for analysts.

business analyst roles
business analyst roles
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types of business analysts

Business analysts perform varying functions across industry sectors. Some typical roles include the following:

  • it business analysts: as an IT business analyst, your focus is on the technical aspects of an organisation. You analyse the use of IT resources in business processes and recommend ways to improve them for better efficiency. You also identify a business's IT needs and create strategies to improve software integration.
  • data business analyst: a business analyst can focus on business data analysis and become part of the team that develops ways to collect and analyse data for better interpretation.
  • business systems analyst: as a business systems analyst, you gather and analyse data from the various systems used by the business. You also provide recommendations for areas of improvement. 
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working as a business analyst

As a business analyst, you work with managers and company leaders to solve problems or develop efficiency strategies. Your solutions may include developing new products or introducing computer programmes. 

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education and skills

You can become a business analyst via the following routes:

  • university: any degree that teaches analytical skills can help you start your career as a business analyst. However, most employers look for graduates in business management, business information systems or computer science. After your undergraduate training, consider an internship or join a work placement programme to improve your skills. Postgraduate studies enhance your career and help with promotions.
  • apprenticeship: complete a business analyst higher apprenticeship or project management degree apprenticeship to become a business analyst.

skills and competencies

The following skills will help you excel as a business analyst:

  • problem-solving skills: your main role is to identify the practices in business strategies that don't perform to their full potential. You evaluate the problems and formulate practical solutions. That means you have the creative problem-solving skills to make substantial contributions during consultation sessions.
  • communication skills: a business analyst translates ideas, data and findings from technical language to simple language that stakeholders understand. Exceptional communication skills also help you liaise with stakeholders to identify business requirements.
  • analytical skills: you possess the analytical skills to evaluate large amounts of data and develop ideas to fix problems.
  • computer skills: as a business analyst, you have the computing skills and knowledge to help you understand how technical systems work. You also understand how to use computerised statistical methods to analyse data.
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FAQs about working as a business analyst

FAQs about working as a business analyst:

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