Business Analyst

What does a Business Analyst do?As a business analyst, you will be responsible for helping to manage, change and plan for the future in line with an organisation’s goals. Duties may include gathering and analysing data to develop potential solutions – including improvements to systems and processes – to organisational challenges.The job role of a business analyst involves the following duties: Speaking to managers to learn what their business needs areAnalysing your findings to suggest changes and improvementsIdentifying the processes and information technology required to introduce your recommendationsExplaining the possible effects of changes, such as the costs, benefits and risksProducing written documentation to support your work, reporting on your findings and presenting to stakeholders when necessaryAgreeing the best way to make changesOrganising testing and quality checksSupporting staff to make changesEnsuring plans are made and processes are created to evaluate the impact of the changes made, including taking responsibility for overseeing this evaluation.How to become a business analystThere are several routes to becoming a business analyst. You could do an apprenticeship, university degree or apply to an employer directly.You should explore these routes to become a business analyst to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.UniversityAny degree that teaches analytical skills is useful for a business analyst role. Some employers may prefer you to have a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject.The degree could also be from other disciplines, such as economics, history or maths, as long as you can demonstrate excellent analytical skills.Equivalent entry requirements explainedFind a university courseFunding adviceApprenticeshipYou could complete an apprenticeship to become a business analyst.An apprenticeship with a construction company is a good way into the industry.Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.Guide to apprenticeshipsWorkIf you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a construction company to gain experience as a business analyst. Experience in project management, IT or project management will be useful for a business analyst role.Work experienceWork experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a business analyst. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.Find out more about work experienceSkills Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a business analyst include: Business management skillsThe ability to use your initiativeTo be flexible and open to changeA thorough understanding of computer systems and applicationsA strong interest in business and business developmentThe ability to work well under pressureExcellent verbal communication skillsCustomer service skillsThe ability to work well with others.QualificationsTo become a business analyst you could complete a:Business Analyst higher apprenticeshipProject Management higher or degree apprenticeshipDegree or Postgraduate qualification in:Business Information SystemsBusiness ManagementComputing and Systems DevelopmentComputer ScienceTo Become a Business Analyst You Could Complete aBusiness Analyst higher apprenticeshipProject Management higher or degree apprenticeshipDegree or Postgraduate qualification in:Business Information SystemsBusiness ManagementComputing and Systems DevelopmentComputer ScienceHow much could you earn as a Business Analyst?The expected salary for a business analyst varies as you become more experienced.Junior or graduate business analysts can earn from £25,000Trained business analysts with experience can earn up to £65,000*Self-employed or freelance business analysts set their own pay ratesSalaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed and industry recognised training route. Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources