How to Identify and Improve Business Analyst Skills

Business analysts study processes and advise management on efficiencies.

As defined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, business analysts, or BAs, analyze business and operating procedures to determine the most efficient methods of accomplishing work. This broad job title encompasses a number of specialized positions such as management analyst, market research analyst, operations research analyst, financial analyst and budget analyst. Identifying skills that make a successful BA means having a full understanding of what the role entails. Improving those skills once they have been identified involves trial and error, practice and networking with other BAs.

Instructions

1. Determine what duties make up the role of a business analyst. A BA gathers technical and business requirements in order to complete a project or improve a process. He interviews management, vendors, clients and end users to determine what specifications must be met. He writes business requirements documents, or BRDs, to ensure that all requirements are met by information technology (IT) departments. BAs also create user acceptance testing, or UAT, plans to ensure that the new software, system or process works properly.

2. Learn which skills are the most useful in accomplishing the duties of a business analyst. Read BA job descriptions. Join business analyst groups on social network sites. These will help you identify the most important skills a BA must possess. These skills may include communication, interviewing, writing, problem solving, leadership and analytical skills. The ability to identify with the needs or views of the end user is also a useful business analyst skill.

3. Improve business analyst skills in one of several ways. The International Institute of Business Analysis offers members access to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge, or BABOK, and online access to hundreds of books and certifications in the field. Review blogs and groups available by and for business analysts to improve analytical skills. Writing skills can be improved by courses such as "Writing Effective Requirements." Networking with other BAs through social networking sites and conferences can also be an effective way of improving business analyst skills.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Management Analysts
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupation Employment and Wages
• International Institute of Business Analysis: Membership Benefits
• Business Analyst Times: Blog
• Global Knowledge: Business Process: Writing Effective Requirements

Resources

• LinkedIn