What Experience Is Needed to Be a Business Analyst?
The "business analyst" job category is broad, encompassing a wide range of responsibilities and job titles. Analysts may be known as business analysts, management consultants, data analysts or systems analysts. In general, however, business analysts study business operations and procedures, identifying areas of inefficiency and helping devise solutions. Many business analysts have information technology skills and implement computer systems that address companies' needs. The type of experience needed for a business analyst career includes working in the industry in which the analyst will develop solutions.
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Prior Business Experience
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Because business analysts, from management specialists to systems analysts, develop plans and procedures to help companies operate more efficiently, they need practical experience in a business environment. New business analysts may begin their careers by working as data or information technology analysts, with responsibilities that include collecting and analyzing requirements and testing solutions, according to Villanova University in Pennsylvania.
Industry-Specific Experience
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Some business analysts opt to become subject-matter experts, developing extensive knowledge and experience in a specific area of business or industrial sector, according to Villanova. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that some management consulting firms require their analysts to have work experience in the industry in which they plan to consult. Such experience gives an analyst firsthand knowledge of a particular industrial sector, helping her to better understand the unique challenges faced by companies in that industry.
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Technology Experience
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Computer technology is an integral part of business operations. The information age has revolutionized American business, enabling firms to transmit data around the world. Developing solutions to business problems often includes better technology systems. This means business analysts should have information technology knowledge and experience, including data analysis software, project management programs, relational databases, database administration and computer security.
Project Management Experience
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Although business analysts do not function as project managers, they must be able to build a strong team and collaborate effectively with project management professionals to overcome obstacles to better business operations, which improve the company's bottom line. For this reason, business analysts should have project-based experience, working with or leading a project team. Because they often serve as a bridge between the technology team and the end users in a company, analysts should possess excellent interpersonal skills, as well as written and verbal communication abilities.
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