Matt | 02 August 2021

Key Questions To Ask About A Career In Business Analysis

Business analysts are essential for a huge range of organisations, but their role is often misunderstood. They are responsible for bridging the gap between technology and business operations to help the company run smoothly.

Progressing a career in business analysis is certainly not for the fainthearted. You will need to be able to draw out the relevant bits of information from irrelevant data and have a critical thinking approach to every challenge you come across.

Because of the complexity and detail involved in business analysis, it is a career path that many are put off from pursuing. Despite its challenges, business analyst roles are often very rewarding and in high demand because they are essential for a business’s success.

If you are thinking about pursuing a career as a business analyst, then consider these key questions and answers:

What Are The Starting Points For A Business Analyst?

Business analysis roles are often thrown in at the deep end of a project or challenge. It is essential that you can work quickly from these difficult starting points and get to grips with the situation at a fast pace.

Because of the nature of business analysis, it is fairly common for someone in the role to be bought in at a time when other people don’t have a good handle on the situation.

It is critical that you can take a step back and try to look at the situation carefully before getting started. Consider what the background is, what objectives need to be achieved and why. Gathering all this important information early will make the starting point much easier and help handle all resistance from others in the team.

When Will A Business Analyst Get Involved?

In most cases, business analysts will be involved in a project from start to finish, but sometimes they are thrown in midway through when problems arise. The role begins with extremely high-level requirements, so it is essential to get a running start. As the project progresses, business analysts will become more involved in the detailed requirements.

Do Business Analysts Think In Pictures Or Words?

You might be wondering how your brain should function in order to thrive in the world of business analysis. Most people think either in words or pictures, and business analysts are often required to work with both.

Diagrams and case flows are an essential skills in business analysis because they clearly demonstrate the processes to others. In general, business analysts will work out the ins and outs of their work in imagery and then fine-tune it in words later down the line.

What Soft Skills Do You Need To Be A Business Analyst?

There is a range of soft skills which those in the business analysis field will need to demonstrate. Excellent listening skills is one of the most important because you will have to discuss requirements and challenges with various other team members.

You must be able to properly listen to the ins and outs of what they are telling you and understand the project requirements from this. Good questioning or investigation skills are also essential because you will have to ask the right questions for clarity on the project. A can-do, proactive attitude is another critical skill business analysts require.

How To Prepare For Your First Business Analyst Interview

If you are new to business analysis and looking for your first role in the field, then you need to prepare properly for the interview. Without prior experience, you need to showcase your skills and knowledge instead. Make sure you tailor your CV to a business analysis role and consider how you will come across to others in an interview.

Even if it is your first business analysis role, you can try and show examples of similar work you have done. This doesn’t necessarily have to be in a work environment, but just something where you can show off your skills. For example, perhaps you are great at using Microsoft Visio to develop dummy diagrams? Consider all the things that you can integrate into your portfolio.

What Kind Of People Make The Best Business Analysts?

People who succeed in business analysis are generally very good communicators. However, this does not mean you must be an extrovert to excel at the role. Business analysis encompasses many different areas, and naturally, you will be better suited to some more than others.

People who are more confident and bold will be perfect for leading workshops, approaching other people and asking hard-hitting questions. On the other hand, quieter types are generally great at business analysis tasks such as structuring long reports, developing projects and thinking about the bigger picture.

What Is The Best Thing About Working As A Business Analyst?

Every business analyst you ask will have a slightly different answer to this question. Most people in the world of business analysis love how varied the role is because no two days are ever the same.

If you want a career that will never become boring, then business analyst could be the role for you. Working as a business analyst means working as an integral part of a team. Not only that, but you will be responsible for implementing many positive changes and spearheading success.

How Can You Find Business Analysis Training?

If you have decided that a career as a business analyst is the path for you, you will need to complete some training. At TSG Training, we offer a range of business analysis courses to suit every level and requirement. Our BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis is the perfect option for beginners. If you want to hone in on a particular area of business analysis, we have courses for modelling techniques, requirements engineering, systems development using agile and loads more.

For more information on our business analysis training courses and to discuss your requirements, contact our team today. Our training specialists will be happy to discuss all our options and recommend the best course for you.