We live in a world where we are bombarded with and flooded by data. To engage with this data, a company needs highly skilled employees. But along with that, companies also need people who can interpret those data, explain them to clients and come up with interesting patterns or solutions. And that is the job of a business analyst! The business analysts are not meant to code or use complicated algorithms.
Companies always need to keep themselves up to date with new technologies and incorporate developmental changes. Business analysts are vital in ensuring that the projects do not fall through.
Students in order to make a career in the IT sector, take admission in the B.Tech program by taking exams like JEE Main. But after completing the program, they often get confused with the career options they can opt for. In this article as we mentioned above, we will discuss the detailed procedure to be an IT Business Analyst.
Who is an IT Business Analyst? What do they do?
There needs to be a link between the IT sector and the business sector. The business analyst provides that indispensable link. The companies’ stakeholders and project teams need the guidance of business analysts to cut costs and manage time. The business analyst makes plans for projects which the IT sector then executes. They study the organisational structure, goals and projects of the company and brainstorm for solutions. Their job is to impact the result of the business positively. They are adept in both the technical aspect as well as the business dimension of the company, and often act as the bridge between the two. They often translate technical jargon into more accessible terms for everyone to understand.
Now, how to be a Business Analyst who is better than the rest? What should you do if you want to be better than average in this field of work? Here are a few qualities that will make companies covet your presence as a business analyst. Following these steps will ensure that you are never out of options in your job opportunities.
First of all, get your basics straight. You should be completely conversant in the core business analyst skills. You need to be skilled in communication, problem-solving should not be a problem for you. You should have a flair for critical thinking. You should be well aware of the trends and patterns emerging in your industry. Each industry has its own set of technical terms. Sharpening the core business skills is the first step.
Communication should be your forte. It is difficult for employees of the business section or even the stakeholders of the company to understand the technical jargon used by the IT section. The business analyst should be able to communicate the crux of the complex algorithm to the non-technical staff in a successful manner. If there are complicated numbers and charts and other data, your job is to tell the main story behind the data. You should be able to first decipher the meaning behind the data for yourself and then communicate your findings to others who cannot understand the data on their own.
Good business analysts need to learn more and more new tools. Keep updating yourself and enhancing your skill set. Find the right tool for the right job. The MS-Office should be as familiar to you as your backyard. MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint- it goes without saying that you should know them very well. Work on your data using MS Excel, document your findings in MS Word and use MS PowerPoint for a successful presentation. These are basic programs that you should fully acquaint yourself with. Along with this, if you learn some more coding or programs, it can go a long way in supporting your career.
You should be an expert in critical thinking. Critically analyse the data, look at different perspectives and then come up with solutions. Finding innovative solutions to complex problems will solidify your reputation as an excellent business analyst. As a business analyst, you will hold a pivotal role in determining the future of your company.
You will be asked to communicate with the company stakeholders and advise them on what course the company should take. If you can resolve conflicts and ensure that your company is provided with timely solutions, you will come out with flying colours. Unlike many of the technical staff, business analysts get closer contact with the bigshots in the company. Use this to your advantage and impress the stakeholders.
There is no end to the extra skills with which you can update yourself to make yourself a better than average business analyst. These secondary skills can go a long way in playing a fundamental role in your career growth as a business analyst.
- You should be skilled in preparing to the point, easy to understand documents. If you have a flair for writing and documentation, it will go a long way in making your name.
- Also, you can update yourself with new skills in analysis and problem-solving. Learn to interpret business through various software.
- Basic business tools you need to get yourself acquainted with. Along with that, learn some more than preliminary tools. Visual modelling tools and business management tools should be in your skillset.
- You will be required to automate many business processes. For this purpose, you need to learn how to use flowchart methods like BPMN.
- It is crucial that you learn how to conduct meetings. There will be elicitation sessions where you will be expected to communicate about business models to company stakeholders. For this purpose, it is well-advised that you work on your elicitation skills.
You can get certified in business analysis training programs. There are various training courses that you can apply to. These certifications are valuable additions to your CV. These professional courses will teach you the advanced skills required for the field. Invest in a good professional certificate because it will truly aid you in your job. There are various kinds of specialisations that you can choose to get trained in. Some courses focus on teaching writing skills so that you can create easily understandable and interesting business documents. Some courses impart the skill of good budgeting so that you can come up with excellent strategies for your company’s business growth.
Apart from the training programs mentioned above, you can also choose to get a business analyst certificate for yourself. These professional certificates will boost your career growth and speak in favour of you when the question of hikes come.
Management skills are a must! Without a flair for project management, it is impossible to succeed as a business analyst. Work on your management skills because you will have to act as a project manager and manage people in your group. To be a good manager, make deadlines, and follow them. Set a precedent for your subordinates by following the timeline you set. Lead by example to sticking to your commitments.
The most important thing about a good business analyst is that they always recognise the scope. Whether it is a scope for personal improvement or scope for more profit for the company’s business, it never escapes the attention of an excellent business analyst. You should be able to value ideas based on their feasibility and chances of successful implementation. The cost-effectiveness also needs to be calculated. As a business analyst, you will sometimes make tough decisions, and that should come easy to you. Keep adding new skills and new achievements to your resume. Work on the skills that you already have. A good business analyst knows that there is always scope for improvement.