No modern business can operate without technology. An efficient information system is the backbone of every successful business, and the business analyst is the person responsible for ensuring that companies are technically up-to-date and able to compete in the business environment.  

What exactly do business analysts do?

Simply put, business analysts evaluate a business’s technology set-up, suggest a set of alternatives to the current technical arrangement and then oversee the design and implementation of a better, faster information system package suited to the requirements of the company. It’s their job to be as thorough as possible when assessing the company and its needs, and this usually involves discussions with both the company’s business unit and its IT department. During these discussions, the business analyst must bring both parties to an agreement about the problems they have with the current system and which improvements they’d like to see. The business analyst then analyzes that information and makes decisions about which programs would best address the problems raised during the evaluation process. For the actual revamping of the operating system, BAs usually work with a team of technical experts who specialize in the kind of technology used by businesses. In most cases, BA will select a different set of people depending on the project and its technical requirements.  

Who can do it?

Business analysis is not an exclusive field, but it’s not for everyone either. First of all, aspiring business analysts need to have a keen business sense. Whether it’s a catering company or an accounting firm, it’s important that they understand the nature of the business when evaluating the existing technical systems and what it may require. Coupled with an above-average understanding of technology, a sense of how the company does its business will help with identifying the best programs and packages to streamline its information systems. People who are especially proficient in either business or IT (or both) are almost always recruited to become business analysts, but for those who aren’t involved in either of these fields, there are many certified courses that’ll help develop the necessary skills for the job. 

Does it require a qualification?

The short answer is yes. It’s a difficult to enter this field without some kind of education dealing specifically with business analysis and its processes. For those who intend on getting into business analysis straight out of university, go for an MBA. Follow that up with courses in business analysis from an accredited college or university. It’s not offered everywhere, but more and more institutions are realizing that this is an increasingly important area in the business world and are introducing business analysis into their curriculums. Experienced business people or IT specialists who want to cross over into business analysis should also invest in these courses. As aforementioned, business analysis is not something you can just start doing. It requires specific training, and once you complete this training, it’s a good idea to shadow an experienced analyst for the duration of a project to get an idea of the processes involved in the job.  

Can business analysis be a long-term career?

Most definitely. As long as technology plays a role in the way businesses are run, there will be a need for business analysts. The great thing about a career in business analysis is that the longer you’re in it, the better you become. Experience counts for a lot in business analysis, and as your portfolio expands, so will your reputation in the industry. When a company contracts a business analyst for its first technical overhaul, chances are that they’ll call on that person again for future upgrades. Building up a solid list of contacts is also important because it will allow you to assemble exactly the right team for every project. Many business analysts are successful as specialists in one area of the field, but others prefer to work across the board and take on any project in any area. Business analysts have the choice of working independently or as permanent employees within companies, and the salary for business analysts, even at entry level, is more than adequate.  

Interested? Well, why not? It’s one of more exciting IT-oriented careers out there, and you’re guaranteed that no two projects will ever be the same. If you’re an IT fundi with a head for business or a business guru with a knack things technological, business analysis is definitely something worth considering.

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