How To Become A Business Analyst In 2021 | Business Analyst Skills & Certifications | Simplilearn

Summary

This tutorial video by Simply Learn outlines the role of a business analyst, who bridges IT and business teams, evaluates processes, and delivers data-driven solutions. It covers the skills required, such as analytical abilities, knowledge of SQL, programming languages like Python and R, and strong communication. The video also provides a career roadmap for both beginners and experienced professionals, and mentions average salaries in different countries, along with top companies hiring business analysts.

Takeaways

• 😀 A business analyst (BA) bridges the gap between IT and business teams, using analytics to evaluate processes and deliver data-driven solutions.
• 👨‍💼 BAs are integral to business operations and work closely with technology teams to improve service quality and assist in the integration and testing of new solutions.
• 📈 BAs identify business objectives, understand problems, and collect requirements to improve business processes and document findings.
• 💼 They interact with development teams to design solutions for specific problems, often participating in meetings to align on stakeholder requirements.
• 🔍 BAs provide feedback on software application layouts, define features and functionalities, and manage the implementation of new business-critical features.
• 📊 They gauge both functional and non-functional requirements, run meetings with stakeholders, and verify project alignment with client needs through user acceptance testing.
• 📝 BAs are responsible for writing documentation and building visualizations to explain findings and insights, as well as delivering maintenance reports.
• 🎓 To become a BA, one typically needs a degree in a related field, such as business, accounting, information systems, or human resources.
• 🧠 Essential skills for a BA include analytical abilities, problem-solving, proficiency in tools like Microsoft Excel, SQL, and programming languages like Python and R.
• 🌐 Data visualization skills are crucial, with proficiency in business intelligence tools like Tableau, ClickView, and Power BI being beneficial.
• 💬 Effective communication and presentation skills are key for BAs to convey ideas and findings to various stakeholders.

Q & A

What is the primary role of a business analyst?

A business analyst is responsible for bridging the gap between IT and business teams, using analytics to evaluate processes, determine requirements, deliver data-driven solutions, and generate reports for executives and stakeholders.

How does a business analyst assist in the integration and testing of new solutions?

Business analysts help in the integration and testing of new solutions by working closely with the technology team to improve service quality and assisting in the development process.

What are the key responsibilities of a business analyst?

Key responsibilities include identifying and recognizing an organization's business objectives, understanding business problems, collecting business requirements, allocating resources, documenting findings, and interacting with development teams to design solutions.

Why is it important for a business analyst to have good communication skills?

Business analysts spend significant time interacting with clients, stakeholders, developers, and end-users, so effective verbal and written communication is essential for conveying ideas and presenting results.

What are some of the technical skills required for a business analyst?

Technical skills include knowledge of SQL and relational databases, programming languages like R and Python, and proficiency in business intelligence tools for creating reports and dashboards.

How can a business analyst demonstrate problem-solving skills?

A business analyst can demonstrate problem-solving skills by finding multiple ways to address challenges, exploring viable options, and thinking logically to ensure project success.

What is the importance of a business analyst's ability to use Microsoft Excel?

Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool used by business analysts for analytics and reporting. They create charts, graphs, and dynamic reports to identify trends and solve problems.

What is the significance of a business analyst's role in user acceptance testing?

Business analysts play a crucial role in user acceptance testing to verify and validate that projects are running well and solutions align with client requirements, ensuring product satisfaction.

What are some of the top skills required to become a successful business analyst?

Top skills include a degree in a related field, analytical skills, proficiency in Microsoft Excel, SQL, programming languages, data visualization, and strong communication and negotiation abilities.

What is the average salary of a business analyst in different countries?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a business analyst in the United States is around $68,990, in India nearly 6 lakh rupees per annum, in the United Kingdom about £35,690, and in Australia around AU$81,174.

Which companies are known for hiring business analysts?

Companies hiring business analysts include Cisco, Capital One, American Express, WhatsApp, Google, Ernst & Young Global Limited, Amazon, and Dell.