What does a Business Analyst do in 2023?

Summary

Jen, a seasoned business analyst, discusses the varied responsibilities of a business analyst in 2023, emphasizing the importance of analyzing organizational processes and data to address business challenges. She highlights key skills such as communication, influence, data management, problem-solving, and visualization. Jen also touches on the educational and experiential backgrounds of business analysts, noting the rise of specialized business analytics degrees and the flexibility in transitioning from related fields.

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Q & A

What is the primary focus of a business analyst?

The primary focus of a business analyst is to analyze the organization's processes, procedures, and data through a business-specific lens to address different problems or challenges the business is facing.

How do business analysts typically spend their day?

A typical day for a business analyst involves meeting with stakeholders, gathering relevant data and information, performing analysis, sharing findings with stakeholders, and working on iterative improvements to processes within the organization.

Why are communication and influencing skills important for a business analyst?

Communication and influencing skills are crucial for business analysts because they often work with people they don't have direct control over and need to persuade and influence these individuals without formal authority.

What type of data do business analysts collect and work with?

Business analysts collect and work with various types of data, including numerical data, process details, and other information relevant to the problems or challenges they are addressing.

How does information management play a role in the work of a business analyst?

Information management is a significant aspect of a business analyst's role, as they are responsible for managing different requirements from stakeholders, documenting processes, and handling data sets from various sources, such as interviews or system extractions.

What does problem-solving skills entail for a business analyst?

For a business analyst, problem-solving skills involve understanding how to write a clear problem statement, defining the business problem they are trying to solve, and ensuring that the solution is meaningful and effective in addressing the identified issue.

Can you explain the importance of visualization skills for business analysts?

Visualization skills are important for business analysts as they help in effectively communicating findings and solutions, which can include data visualization using tools like Power BI or Tableau, process mapping, or creating wireframes for software development processes.

What are niche skills that a business analyst might possess?

Niche skills for a business analyst could include programming languages, SQL query writing, Python programming, or specific knowledge of CRM tools like Salesforce. These specialized skills can make a business analyst more qualified for certain roles and provide unique value.

What educational backgrounds are common among business analysts?

Business analysts may come from a variety of educational backgrounds, including mathematics, statistics, or general business. There are also specialized business analytics degrees at the bachelor's and master's levels, but these are relatively new and not the only educational path for this role.

How does a business analyst's role differ based on their educational and work experience?

The specific responsibilities and focus areas of a business analyst can vary depending on their educational background and work experience. For instance, those with a technical background may focus more on data analysis, while those from a general business background might apply their problem-solving skills to broader organizational challenges.

What advice does Jen offer for someone interested in a business analyst career?

Jen suggests that individuals interested in a business analyst career should consider one-on-one coaching or mentorship to better understand the role, develop necessary skills, and determine if this career path is the right fit for them.