Business Analyst-Career Profile

In the post credit-crunch era the fortune of Business analysts is on the rise: Companies in all industries have shown a fresh interest in IT investments while at the same time they are determined that their money has a real return. According to a survey compiled by The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) for KPMG, Business Analysts are the IT staff most in demand for permanent and contract roles.



Here is some important information you need to know if you think embarking on this career.

Job description

The role of Business Analyst has evolved over the years from someone who documented business processes and applied technological expertise to someone who also provides project management skills, getting involved in the end-to-end development of project plans. Today Business Analysts have a role of strategic importance for the companies they work for: They are expected to investigate and analyse business activities ensuring that organisations get the most from their limited IT and change management resources. They are likely to be the key change facilitators within an organisation. A business analyst is judged by their ability to deliver effective solutions which provide tangible business benefits usually within short timescales.

Typical business analyst tasks include:

1. Testing and implementing development changes.


2. Identifying areas for improvement.


3. Providing staff training.


4. Consulting senior management.

Education & Qualifications

Although it is not compulsory to have a degree specifically related to this area, Business Analyst degrees are becoming more and more popular. A common route to becoming a Business Analyst is to complete a degree in areas such as Business Management/Computer Studies and then complete an MSC in Business Analysis. However, in order to get the best start in your Business Analyst career, it is recommended that you look at specialising as early as possible to show your passion and commitment of your chosen career path.

Many Business Analysts move in to the position from a technical background or another business role. If you fit that description, you can sharpen your Business Analyst acumen by undertaking some relevant training. Before choosing a course, you should check that it is accredited by the BCS (the Chartered Institute for IT) to make sure that the certification you receive at the end of the training will be nationally recognised by employers.

Key Skills

Due to the evolution of the traditional BA role Business Analysts are now expected to be great communicators, tactful diplomats and problem solvers - with the ability to understand and respond fast to rapidly changing business environments.

They need to demonstrate:

• High level awareness of IT infrastructure and software development and maintenance methods.


• Familiarity with the end to end project processes and IT delivery cycle.


• Ability to quickly gain an understanding of a business context and support of the business requirements from project initiation to project closedown.


• Self-motivation, organisation and meticulous attention to detail.


• High quality delivery to strict deadlines.


• Strong presentation, communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.

Salary Expectations

Business Analyst jobs can be a very lucrative career path especially at senior levels. An average salary in London is £67, 000 and can reach up to £87, 000 as seniority increases. Starting salaries are also usually high as most business analysts have already professional experience that adds to their income.

Katerina Kardamaki is a Marketing Executive and an avid blogger. She is currently writing articles for Exec appointments about Business Analyst jobs based on her experience in Recruitment.