Business Analyst

What does a Business Analyst do?

As a business analyst, you will be responsible for helping to manage, change and plan for the future in line with an organisation’s goals. Duties may include gathering and analysing data to develop potential solutions – including improvements to systems and processes – to organisational challenges.

The job role of a business analyst involves the following duties: 

• Speaking to managers to learn what their business needs are
• Analysing your findings to suggest changes and improvements
• Identifying the processes and information technology required to introduce your recommendations
• Explaining the possible effects of changes, such as the costs, benefits and risks
• Producing written documentation to support your work, reporting on your findings and presenting to stakeholders when necessary
• Agreeing the best way to make changes
• Organising testing and quality checks
• Supporting staff to make changes
• Ensuring plans are made and processes are created to evaluate the impact of the changes made, including taking responsibility for overseeing this evaluation.

How to become a business analyst

There are several routes to becoming a business analyst. You could do an apprenticeship, university degree or apply to an employer directly.

You should explore these routes to become a business analyst to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

University

Any degree that teaches analytical skills is useful for a business analyst role. Some employers may prefer you to have a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject.

The degree could also be from other disciplines, such as economics, history or maths, as long as you can demonstrate excellent analytical skills.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a university course
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

You could complete an apprenticeship to become a business analyst.

An apprenticeship with a construction company is a good way into the industry.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a construction company to gain experience as a business analyst. Experience in project management, IT or project management will be useful for a business analyst role.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a business analyst. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills 

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a business analyst include: 

• Business management skills
• The ability to use your initiative
• To be flexible and open to change
• A thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
• A strong interest in business and business development
• The ability to work well under pressure
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Customer service skills
• The ability to work well with others.

How much could you earn as a Business Analyst?

The expected salary for a business analyst varies as you become more experienced.

• Junior or graduate business analysts can earn from £25,000
• Trained business analysts with experience can earn up to £65,000*
• Self-employed or freelance business analysts set their own pay rates

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed and industry recognised training route.