What do business analysts do?

I've heard about business analysts but I'm not clear on what their job actually entails. Can someone break down their typical tasks and the skills necessary for the role?

Business Analysts are key figures in understanding and improving how an organization operates. Their work primarily focuses on identifying business needs and determining feasible solutions.

Firstly, a significant part of a business analyst's role involves data analysis. They collect and analyze data to better understand trends, problems, and opportunities for process improvement within a company. For example, they may evaluate sales figures and market trends to assist in future forecasting.

Secondly, they spend a portion of their time on problem-solving. If a business faces operational inefficiencies or other issues, a business analyst would examine the problem, conduct a root cause analysis, and suggest possible solutions.

Thirdly, Business Analysts are involved in project management, often acting as a bridge between stakeholders and IT professionals. They help to outline the project, determining what its delivery should include and helping to ensure that the final result is aligned with business goals. Their work can include creating detailed business analysis documents and outlining project plans.

Finally, they also play a pivotal role in change management, assisting businesses with adopting new systems or procedures and helping to minimize resistance by explaining benefits and training staff.

As for skills, problem-solving, data analysis, communication, and organizational skills are key for anyone considering this career. They also need a good understanding of business structures, IT systems as they often work closely with IT department, and project management principles. Knowledge of what tools to use in various situations—such as when to employ statistics software, a spreadsheet, or a database—is also useful.

In addition, they may need to have industry-specific knowledge, which will depend on the sector they work in. For example, a business analyst working in healthcare might need an understanding of healthcare laws and regulations. The ability to quickly learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment is also invaluable for a business analyst.