Business Analyst

Business analysts investigate business activities. They co-ordinate and manage change in a business organisation. They assess business problems and opportunities and, using the latest information technology, provide solutions that make their clients more efficient and profitable.

Working closely with a client's management team and staff, they discuss the business structure, IT issues and budgeting requirements. They interpret the project and the client's requirements, analysing how realistic the client's requirements are in terms of time, effort and cost. A business analyst works as part of a team of professionals, which may also include systems analysts, programmers and designers.

A business analyst usually works from 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Additional hours may be required to meet deadlines, including weekend and evening work. They generally work in an office environment. Site visits may be required to gather information and interview employees. There may be some travelling, which could involve short periods away from home.

Salaries range from around £17,000 a year to £60,000 or more for senior positions.

A business analyst should:

• have excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• have a good understanding of the business environment
• have strong IT skills
• keep abreast of new business and IT developments.

Business analysts are employed across all commercial sectors, from financial and retail, transport and industry to non-profit making organisations, local government and the health sector. Employers also include accountants, management consultancies, software houses and IT service or solution providers. One of the most common routes into this type of work is to be promoted from other departments in the organisation.

Business analysts are usually educated to degree level. They may have BTEC National Diplomas in computing, IT and business-related subjects, Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) or foundation degrees/degrees in subjects such as IT, computing, accounting, business systems and software engineering. The Diplomas in business administration and finance and information technology may be relevant for this area of work.

Many private sector suppliers offer training and IT qualifications and there are NVQs in IT at Levels 2 to 4.

Business analysts may move into teaching, lecturing or training, or become self-employed as contractors.

Further details