Business Analyst

Business analysts work with organisations to help them change and improve.

Typical Salary

£30,000 To £70,000

Typical Hours

37 to 39 a week

evenings occasionally

How To Become a Business Analyst

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

business information systems
business management
computing and systems development
computer science

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You could do a college course, which may lead onto more advanced qualifications or a higher apprenticeship, or help you to get a trainee position with a company. Courses include:

A Level in ICT
BTEC Extended Certificate in ICT
T level in Digital Production, Design and Development
Higher National Certificate in Computing

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

Apprenticeship

You could start by completing an apprenticeship such as:

Level 4 IS business analyst
Degree apprenticeship in project management

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got several years' experience in project management, consulting or IT.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

business management skills
analytical thinking skills
knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
to be flexible and open to change
the ability to use your initiative
customer service skills
the ability to work well with others
excellent verbal communication skills
to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Day To Day Tasks

You could:

speak to managers to find out their business needs
investigate business processes to see what they do and how they do it
analyse findings and use data modelling methods to help recommend changes and improvements
explain the potential impact, benefits and risks of your recommendations
agree the best way to implement recommended changes
oversee testing and quality checks of recommendations
support staff making changes
document and report on change process

Working Environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could move into project management, consulting, or work in different industries.

You could set up your own company and work freelance.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

A working knowledge of project development methods like Waterfall or Agile can help you get into this career.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a business analyst from:

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.