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.

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