Business analysts require a high level of IT skills, as they are an essential part of any organisation with a complex IT architecture. Industry in general is constantly looking for top quality professionals, which means the opportunities for business analyst jobs are legion.
Finding the right job can be made easier by using an experienced and well-connected recruitment agency such as Randstad Technologies. With contacts in many of the major companies looking to source high-calibre business analyst, or even a graduate business analyst role, Randstad Technologies is well-positioned to help jobseekers find the right job at the right level, including recent graduates and those looking for a change of career.
What is a business analyst?
The overarching tasks for business analysts include identifying organisational information problems, deciding on the most efficient solution by analysing the company’s detailed requirements, designing computer programs and recommending controls and protocols.
Job description for a typical business analyst role.
Business analysts play a major role in understanding precisely how companies operate and identifying how and where they can become more efficient. Key areas of work include:
- the study of business function to determine operational objectives
- gathering information and the evaluation of output requirements and formats
- designing new computer programs following an analysis of requirements
- constructing charts and diagrams to analyse workflow
- examining system capabilities and writing specifications
- improving systems by examining current practices and designing modifications
- recommending controls when problems are identified and ensuring improved procedures are put in place
- defining project requirements through identification of project milestones and phases
- establishing budgets for projects
Practicalities.
Working as a business analyst requires a range of day-to-day duties, which include monitoring the various IT processes carried out within the company and ensuring that staff have access to the information they need to function effectively.
Some key duties in business analyst jobs include:
- monitoring the progress of projects by tracking activity and resolving any problems that occur
- publishing progress reports and recommending if action is required
- writing and updating procedures for systems protocols
- ensuring staff have documentation available for reference and training purposes
- maintaining the confidence of staff and protecting operations by ensuring sensitive information remains confidential
- preparing technical reports through the collection, analysis and summarisation of information and trends
- working on continuous professional development by attending workshops and training sessions, reading professional industry publications and networking both personally and professionally
Personal qualities and skills.
A business analyst needs to have an investigatory and problem solving approach to work. It is essential that they are good communicators, as they will have to work with a range of colleagues, from junior staff to senior management. It is also likely that they will be required to work under pressure and have the capacity to meet tight deadlines.
The ability to work as part of team is always desirable and a sound understanding of a variety of software applications is a key requirement of the job.
Training and business analyst courses.
Most business analysts will be educated to degree level or above in computer science or a related IT subjects and will be expected to regularly update their training to expand their knowledge base.
