what is a graduate business analyst?

Your job is to help your employer improve productivity, solve existing business problems and achieve goals. A graduate business analyst works alongside business and data analysts to analyse issues that affect profitability. As a graduate business analyst, you check the financial information and company data to find loopholes in the business model that slow down production. You also ensure the company operates at an optimal level by identifying wastage and introducing technologies that boost productivity. After analysis, you provide recommendations to improve business processes, software and products.

Apart from analysing internal company data, you monitor market trends and provide feasible solutions to company problems. You also advise on the organisation's investments and the best time to sell company assets.

A career as a graduate business analyst is linked to information technology since you will rely on IT professionals' statistical expertise to analyse data and draw conclusions. You can work in various business sectors, from IT to manufacturing and retail. Most industries rely on your expertise to expand their production and boost efficiency. A graduate business analyst will have exceptional analytical skills and creative thinking to develop solutions for a range of business problems. You will also learn new analytical techniques.

Would working as a graduate business analyst suit your analytical skills and creativity? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a graduate business analyst role.
 

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average salary of a graduate business analyst

According to ONS, a graduate business analyst receives a median compensation package of £25,000 per year, which translates to £12.82 per hour. In entry-level positions, a graduate business analyst receives an annual salary of £22,500. As you gain experience, you can become a junior business analyst with a salary ranging from £36,142 to £65,825 per year.

While many graduate business analysts aren't permanent or full-time employees, some companies offer benefits and allowances. For instance, you will receive medical insurance, transport and house allowance. You are also eligible for year-end bonuses and overtime pay for working extra hours.

how to increase your graduate business analyst salary

A graduate business analyst role is an entry-level position into a business analyst career, but your income increases as you learn the ropes and gain experience. For instance, your educational qualifications will determine your pay bracket. Apart from the mandatory bachelor's degree for the graduate programme, you can improve your salary with postgraduate qualifications or certifications. Having prior experience in related roles also boosts your earnings. Some locations are better for graduate business analysts. Working in London guarantees higher pay due to the high cost of living.
 

2 males and female standing and laughing
2 males and female standing and laughing
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types of graduate business analysts

Graduate business analysts have varying skill sets that can fall into the following categories:

  • IT graduate business analysts: as an IT business analyst, your focus is on the technical aspects of an organisation. You analyse the use of IT resources in business processes and recommend ways to improve them for better efficiency. You also identify business IT needs and create plans or strategies to improve software integration.
  • data business analyst: a graduate business analyst can focus on business data analysis and become part of the team that develops ways to collect and analyse data for better interpretation.
  • graduate business systems analyst: as a business systems analyst, you gather and analyse data from various systems. You also provide recommendations on areas of improvement.
     
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graduate business analyst job description

As a graduate business analyst, you work with managers and company leaders to solve problems or develop efficiency strategies. Your solutions may include developing new products or introducing computer programmes.
 

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education and skills

You can become a graduate business analyst through the following routes:

  • university: any degree that teaches analytical skills can help you start your career as a graduate business analyst. However, most employers look for graduates in business management, business information systems or computer science. You need two or three A-Levels for degree programmes, while postgraduate studies require a degree. After the undergraduate training, you could consider an internship or join a work placement programme to improve your skills.
  • apprenticeship: when you complete a business analyst higher apprenticeship or project management degree apprenticeship, you can become a graduate business analyst.

skills and competencies

As a graduate business analyst, you require the following skills:

  • problem-solving skills: your main role is to identify the practices in business strategies that don't perform to full potential. You will evaluate the problems and formulate practical solutions. That means you will have the creative problem-solving skills to make substantial contributions during brainstorming sessions.
  • communication skills: a graduate business analyst will translate ideas, data and findings from technical language to simple language that stakeholders understand. Exceptional communication skills also help you liaise with clients to identify business requirements.
  • analytical skills: you will have the analytical skills to evaluate large amounts of data and develop ideas to fix problems.
  • computer skills: as a graduate business analyst, you will have the computing skills and knowledge to help you understand how technical systems work. You also use computerised statistical methods to analyse data.
Two men working together in an office environment
Two men working together in an office environment
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FAQs

FAQs about working as a graduate business analyst

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