Have you ever wondered what an IT business analyst does on a daily basis? Are you considering a career as an IT business analyst or simply curious about what this role entails? Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore the day-to-day responsibilities of a business analyst, the skills required to excel in this role, and the impact they can have on an organization’s success.
As an IT business analyst, I have had the opportunity to work for more than 14 years in various international and local companies in Morocco. In my experience, the daily life of a business analyst can be summed up in a few key actions that I would like to share with you.
So, buckle up and let me take you on a journey through the exciting world of a business analyst’s daily routine!
Daily routine of an IT business analyst
What does an IT business analyst do on a daily basis can be summed up in the following key actions:
- Analyzing an organization’s business processes, identifying areas for improvement, and recommending solutions to stakeholders.
- Conduct interviews with stakeholders to gather requirements.
- Write the reports of the interviews
- Analyze data to identify patterns and trends, create process maps and diagrams.
- Collaborate with cross-functional and technical teams to develop and implement solutions.
- Develop functional specification documents, and validate them with the stakeholders (businesses, techniques, security, etc.)
- Define and write a document of functional test scenarios
- Create project plans, managing timelines, and communicating project updates to stakeholders. Follow the progress of IT projects of which I am the owner.
- Give clear answers to the questions asked by the IT teams, about the functionalities to be realized.
- Test the proper functioning of the developed applications by rolling out the functional test document.
- Train key users and support them after the deployment of a new application.
- Analyze certain malfunctions of the applications not treated at the level of the maintenance teams. Which can give rise to functional evolutions and improvements.
The specific tasks and responsibilities of a business analyst can vary depending on the organization, industry, and project at hand. However, the overall goal of a business analyst is to help drive positive change and improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of an organization.
What skills does an IT business analyst need to complete his daily basis tasks?
An IT Business analyst should possess a combination of technical, analytical, and communication skills to be effective in his role. Here are some of the key skills that are important for business analysts:
- Analytical skills: The ability to analyze complex information and data, identify patterns and trends, and draw insights that can inform business decisions.
- Communication skills: The ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels. This, includes business users, IT teams, and executives. Business analysts should be able to translate technical information into language that is easily understood by non-technical stakeholders.
- Project management skills: The ability to manage projects. This, includes:
- Defining project scope
- Creating project plans
- Tracking progress, and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Problem-solving skills: The ability to identify and solve complex business problems. This is often done by :
- Gathering and analyzing data
- Making data-driven recommendations.
- Technical skills: IT business analysts are not typically responsible for coding or programming. But, they should have a basic understanding of technology and how it impacts business processes. In my case, this help me:
- To define feasible functionalities.
- Ensure they align with the company’s overall IT architecture.
- Additionally, not as daily basis, but as an IT business analyst, I often need to run SQL queries and analyze the application log to perform extensive testing and evaluation.
- Domain knowledge: Business analysts need a deep understanding of the industry and business processes they are working with. As well as, the goals and objectives of their organization.
- Creativity and innovation: The ability to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions to complex problems.
- Attention to detail: Business analysts should have a keen eye for detail, as even small errors in data or analysis can have significant impacts on business decisions.
How to become an IT business analysts?
- Obtain a relevant bachelor’s degree: A degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field can help you develop a strong foundation in IT concepts and tools.
- Gain experience in IT: Working in an IT role, such as a software developer, project manager, or quality assurance analyst, can help you gain technical knowledge and experience.
- Develop business knowledge: Take courses in business analysis, finance, accounting, and project management to gain an understanding of how businesses operate and how IT supports their goals.
- Learn relevant tools and technologies: Familiarize yourself with software development tools, project management tools, and other software used in the industry.
- Obtain relevant certifications: Earning certifications in business analysis or IT can demonstrate your knowledge and expertise to potential employers.
- Develop soft skills: Effective communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership skills are essential for success as an IT business analyst.
- Seek opportunities for professional development: Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and network with other IT business analysts to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the field.
Can an IT profile become a business analyst?
Yes, an IT professional can certainly convert to a business analyst role with the right skills and training. Many IT professionals already possess skills that are transferable to a business analyst role, such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and technical knowledge.
However, they may need to develop additional skills specific to the business analyst role, such as requirements gathering, stakeholder management, and communication skills. There are many training programs and certifications available for those looking to make the transition to a business analyst role.
Certifications and training programs that can help with the transition to a business analyst role
Here are some certifications and training programs that can help with the transition to a business analyst role:
- Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) – offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). This certification is recognized globally and demonstrates a solid understanding of business analysis principles and practices.
- Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA) – also offered by the IIBA. This certification is designed for those who are new to the field of business analysis and want to gain foundational knowledge.
- Agile Analysis Certification (AAC) – offered by the Agile Alliance. This certification focuses on agile methodologies and how they relate to business analysis.
- Business Analysis Essentials – a course offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This training program covers the fundamentals of business analysis and can be a great starting point for those new to the field.
- Business Analysis Boot Camp – a training program offered by Global Knowledge. This course covers a wide range of topics related to business analysis and provides hands-on experience with industry tools and techniques.
These are just a few examples, but there are many more certifications and training programs available. It’s important to research and choose the ones that best fit your goals and career aspirations.
