Business Analyst

Business Analysts help an organisation achieve its goals by analysing data, assessing processes and systems, creating solutions and planning for the future.

You will work within an organisation, helping to manage, change and plan for the future in line with their goals. This could be for one specific project, or as a permanent feature of the organisation. You will need to understand the current organisational situation, identify future needs and create solutions to help meet those needs, usually (but not always) in relation to information and software systems.

Business Analyst is also known as Information Analyst.

Role Characteristics

Communicate with colleagues to understand the needs of departments and the organisation as a whole
Work with people to understand and investigate feedback into the service, function, or product provided
Use data to analyse your findings and create suggestions for improvements and changes
Consider opportunities and potential risks attached to suggestions you make
Identify the processes and information technology required to introduce your recommendations
Support staff and teams in making your recommended changes, including helping to resolve any issues

Skills

Attention to detail
Advice giving
Communication
Organisation
Planning
Active listening

Day in the life

Watch the video to learn about Megan's role as as Business Analyst.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

GCSEs

BTEC

A-Levels

An apprenticeship

Undergraduate degree

How to become

There are many routes into becoming a Business Analyst; these include university, apprenticeships or directly applying. You will normally need 5 GCSEs including English, maths and sciences, or equivalent and will normally need either A-Levels, BTEC or T-Levels depending on your preference in learning. However, volunteering and work experience is valued by employers.

Although a degree is not mandatory for a Business Analyst, most employers will favour this level of education.

It is important to check your preferred course provider's entry requirements for guidance.

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

With experience, you could become a Project Manager or Facilities Manager. You could become a Consultant, working freelance within different industries.