Getting Started in Business Analysis
Business analysis is the discipline of identifying business needs and determining solutions to business problems. Solutions often include a systems development component, but may also consist of process improvement, organizational change or strategic planning and policy development. The person who carries out this task is called a business analyst or BA.
Those BAs who work solely on developing software systems may be called IT Business Analysts, Technical Business Analysts, Online Business Analysts or Systems Analysts. A business analyst improves the efficiency and productivity of business operations. Although often this role is found in IT departments, it is actually better positioned as a business role rather than a technical role.
When inefficient business processes are discovered, the business analyst makes recommendations for business process improvements. If the recommended solution is approved, the business analyst works with project and operational teams to implement the recommended solutions.
Professional Career Development
Like the other professions in software development, business analysts also have well-paying jobs. In 2006, business analysts in the United States earned an average of $73,000 annually. Business analysts who become contract information technology workers can earn six-figure salaries.
Education Path
To enhance your skills and credibility as a business analyst, the following courses are very relevant and will increase your practical skills:
- Process Mapping
- Lean Process Improvement
- Facilitation and Critical Thinking Skills
- Gathering Requirements
- Writing Use Cases
- Fundamentals of Project Management
- Influencing without Authority
Certification Path
Over the past couple of years, Business Analysis has become more recognized as a professional career. This has been supported by the creation of the International Institute for Business Analysis.
Professionals who want to be formally recognized and receive a credential in this area, will choose to take the Certified Business Analyst Professional credential path.
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