The most technically advanced system is useless without capable users. And even with them, technology is not always used to its full potential. Organizations are constantly looking for ways to improve how they leverage technology. Luckily, business analysts help companies align IT resources with business goals. If you crave big-picture problem-solving, consider a career as a business analyst.
What is a business analyst?
Business analysts observe companies and look for improvement opportunities. They conduct interviews, observe meetings, and analyze data. After gathering information, they present their proposed solution.
Business analysts help organizations identify problems, discuss solutions, and implement change. Business analysts might work on some of the following types of projects:
- Analyzing a business process and ensuring company technology suits the task.
- Understanding stakeholder goals and implementing progress-tracking methods.
- Interpreting data analytics to inform business decisions.
Skills needed by business analysts
Employers may require the following skills for business analysts:
- Communication skills to guide conversations with management and clients.
- Analytical skills to find issues from varying information sources.
- Creativity with project planning and problem-solving.
- Persuasion skills when explaining proposed solutions.
- Self-management skills to complete tasks without frequent intervention.
How to become a business analyst
Most business analyst positions require a bachelor’s degree, but few college or university programs are tailored to business consulting.
Business analysts need to understand technology before they can guide organizations. Therefore, business analysts must have a solid IT foundation and a technical vocabulary to be successful. Preparing for and getting core IT certifications like CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Security+ can build your technical knowledge.
Because interpreting data is a key part of being a business analyst, consider CompTIA Data+ as well. CompTIA Data+ is an early-career data analytics certification for professionals tasked with developing and promoting data-driven business decision-making.
Formal business analyst training is rare, but certifications in areas like project management can also help business analysts stand out. CompTIA Project+ empowers business analysts with the skills to navigate the project lifecycle, communication, and resource allocation. With CompTIA Project+, business analysts prove to employers that they have the skills to plan, execute, and document their business solutions.
The details
Business analyst salary range
The median salary for a business analyst is $99,410 as of May 2023 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)).
Business analyst job outlook
Business analyst employment is projected to grow 11% from 2023 to 2033, with more than 107,900 new job openings (BLS).
Job titles related to business analyst
- Operations analyst
- Business intelligence analyst
- Management consultant
- Management analyst
- Technology consultant
+ Means more
At CompTIA, + means IT careers. That means you can consider us your partner on your journey to becoming certified and finding, interviewing for, and winning that new job role.
- We help you save money. Getting a CompTIA certification is an investment in your career, but a discount can help. There are several ways you can save money on your CompTIA purchases.
- We help you decide how to take your exam. Scheduling your exam is the easy part. CompTIA exams are offered at testing centers around the world as well as through online testing, which is available 24/7, so you can test in person or at home.
- We help you land your next job. CompTIA certifications hold great value in the IT industry and are highly sought-after by recruiters. They signify a proven competence and expertise in various tech disciplines, making individuals who earn these certifications stand out in the job market.
Need more job inspiration? Check out CompTIA’s Tech Job Report. Learn more about the latest data and trends in tech hiring and the implications for employers and the U.S. workforce with new episodes each month.
Will your next move be business analyst? If so, check out CompTIA Data+ to learn more.