Discover the role of business analysts and learn what their daily tasks look like, what the job requirements typically are, and how to hire the best in the field.
What is a Business Analyst?
A business analyst is a professional who is responsible for analyzing, identifying, and defining business problems, as well as proposing solutions that meet the needs of stakeholders. Business analysts work in a variety of industries and may be employed by companies of all sizes, including government agencies and non-profit organizations. Their job is to collect and analyze data, and to use this information to make recommendations on how to improve business processes, operations, and overall performance.
Business analysts often work closely with other professionals, such as project managers, IT teams, and stakeholders, to develop and implement solutions that address business needs. Overall, the role of a business analyst is critical in helping organizations to optimize their performance, reduce costs, and increase profitability.
If you are looking for a job as a business analyst, you can check out the open positions below.
How Much Does a Business Analyst Make?
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for business analysts in May 2021 was $83,953. However, salaries can range from $50,000 to over $150,000 per year. Additionally, business analysts with advanced degrees or certifications like the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification may command higher salaries. Higher-paying industries like management, scientific, and technical consulting services, and finance and insurance currently offer higher salaries.
- Citi - $73,928
- JP Morgan - $72,600
- UnitedHealth Group - $68,510
What are the Job Responsibilities of a Business Analyst?
The responsibilities involved with the business analyst typically include the following.
- Analyzing their current business processes, identifying areas for improvement, and proposing solutions to enhance efficiency and productivity.
- Working closely with stakeholders, such as project managers, developers, and end-users, to understand their needs and goals.
- Collecting and analyzing data, creating reports, and developing models to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for growth.
- Helping to define requirements for new projects, evaluate existing systems, and providing recommendations for improving business processes.
In summary, the primary job responsibility of a business analyst is to help organizations make informed decisions and improve their bottom line.
Meeting a Business Analyst
It’s one thing to know the requirements of a role — it’s another to see yourself in it. At The Org, we believe that putting faces to the job title can provide more context and a better sense of how the role fits into the big picture.
Explore live positions for business analysts and meet the people behind the title here.
Tips for Recruiting a Top Business Analyst
Recruiting a quality business analyst can be challenging. But with the following tips, you can begin the process in confidence.
- Avoid tech bias. Naturally, recruiters are quick to pursue business analysts with a tech background. However, this is far from necessary in terms of finding a worthwhile candidate. Instead, try to be open-minded and give credit where credits due when it comes to a candidate’s ability to do the job.
- Keep specific scenarios in mind. The right business analyst will be articulate and able to translate complex processes to ordinary users. Consider adding a complex data scenario within your job description to attract the right talent.
- Soft skills above hard skills. The right business analyst will be tech savvy, that’s no secret. Soft skills, however, should be prioritized within your job description to ensure the candidates you attract have the skills needed to communicate their data findings. Otherise, what’s the point?
- Find someone with experience in a similar role. By choosing to include in your description that you’d prefer someone with previous experience in a similar role, you’re setting the stage for a candidate that understands your business and how it functions.
By keeping these tips in mind during the recruitment process, you can find the perfect project manager for your business.
At The Org, we believe traditional recruiting is in need of a refresh. Candidates want to know who they’ll work with, not just what they’ll do. Workplace culture, interpersonal relationships, and company values are more important now than ever.
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Explore Org Charts here, and sign up today to create your own customized Org Chart for your company.
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