Business analyst
Assess the quality of a business and come up with ideas to improve it.
Also known as: business consultant, business systems analyst, process analyst
About the job
What it's like
Business analysts look at the way an organisation works and come up with ideas to improve it. You'll meet with managers to find out what the business’ aims and needs are, and what they do to meet them.
In this job, you'll look at things like technical systems, business models and procedures that are in place. Then you'll analyse and test them to decide if there are better ways of doing things that could help the business. You might use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help you analyse the way a business operates.
The business would decide what systems or procedures need changed. You'll then help the relevant teams organise and oversee these changes.
Depending on the business, you could work on unique and exciting projects. Your interests can guide your career. You could work in the financial sector. It'll be your job to spot trends and make forecasts to help with investment decisions.
Space companies also hire business analysts to help develop the business case for their mission ideas. You'll come up with business plans to take astronauts and equipment on space missions.
Your tasks might include:
helping design, document and maintain system processes
working with AI to speed up repetitive tasks like data collection and reporting
researching and analysing the structure of a business and how it uses technology
identifying problems and considering opportunities for improvement
creating and testing IT solutions and systems to make sure they meet business needs
selling the benefits of new strategies and systems to stakeholders
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
International Institute of Business Analysis – careers information and resources
Space Careers – learn about business analyst careers in space
Getinto.finance – discover more about working as a business analyst in the finance sector
Knowledge Train – take a free quiz, see which project management roles suit you and get emailed a personalised career guide
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Select qualification level(s)
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Finance, law and professional services Digital technologies
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- implementing ideas
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- problem solving
- innovative
- written communication
- verbal communication
- listening
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Business Management
Computing Science
Maths (Mathematics)
Foundation Apprenticeship: Business Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Hardware and Systems Support
Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Most business analysts have a degree. Although, there are a couple of ways you can get qualified.
University
You’ll likely need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, such as:
Business
Business Administration
Business Analytics
Computer Science
Cyber Security
Data Analytics
Economics
Information Security
Information Technology
Management
Software Development
Use the My World of Work course search to find degrees.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Business
Business, Administration and IT
Business Management
Computer Science
Cyber Security
Software Development
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You can see what MAs are available on Apprenticeships.scot. You might want to consider one in areas such as:
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry. You'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll have a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You can see what GAs are available on Apprenticeships.scot. You might want to consider one in areas such as:
Work
You can become a business analyst through applying directly with an employer. You'll need to build experience in other roles first, such as project management or IT.
You can use the My World of Work job search to look for job vacancies.
Trainee roles
You can become a business analyst by applying for a paid trainee role, where you learn on the job without needing previous experience. You can use the My World of Work job search to look for trainee roles.
Employers might also look for recognised certifications from a professional body. For example, the International Institute of Business Analysis UK (IIBA) or The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS).
A foundation certificate in business analysis if offered by The Chartered Institute for IT. This is for people new to the role, or those who may be thinking about working in the field and want to learn more.
Not all employers list specific qualification requirements. They might ask for relevant (usually work-based) experience that demonstrates a range of transferable skills.
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