Business analyst
Assess the quality of a business and come up with ideas to improve it.
Also known as: process analyst, business systems analyst, business consultant
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) powered tools to help you analyse the way a business operates.
The business would decide what systems or procedures need changed. You may work with them and use AI to simulate how different types of changes would impact the business. You’ll then help the relevant teams organise and oversee these changes.
What you might do:
help design, document and maintain system processes
work with AI to speed up repetitive tasks like data collection and reporting. This will give you more time to work on deeper business analysis work
use data and AI tools to research and analyse the structure of a business and how it uses technology
identify problem areas and consider opportunities for improvement
communicate with senior management to identify the business’ goals
create and test IT solutions and systems to make sure they meet business needs
sell the benefits of new strategies and systems to stakeholders by using AI to simulate how they’d work
provide staff with training sessions for new IT systems
oversee the introduction of new technology or systems
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, perhaps using AI, 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.
‘I've helped support some of the most vulnerable people in our society. I'm not what you’d call “techy”, but I'm great at solving problems, working with others and understanding their needs. I’m also open, friendly and enjoy working with details and all these skills have helped me in my role as a business analyst.’
Fiona Rennie
Business Analyst, Social Security Scotland
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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:
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Business Management
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Computing Science
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Business Skills
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Hardware and Systems Support
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
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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.
Many analysts have a technical background in areas like software development or programming. Others will have qualifications in Business Information Systems, Business Computing Systems or Data Analytics.
Most will have qualifications at degree level (SCQF level 9/10) or above. You can work towards qualifications through school, college, university or in work. For example, through an apprenticeship.
You can start building your qualifications at National Certificate (NC) level. You could also start at Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) level
For this role, you'll need to build qualifications up to degree level (SCFQ Level 9/10) or above. You can do this at college and university. You could also get work-based qualifications.
Qualifications are also available at postgraduate level. If you are a graduate in another subject, your qualification can help apply for these courses.
Graduates in other subjects might take a postgraduate conversion course leading to a Diploma (PGDip) or Master's (MSc). This could be in Information Technology, Computer Systems or Information Systems. Some examples of these are:
Heriot Watt offer an MSc programme in Information Technology for graduates with other STEM related degrees.
Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen offers an MSc programme in Business Analytics for those with a degree in any subject area.
The University of Edinburgh offer an MSc programme in Business Analytics for graduates with other STEM related degrees. If your degree is in an unrelated subject, you'd still be considered for entry to the programme with relevant work experience.
The University of Strathclyde offer an MSc programme in Enterprise Information Systems for graduates of any discipline who wish to gain skills in understanding data management and business processes
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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