The Top Skills Every Business Analyst Needs To Succeed

Business analyst requirements can differ depending on the organization or client. Analysts can work for an organization or for a consultancy firm. They will typically go to a client’s office and be there for a project’s duration. According to the 2019 International Institute of Business Analysts report, 91% say communication is the most vital skill.

The Software-Level, or how the software system supports the business workflows, often completed through functional requirements models like use cases and wireframes. The Business-Level, or how the business work flows operationally, often completed by analyzing the business process and creating business process flow diagrams. How many times have you heard “it is not what you said but how you said it”? A lot of times this falls into our non-verbal communication, specifically the tone we are using. Sometimes we may be stressed or rushed and people catch us off guard, when this happens our tone can be short or crass. Slow down and give your recipient your undivided attention.

Highly interactive exercises provide students opportunities to practice and reinforce the techniques and business analysis skills taught during class. Regardless of the participant’s skill level, the workshop cases and discussions inspire learning insights for every level of experience. Students are encouraged to bring projects into class for exercises and to develop a more personalized post-class action plan to take their project to the next step.

Being a successful Business Analyst means you have to have a variety of different skills and be adaptable to a changing environment. Every Business Analyst will bring their unique blend of skills and experience to the role, of course, but I’ve highlighted below what I think are the most common skills that a good BA will need. Feel free to add in the comments any other skills that you have found helpful in your BA career.

Business principles and practices are characteristics that are common across all organizations with a similar purpose and structure. Functions and capabilities such as HR, Finance, IT, Marketing & Sales that are needed by any organization are examples of such practices. Although not mandatory, it is good for a BA to be familiar with such practices so that they can consult and advise customers with relevant requirements.