Today’s organizations generate massive amounts of data. Business analysts help companies analyze data to develop actionable insights that enhance outputs and improve system efficiency. Some of the most common types of data businesses collect include:
- Customer data: Demographic information, behavioral data, feedback and reviews
- Sales data: Transaction records, sales trends
- Financial data: Revenue and expenses, cost analysis
- Operational data: Supply chain data, production data
- Marketing data: Campaign metrics, social media analytics
- Employee data: Performance metrics, HR data
- Website and digital data: Traffic analytics, conversion data
- Market data: Industry trends, economic indicators
If you’re interested in starting or advancing a career in business analytics, you may be curious about the career path and progression for the role. In this guide, we’ll cover ways you can break into the industry and position yourself for long-term career growth.
What Is a Business Analyst?
Business analysts — often called business intelligence (BI) analysts — are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting on the data collected by their organization. While the specific responsibilities will vary based on their industry and organization, BI analysts generally perform the following duties:
- Requirements gathering: Interviewing stakeholders to understand business goals, facilitating meetings to gather requirements, and documenting those requirements.
- Data analysis: Collecting and organizing data from various sources, identifying insights to drive business decisions, and creating visual reports to present findings to stakeholders.
- Process improvement: Mapping existing business processes, identifying areas for improvement, and developing solutions to optimize productivity.
- Solution design: Collaborating with technical teams, creating use cases and system specifications, and ensuring that solutions align with business goals and requirements.
- Project management support: Assisting in project planning and coordination, defining project scope and deliverables, and monitoring project process.
- Stakeholder communication: Liaising between stakeholders and technical teams, communicating project progress, and managing stakeholder expectations.
- Testing and validation: Developing test plans to ensure solutions meet business requirements, coordinating and executing system testing, and working with development teams to resolve defects.
- Documentation: Preparing and maintaining comprehensive documentation and ensuring it is up-to-date and accessible to stakeholders.
- Change management: Assessing the impact of business changes, developing training materials, and assisting in implementing new processes.
- Performance monitoring: Monitoring and evaluating the performance of implemented solutions, analyzing performance metrics, and recommending adjustments based on performance data.
- Marketing and competitive analysis: Conducting research on market trends and competitor strategies, analyzing the impact of external factors on business, and providing recommendations based on market insights.
- Strategic planning: Analyzing business needs and aligning them with organizational goals and contributing to developing business strategies and initiatives.
Business analysts often collaborate with other team members, such as project managers, development teams, and data architects. Effective communication skills ensure that collaboration runs smoothly and any issues are addressed quickly.
Business Analyst Job Titles
There are many different roles associated with business analytics. The position you pursue will depend on your education, interests, and skills. Here is a brief overview of some of the common business intelligence analyst roles, including their salary and growth projections, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
| BI Analyst Title | Median Annual Salary (2023) | Job Growth Projection (2023-2033) |
| Market Research Analyst | $74,680 | 8 percent |
| Management Analyst | $99,410 | 11 percent |
| Financial Analyst | $99,890 | 9 percent |
| Budget Analyst | $84,940 | 4 percent |
Some other job titles appropriate for business analyst roles include:
- Operations Research Analyst
- Business Systems Analyst
- Information Security Analyst
- Process Analyst
AI Tools Used in Business Analysis
As with most industries, artificial intelligence (AI) has a significant influence over business analytics. It provides professionals in the field with advanced tools that enhance data analysis, streamline processes, and deliver deeper insights for organizational growth. Here are some of the more popular AI industry tools:
- Predictive analytics tools like IBM Watson and SAS Advanced Analytics use machine learning algorithms to analyze historical data to forecast future trends.
- Data visualization tools like Tableau and Microsoft Power BI leverage AI to create interactive and intuitive visual data representations.
- Natural language processing (NLP) tools like Google Cloud Natural Language and Microsoft Azure Text Analytics use AI to understand and synthesize human language for advanced data analysis.
- Automated data preparation tools like Trifecta and DataRobot streamline the process of cleaning, organizing, and integrating data before analysis.
- Advanced data analytics platforms like Alteryx and RapidMiner integrate predictive, prescriptive, and diagnostic analytics for complex data analysis and decision-making.
- Business intelligence (BI) tools like Qlik Sense and Looker use AI to provide in-depth analysis and support strategic business decisions.
It’s essential to understand all the pathways available toward this growing career in a diverse business analytics landscape. Mapping out your career progression in business analysis involves gaining experience, acquiring advanced skills, and moving into roles with greater responsibility. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the career path of a business analyst and how you can prepare for every step.
Entry-Level Business Analyst Roles
If you’re just breaking into business analytics, you may seek entry-level roles, such as a junior or business analyst intern. These positions can provide valuable foundational experience that can further your career. Let’s explore these options in more detail.
Junior Business Analyst
Junior business analysts typically support the business analytics team, helping to gather requirements and documentation, analyze and report on data, and learn the general business processes and systems involved in business analytics work.
To be successful in this role, one must have a basic understanding of business analysis methodologies, proficiency in data visualization tools (including Microsoft Excel), and strong communication and analytical skills.
What are the educational requirements for becoming a junior business analyst? Applicants usually hold a bachelor’s degree in business, information systems, or a related field. Organizations may ask that you have some internship or project experience as an additional qualification.
Business Analyst Intern
If you’re not ready to start applying for formal business analyst roles, becoming a business analyst intern can provide exposure to industry tools and opportunities to practice your skills in a professional environment. Responsibilities may include supporting senior analysts with various tasks, assisting with documentation and report preparation, and participating in general business analytics practices.
Internships are a great stepping stone toward a career as a business analyst; however, you must have basic knowledge of business processes and data handling, strong organizational and problem-solving skills, and a general eagerness to learn and develop your industry skills.
This is a great starting point for students nearing the completion of their degree or those who have recently graduated or completed an online program, such as our Business Analytics Certificate Course.
Mid-Level Business Analyst Roles
After a few years in an entry-level business analyst role, you may be ready to progress to a more advanced position, such as a business analyst or senior business analyst. This step will depend on your experience and comfort level with common BI practices and whether you decide to specialize further into focused roles such as financial analyst or marketing analyst.
Business Analyst
As a business analyst, you will have more responsibilities in overseeing teams and tasks. You may lead requirements gathering and analysis, designing and implementing business solutions, and creating detailed reports and presentations for stakeholders.
Because business analysts play a key role in project execution and process improvement, it’s critical that they are proficient in business analysis tools and techniques, have strong project management and stakeholder communication skills, and be able to analyze complex data and provide actionable insights.
To be successful in this role, you should have several years of experience in business analysis or a related field. A bachelor’s degree is typically required, and it can be helpful to earn additional industry certifications before applying for this mid-level role.
Senior Business Analyst
Senior business analysts have extensive experience in the field. They typically have a leadership role that oversees business analysis projects and teams, develops and implements strategies for process improvement, and manages relationships with key stakeholders and clients.
In order to succeed as a senior business analyst, you’ll need advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, expertise in business process modeling and change management, and strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
Advanced Business Analyst Roles
As you advance in your business analytics career, you may step into more specialized and leadership-focused roles. Let’s explore two key positions: lead business analyst and business analysis manager.
Lead Business Analyst
Lead business analysts are at the forefront of managing complex business analysis projects. They oversee multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they align with organizational goals and deliver strategic value. In this role, you may lead requirements gathering sessions, develop business solutions, and provide high-level strategic recommendations to senior management.
Professionals in this role need extensive experience in both business analysis and project management. Along with strong leadership abilities, advanced skills in data analysis, solution design, and strategic thinking are essential for success.
Typically, this role requires several years of experience in senior business analysis positions, proven success in managing complex projects, and a track record of driving business improvements.
Business Analysis Manager
Business analysis managers are vital to an organization’s business analysis department. These individuals are responsible for managing teams of business analysts, overseeing project portfolios, and aligning business analysis activities with their company’s strategic goals.
To be successful in this role, you’ll need a solid background in business analysis, strong organizational and leadership skills, and the ability to manage teams and drive strategic initiatives. It’s also essential to have experience in resource management, budget oversight, and ensuring the successful delivery of projects.
Senior/Director-Level Business Analyst Roles
The final step on the career path in business analytics is becoming a senior manager or director. These roles demand strategic vision, exceptional leadership skills, and comprehensive industry knowledge.
Director of Business Analysis
As a director of business analysis, you’ll set the strategic direction for the business analysis function within your organization. You will likely oversee the development and implementation of business solutions, manage budgets, and lead cross-functional teams. You’ll also work closely with senior management to ensure your efforts align with organizational goals and drive business performance.
To qualify for this advanced role, you must have a proven track record in senior positions, strong capabilities in strategic planning and team management, and experience driving organizational transformation. You should also be adept at managing resources and have extensive experience in business analysis and management.
Chief Business Analyst (or equivalent C-suite role)
Professionals in a Chief Business Analyst or other C-suite business analysis role are responsible for leading the business analysis department. It involves driving innovation, influencing company-wide strategies, and providing executive-level insights that shape business decisions and achieving organizational goals.
As a Chief Business Analyst, you’ll report directly to the executive team. This requires exceptional executive presence, advanced strategic planning abilities, and a comprehensive understanding of business operations. You will also need strong skills in influencing senior leadership and managing complex, cross-functional projects. It’s also important to have a strong background in strategic management and a demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams.
Start Your Business Analytics Career Today
With promising job growth across various industries, business analytics can offer a rewarding, long-term career for anyone interested in using company data to achieve organizational goals.
Earning a business analyst certification can significantly enhance your credibility and open up new opportunities for advancement in the field. Whether new to business analysis or pursuing new certifications, our online Business Analytics Certificate Course can provide the knowledge and experience you need to start or advance your career.
