Business analyst job description
Where we source our data
Let's get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you're making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That's why we anonymously surveyed business analysts about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it's really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can't guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Tasks and responsibilities for a business analyst
A business analyst is involved with:
- Translating the work of technical teams to colleagues and stakeholders with a less technical background, and the inverse: translating business goals to more technically-oriented people in the form of briefs and problem statements
- Evaluating technological processes by how they meet business needs - including cost, efficiency, and accuracy
- Understanding how changes in processes affect the business and fixing problems or inefficiencies as they arise
- Coming up with recommendations for improvements to optimise technological processes
- Gathering business requirements
- Leading the design, planning, and implementation of better processes
- Analysing data
How to become a business analyst
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Study
Complete either a VET course, like the Diploma of Information Technology (ICT50220), or a degree like a Bachelor of Business. Try to choose electives that allow you to learn more about business and technology. Other relevant qualifications include information systems, business, business administration, systems engineering, or similar.
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Gain experience
On your first job search, find a related entry-level position that allows you to build on both your soft and technical skills. A role like technology customer support or sales are great options. They allow you to hone your skills by communicating between those with technical backgrounds and those without working on or managing complicated projects. If you already have experience in a role like software engineer or technology project manager, your skills should enable you to make a lateral move.
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Consult the Business Analyst Guide
A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK Guide), published by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), is the globally recognised standard for business analysis, allowing you to understand the role more deeply as you shape your career towards this path. IIBA also offer Business Analysis Certification Competencies (CCBA) such as the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) course and The Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA) course.
Pathway options
As they upgrade their skills and experience, business analysts can build a career path in either business or technology – or continue to amalgamate the two in more senior roles.
Potential pathways include:
Junior
Mid
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Systems analyst
Most common qualification: Diploma of Information Technology (ICT50120)
Senior
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Business analyst
Most common qualification: Diploma of Information Technology (ICT50120)
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IT project manager
Most common qualification: Advanced Diploma of Information Technology (ICT60220)
Explore related qualifications
Diploma of Information Technology
Learn the fundamentals of technology, software engineering, Microsoft Excel, and information systems — and how organisations use them — as experienced teachers guide you. The Diploma of Information Technology (ICT50220) usually takes one year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent). Upon completion, you may be eligible for credit towards further study, going straight into the second year of a bachelor degree level, so it’s a great way to dip your toes into tech.
5 providers offer this course
Bachelor of Business
Learn to identify business opportunities, how businesses of all sizes work, and use up-to-date theory to ensure business processes are compliant with relevant laws and as efficient as possible. Get exposure to multiple disciplines of study, including accounting, economics, business systems, management, statistics, and marketing. A bachelor degree in business takes three years of full-time study to complete (or part-time equivalent).
Bachelor of Applied Information Technology
Immerse yourself in the world of IT with areas of study such as information systems, cloud computing, computer programming, data science, SQL, app development, business analysis, cybersecurity, tech entrepreneurship, and more. This applied qualification shows you how IT knowledge and skills are helpful within organisations and may enable you to complete relevant placements and projects. A bachelor of Applied Information Technology typically takes three years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent).
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Reviews
How we collect reviews
Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.
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Meaningful and important work.
What are the best parts of the job?
The best part is knowing that the work I am doing is meaningful and important.
What's the most challenging part?
The people I have to work with make my job harder than it needs to be.
Comes with lots of flexibility.
What are the best parts of the job?
The job has great flexibility, meaning I often am able to work from home.
What's the most challenging part?
Completing my tasks on time and making sure the business succeeds.
Good pay.
What are the best parts of the job?
It's a well-earning job, the pay is very good.
What's the most challenging part?
Dealing with debtors is tedious and challenging at times.
