5 essential skills of a business analyst in IT

Business analysis is becoming one of the most sought-after professions in the IT industry. Companies are increasingly recognising the value of professionals who can improve business processes and drive growth. If you are considering a career as a business analyst in IT, there are certain key skills that will help you stand out from other candidates and ensure a successful career. Here are five key skills that will make you an ideal candidate for this role:

  1. Analytical thinking. This skill involves the ability to process large amounts of information, identify trends, identify problems, and develop optimal solutions. For example, if a software product is not performing as expected, analytical thinking will help determine the root cause and suggest improvements to increase performance.
  2. Ability to work with data. This skill involves collecting, analysing, and interpreting data to obtain information and make informed decisions. For example, by understanding user behaviour, a business analyst can recommend areas of improvement to a website that can increase conversion rates.
  3. Project management skills. This includes planning, organising, and monitoring the implementation of projects. A business analyst who understands project management can effectively collaborate with team members, allocate resources, and ensure that tasks are completed on time.
  4. Technical knowledge. Although an analyst does not need to be a highly skilled programmer, knowledge of fundamental programming concepts, understanding of client-server architecture, and familiarity with databases are critical. Additionally, knowledge of APIs, version control tools such as Git, and cloud computing platforms such as AWS or Google Cloud will allow the business analyst to better understand the IT ecosystem and collaborate effectively with development teams.
  5. Critical thinking. This skill allows business analysts to evaluate different solutions, choose the most effective ones, and avoid potential mistakes. Whether you’re evaluating data trends or proposing changes to improve business processes, critical thinking helps ensure that decisions are logical, reasonable, and supported by evidence.

In summary, by honing the skills described above, you can position yourself as a promising candidate in the fast-growing field of business intelligence.

The information was prepared based on the materials of IAMPM.