The skills of a business analyst most importantly include interpersonal skills as well as technical expertise. We talk about the skills needed to excel in this profession.
Today, more companies are trying their level best to maintain the quality of services without increasing operational costs. This can effectively be done through a process known as business analysis. In the corporate world, business analysis is considered to be a very important process that is to be carried out for the company as a whole.
Typically, it is a requirement that extends to all individual departments of the organization, and even to various industries. Therefore, it cannot be said that it is only to do with a specific practice of the company. And this is why a person in this profession is required to have a wide range of skills.
He or she is a professional who is an expert in business analysis, which involves evaluating the way a company and its departments function. He makes sure that the business models are in sync with the technological concepts implemented in the organization.
His services are generally required in a wide range of industries, from manufacturing to Information Technology (IT). Hence, his duties may vary from industry to industry. As a business analyst is supposed to work in a variety of different fields, he has to possess many of skills.
Communication Skills
Oral and written business communication skills are inevitably needed for working as a business analyst.
Since he has to work as a liaison between the client and in-house teams; he has to communicate with clients regarding the project requirements, and convey the information clearly to the development team.
Technical Skills
To understand the complete scenario of the business functions, he also has to possess essential technical skills.
These technical skills primarily include engineering systems concepts and principles, programming structures and models, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), technical writing, basic programming languages, etc.
Analytical Skills
He should be able to analyze the functioning of the processes and suggest effective solutions to the management.
This also includes testing, modifying, compiling, and executing concepts of the project.
Problem Solving Skills
There are times when he may come across hurdles to on-time deliverables. In such a situation, he is expected to use his logical skills, and suggest viable options as the solutions of the problems.
Problem solving is however a standard universal skill, and all professionals are expected to possess it.
Decision-Making Skills
A business analyst can also be asked to take process-related decisions by consulting with the top management.
He should be able to assess the corporate scenario, understand the problems, accept suggestions from line managers, think strategically, and eventually reach a conclusion.
Managerial Skills
Since the analyst may be handed over the responsibility of managing a development team, he has to necessarily possess management skills.
This skill, along with that of time management, is really important for effective teamwork, helping others do relevant duties prescribed for the project, and handling all matters professionally.
Negotiation and Persuasion Skills
If working in a manufacturing or marketing sector, he may have to negotiate with the clients and customers, which is when negotiation skills come into practice.
He has to handle the clients as well as the services providers, keeping in mind the interests of the company.
Other skills required are personnel management, strategic thinking, project management, and case development. Also, business writing is important, which he will have to use every time he prepares a presentation or writes a report.