Learn from industry experts! Admin batch starts from 19 Feb.
Hurry up!
Book your slot now!

Table of Contents

Dive into the world of business analyst career! 

Data-driven strategies are considered the future wave due to their business-related benefits. Business analysts can use data to guide business decisions for the organization’s profit in the future. The benefits of data-driven strategies include streamlining processes, maximizing resource utilization, and increasing efficiency and productivity.

A recent global survey of 10,000 business leaders shows that despite the benefits, only 29% use data to form their strategy while entering a new market. This is also related to the lower utilization of Business analysts.

Why is this percentage low? Some businesses are stuck on old traditions and practices, while others need more professionals, namely, Business analysts. The career of a business analyst involves assisting organizations in identifying methods to enhance their operations and systems. They analyze everything and suggest solutions that fit the company’s goals and objectives. 

The recent demand for this role has increased as Salesforce released Business Analyst Certification and promoted this career path on Trailhead. According to information provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a business analyst’s position is on track for growth of 25% value by 2030.

Let’s get started!

Who are business analysts?

Business analysts are professionals who evaluate an organization’s processes, systems, and operations to uncover opportunities for enhancement. Working closely with various groups, business analysts gather and evaluate needs to ensure they support overall business goals. These professionals are an essential link between technical and non-technical teams, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

They propose solutions involving process improvements or technology implementations and document these plans comprehensively. Also, facilitate communication and support change management efforts throughout the project lifecycle. 

Business analysts contribute to ongoing refinement and optimization by monitoring implemented solutions and gathering feedback. Their expertise lies in understanding business needs, proposing practical solutions, and facilitating seamless integration of these solutions to achieve organizational growth and efficiency.

Why become a business analyst?

Becoming a business analyst offers the chance to bridge the gap between technology and business, creating impactful solutions that drive operational efficiency and growth. The career of a business analyst provides an opportunity for individuals to harness their analytical skills to solve complex challenges and contribute directly to organizational success. 

Here are some reasons why you should seek a career in the field of business analyst:

  • Growing field: Demand for skilled analysts proliferates as businesses are more eager to adopt technologies to improve processes. According to a report from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for Business Analysts is expected to rise by 14% at the end of 2023.
  • Challenging and rewarding career: The success of businesses is vital for every Business analyst. They get to work on various projects that are challenging and have a real impact on the industry. The highest salary that a Salesforce Business Analyst can earn in India is around ₹14.8 Lakhs per year
  • Skill requirements: A pool of skills is required for working as a Salesforce business analyst, making it challenging for most people to achieve. Still, due to the vast difference in demand and supply values, you can build up your career with essential skills and certifications and become indispensable in this competitive market. 

Let’s dive into the 10 prominent skills you need to seek your career as a business analyst:

Technical Skill

Business analyst career technical skills

Data analysis

Business analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to understand the business’s needs. Insights gained through data analysis help find problems and ways to fix them. This skill includes proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques, such as Data visualization tools, Excel, and SQL.

Business intelligence (BI) tools

Business analysts are familiar with BI tools so it can help them to collect, store, and analyze data for business growth. Some of the most useful tools that BA leverages are SAP BusinessObjects, Microsoft Power BI, and IBM Cognos.

Modeling of process and its analysis

Business analysts also need to be able to understand and model the different business processes. It includes understanding information and material flow in the business and interactions between different stakeholders and departments. It helps in identifying inefficiencies and providing improvements. Knowing modeling techniques such as BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) and tools like Visio or ARIS is required. 

System analysis

Business analysts are supposed to have this skill because it helps in understanding and analyzing IT systems. Thus, knowledge of system analysis techniques such as UML (Unified Modeling Language), system requirements documentation, workflows, and use cases will help them to understand business requirements from its core.

Requirements management

Keeping all the information under one roof is quite challenging. That’s how business analyst roles are in demand. Their expertise helps them to communicate and collaborate with clients and collect every minute of the meeting. Additionally, proficiency in tools like Confluence, IBM Rational DOORS, and JIRA can help them keep the solution’s technical constraints. 

Wireframing and Prototyping

Since these skills help to visualize and communicate the IT solution’s design, you should learn to seek your career as a business analyst. They are familiar with tools like Balsamiq, Axure RP, and Sketch, which can be used for creating interactive wireframes, mock-ups, and prototypes. 

Proficiency in CRM and ERP systems

In a business analyst career growth, you are likely well-versed in the benefits of customer relationship management (CRM) systems such as Salesforce and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems like SAP or Oracle. These powerful tools can assist you in gathering requirements, assessing integration requirements, and facilitating project implementation. By leveraging these platforms, you can streamline your operations, enhance productivity, and increase your business’s bottom line.

Documented presentation

People might only convince clients to leverage your services with a clear presentation and proper documentation. Here, the business analyst comes in the limelight. The expertise and knowledge help them to prepare detailed documents with essential highlights. So, if you are seeking your career for a business analyst job, keeping an eye on detail to prepare and present proper documentation skills is a plus.

Soft Skills

Business-analyst-career-soft-skills

Communication

Communication skills show how quickly you pay catch and respond to your client. However, these skills play a vital role when seeking a career as a business analyst. It helps you clearly articulate the business’s needs and the technical aspects of IT solutions.

Analytical skills

Analytical thinking helps you break down convoluted processes into simple tasks. This helps a business analyst understand the business’s needs and develop effective solutions. However, considering these skills in your knowledge bucket helps you shape your career as a business analyst.

Problem-solving skills

If a person cannot identify business challenges and problems, it would put a brand in trouble. They may lose their clients, undergo monetary loss or much more. However, having creative thinking skills in a business analyst helps a business solve such problems. So, they develop innovative solutions every time a business encounters challenges.

Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills such as active listening, empathy, teamwork, adaptability, conflict and time management boost communication and collaboration with teams and clients. However, if the business analyst job excites you, developing interpersonal skills is crucial. Only then you can understand your team and client’s wants and what solutions best work to address their challenges.

Business acumen

As a business analyst, having a sound understanding of the business world is best for the client, team, and business. It will help you comprehend the core aspects, vision, processes, goals and target customers.

Commitment to lifelong learning

As a person, committing to continuous learning helps you develop personal skills and can contribute to your professional growth. However, if you dream of becoming a Salesforce business analyst, commit yourself to constant growth and learning. Consume information about what’s going on in the market and what’s trending to stay ahead of the competition.

Essential Skills to Seek Your Career as a Business Analyst CTA

Conclusion

There you have it! The blog compiled crucial skills required to achieve your business analyst career growth. The role helps businesses gather, analyze, and interpret data to make smart decisions. 

Despite having all the demanding skills, Salesforce business analyst certification helps you attract the hiring manager’s attention to your profile. However, ensure you have earned certifications from credible websites such as Salesforce, Coursera or S2 Labs. So, nobody can stop you from turning your dream career into reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the skills required for business analyst?

As discussed above, various skills are needed for a Business Analyst role. Some of the most crucial ones are as follows: Data Analysis Programming skills Communication skills Negotiation skills Critical thinking skills Problem-Solving skills Decision-making skills Business Intelligence tools Documentation and presentation skills

What is the success path for a business analyst?

The career path for a business analyst starts with analyzing data to address the business challenge. Eventually, it progresses to supervisory and management level positions, thus further helping data science to guide company decisions.

How can I improve my BA skills?

Business analysts must develop their skills and capabilities for improving competencies related to business analysis to move further in their careers. Here are some ways to improve your skills if you seek a business analyst career objective. Business Analyst certifications Offline training sessions On-the-job experience Learn business analysis tools Gather industry knowledge Timely self-assessment

Is learning SQL necessary for business analyst?

Because of their multi-role specialty, Business analysts are the most sought-after professionals in the business domain. SQL is one of the most fundamental skills that every Business analyst needs in their toolkit.

Latest Salesforce Insights

Book A 15-Minutes Free Career Counselling Today!