Career Small Business

5 Skills The Modern Business Analysts Needs To Thrive

Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr
Advertiser Disclosure

This article may contain references to products or services from one or more of our advertisers or partners. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products or services. Nonetheless, our opinions are our own.


If you’re interested in becoming a business analyst, you need to be prepared to develop skills crucial to success in this field. Business analysts are responsible for evaluating business processes, identifying areas for improvement, and creating solutions to complex business problems. Business analysts can work in various businesses, but the fundamentals remain the same, regardless of industry. This post will explore five skills you’ll need to become a successful business analyst.

Data Analysis Skills

One of the most important skills a business analyst needs to have is strong data analysis skills, including the ability to analyze large datasets and draw meaningful insights from them. They should be familiar with data analysis tools and techniques, such as statistical analysis, data visualization, and data modeling. Additionally, they should be comfortable working with data in various formats and be able to manipulate it to answer business questions. Having knowledge of programming languages like Python, R, or SQL can be a plus.

Communication Skills 

As a business analyst, you’ll work with stakeholders from different areas of an organization, including management, IT, and finance. Therefore, business analysts must have excellent communication skills to effectively communicate complex information to non-technical stakeholders. They should be able to listen actively, ask relevant questions, and provide clear and concise explanations of technical concepts. Good writing skills are also essential to document requirements, create project plans, and write reports.



Problem-Solving Skills 

Fundamentally, business analysts are problem solvers. They need to be able to identify the root cause of a problem, analyze its impact on the business, and propose effective solutions. They should be able to think creatively and critically and be comfortable working with ambiguity. Strong problem-solving skills require the ability to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts and to prioritize and execute solutions.

Technical Skills 

Business analysts need to be familiar with technical tools and systems that are used to support business operations. They should be comfortable working with databases, data warehouses, and business intelligence tools. Additionally, they should be familiar with programming languages and tools that can be used to automate processes, extract and analyze data, and create dashboards. Familiarity with free online project management software and methodologies, such as Agile, can also be an advantage.

Ability To Conduct Market Research 

Another essential skill for a business analyst is the ability to conduct market research. They need to be able to gather and analyze data about market trends, customer behavior, and industry benchmarks to inform business decisions. This requires the ability to search and extract relevant data from the internet using web scraping tools, such as Python. You can find a Python web scraping guide on the internet that will provide you with an overview of the basics of web scraping using Python.

In conclusion, becoming a business analyst requires a combination of technical, analytical, and communication skills. By developing a strong foundation in these skills, you can position yourself for a successful career in this dynamic and exciting field. Remember to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, and seek out opportunities to build your skills and knowledge through training and professional development.


Reviewed and edited by Albert Fang


Did you like our article and find it insightful? We encourage sharing the article link with family and friends to benefit as well - better yet, sharing on social media. Thank you for the support! 🍉

Article Title: 5 Skills The Modern Business Analysts Needs To Thrive

https://fangwallet.com/2023/03/17/5-skills-the-modern-business-analysts-needs-to-thrive/


The FangWallet Promise

FangWallet is an editorially independent resource - founded on breaking down challenging financial concepts for anyone to understand since 2014. While we adhere to editorial integrity, note that this post may contain references to products from our partners.

The FangWallet promise is always to have your best interest in mind and be transparent and honest about the financial picture.



Become an Insider

budget planner template printable

Subscribe to get a free daily budget planner printable to help get your money on track!

Make passive money the right way. No spam.





Editorial Disclaimer: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned. The opinions expressed here are the author's alone.

The content of this website is for informational purposes only and does not represent investment advice, or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security, investment, or product. Investors are encouraged to do their own due diligence, and, if necessary, consult professional advising before making any investment decisions. Investing involves a high degree of risk, and financial losses may occur including the potential loss of principal.


Write for Us


FangWallet was created to make financial knowledge easy-to-read and accessible to the masses. Personal finance. Understood.

Pin It