Business Analyst: Skills, Career Path, and Study Opportunities in Australia

A business analyst plays a crucial role in the success of businesses across various industries. With the rapid evolution of technology and the ever-changing landscape of the business world, the demand for skilled business analysts is on the rise. This article will provide an in-depth understanding of the business analyst profession, the essential skills required, and the opportunities available in Australia, particularly regarding the Rosehill College Diploma of IT.

Who is a Business Analyst?

A business analyst is a professional who enables change in an organization by comprehending business problems and providing solutions that maximize the value to its stakeholders. They are involved in every aspect of the business, from strategizing to creating enterprise architecture. Business analysts play a pivotal role in each life cycle within a project, documenting the business process in an organization, and evaluating the business model.

If you are considering a career as a business analyst, this article will guide you through the top business analyst skills required, the various roles and responsibilities, the path to becoming a certified business analyst, and the opportunities available in Australia.

Top Business Analyst Skills

A successful business analyst must possess a strong skill set that is a blend of technical and non-technical skills. Here, we will discuss the top ten vital business analyst skills that are crucial to excel in this field.

1. Understanding the Business Objective

• A business analyst should be able to comprehend an organization's goals and problems.

• They must recognize business problems and come up with the most suitable solution.

• Having domain knowledge in the organization they are working in is beneficial, as it helps with delivering the required outcomes.

• Business analysts often work towards enabling change with the motive of increasing sales, scaling up production, improving revenue streams, and more.

2. Analytical and Critical Thinking

• Analytical and critical thinking is one of the core business analyst skills.

• A business analyst must analyze and translate client requirements clearly.

• Critical thinking helps a business analyst assess multiple options before arriving at the desired solution.

• They focus on gathering and understanding the client's needs, prioritizing business requirements, and making well-informed decisions.

3. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills are crucial for a business analyst.

• They should be able to communicate concisely with stakeholders and clients regarding requirements.

• Business analysts use verbal and written communication to convey ideas, facts, and opinions to stakeholders.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills instill confidence in a business analyst when facilitating meetings and engaging with clients.

4. Negotiation and Cost-Benefit Analysis

• Negotiation is a vital skill every business analyst must-have.

• Business analysts negotiate at every project phase, from deciding what to include in the project's vision to determining which requests turn into requirements and their priority levels.

• They carry out cost-benefit analyses to assess the costs and benefits expected in a project and make informed decisions on whether to undertake specific projects.

5. Decision-Making Skills

• Decision-making skills are crucial non-technical skills for a business analyst.

• A business analyst's decisions have a direct and indirect impact on the company's business, so they should consider all aspects before presenting their decision.

• They interpret problems, find alternative business approaches, test all alternatives, and make decisions based on their evaluation of these approaches.

6. Programming Languages

• Business analysts should have hands-on programming knowledge to perform quicker and better data analysis.

• Knowledge of R and Python is extremely beneficial, as complex problems can be solved by writing efficient codes.

• R and Python comprise several libraries and packages for data wrangling, data manipulation, data visualization, and analytics. Additionally, a sound understanding of statistical software like SAS and SPSS is recommended.

7. Creation of Reports and Dashboards

• Business analysts must be proficient in using various business intelligence tools for creating reports and dashboards.

• They should have sound knowledge of Tableau, QlikView, and Power BI to create different reports based on business requirements.

8. Database and SQL

• Knowledge of database and SQL is essential for a business analyst.

• They should have a sound understanding of relational databases like Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL database, Oracle DB, and NoSQL databases.

• Business analysts must have hands-on experience with SQL to access, retrieve, manipulate, and analyze data.

9. Microsoft Excel

• Microsoft Excel is a fundamental skill that every business analyst must-have.

• Excel is used for performing calculations, data analysis, and budget analysis to uncover business patterns.

• They create pivot tables, charts, and dynamic reports related to business problems using Excel.

10. Documentation and Presentation

• A business analyst should document their project findings and results clearly and concisely.

• They should confidently present their project outcomes in front of stakeholders and clients.

• Organized documentation helps business analysts communicate technical concepts easily to non-technical employees and ensures better future decision-making.

Business Analyst Job Description and Career Path

A business analyst's job description includes identifying an organization's objectives and problems, understanding business requirements from clients and stakeholders, offering unique and feasible solutions to problems, providing feedback on implementation, gauging functional and non-functional requirements, understanding and analyzing implemented solutions, and offering course correction.

The career path of a business analyst can vary depending on the individual's interests and expertise. Some business analysts may choose to specialize in specific industries or business functions, while others may opt to become business owners or consultants.

Business Analyst Certification and Study in Australia

If you are considering studying business analysis in Australia, Rosehill College offers a Diploma of IT (CRICOS Course Code: 108962H) that provides students with the skills and knowledge to work successfully in an IT environment. This course is not restricted to business analysis but covers designing and implementing technical requirements, quality assurance processes, and contingency plans for the business.

Rosehill College is located in Sydney’s main education area within a walking distance of Central Station and main bus interchange, which is easily accessible to all students living in different suburbs. 

The diploma is open to individuals who are over 18 years old, demonstrate a good command of written and spoken English, have completed an equivalent secondary schooling level of a High School Certificate, or can demonstrate suitable work experience. The course duration is 60 weeks, plus 18 weeks of breaks (one and a half years), with multiple start dates throughout the year.

Upon completion of this diploma, graduates may pursue employment opportunities in various roles, including:

• Business analytics consultant

• BI specialists

• Business systems analyst

• Business Owner

• Information analyst

• Information manager/information officer

• ICT project manager

Business Analyst Industry Trends and Job Market in Australia

The business analyst job market in Australia is thriving, with a growing demand for skilled professionals. According to recent industry trends, the demand for business analysts is expected to grow even further in the coming years. This growth is driven by the increasing need for businesses to adapt to technological advancements, streamline processes, and improve efficiency.

The average salary for a business analyst in Australia ranges from AUD 70,000 to AUD 120,000 per year, depending on the individual's experience and expertise. With the right skills, certification, and experience, a business analyst can expect a rewarding career in Australia.

Conclusion

If you are considering a career as a business analyst, now is an excellent time to acquire the necessary skills and pursue this in-demand profession. The Rosehill College Diploma of IT is an opportunity to study in Australia and gain the knowledge and skills required to succeed as a business analyst. For further inquiries about studying in Australia and the Rosehill College Diploma of IT, please contact mugu@uniapplyteam.com.

With the right blend of technical and non-technical skills, a strong foundation in business analysis, and a clear understanding of the business analyst roles and responsibilities, you can embark on a rewarding career in this dynamic field.