What is a Business Analyst? Technical & Non-technical BA Skills

1. Probability and Statistics

One fundamental technical business analyst skill is understanding statistics and probability. Methods of statistics and probability will aid business analysts in connecting the dots and coming to conclusions because their job is to identify answers from the data they have available. A business analyst will better understand the data and make accurate predictions using statistics and probability.

2. Programming Skills

Business analysts typically work with applicable coding and data. Being able to program is, therefore, a must-have business analyst skill. Business analysts benefit from using programming languages like Python and R to handle large data. Database management systems should be something that business analysts can work on as well. They can extract, generate, and edit data from databases using languages like SQL.

The programming languages and databases that are among the top business analyst skills required that business analyst must be familiar with:

• Python
• R
• Oracle
• MongoDB
• SQLite and MySQL

3. Data Visualization

To convert unprocessed data into digital representations that can be used for action, data visualization is one of the significant business analyst skills required. Business analysts may help clients understand the data and make strategic decisions to satisfy their needs by using their expertise in data visualization.

Business analysts employ many data visualization techniques, such as scatter plots, time series sequences, polar area diagrams, timelines, line graphs, and more. A business analyst must be skilled in using all these methods to create beautiful and thorough representations. These are some business analyst technical skills required for the job.

4. Documenting and Report Writing

This is one of the business analyst skills or technical expertise needed by business analysts. Writing reports, plans, paperwork, and different kinds of analysis details are all part of it. Writing on various subjects is a requirement of the job of a business analyst.

Understanding when to use technical jargon and when to write in simple, clear English is one of the secrets to producing reports effectively. This ability combines writing prowess with understanding the communication conditions, such as the target audience and the message you're attempting to express. One of the key abilities needed for a business analyst is written communication.

5. Data Analysis

The skills that will help business analysts to get insights from massive datasets and make data-driven recommendations are SQL, Excel, Tableau, Power BI, etc., and statistical analysis software (e.g., R, Python).

6. Business Intelligence (BI) Tools

Familiarity with tools like SAP BusinessObjects, IBM Cognos, or Microsoft Power BI, MSBI tools like SSIS, SSRS, and SSAS tools enables business analysts to prepare reports and interactive visualizations to provide required insights to the stakeholders.

7. Process Modeling

Business analysts use Business Process Models and Notation and process analysis tools like ARIS or Visio to map and analyze business processes, identify inefficiencies, and propose improvements.

8. Requirements Management

Business analysts manage requirements throughout the project lifecycle with tools like JIRA, Confluence, or IBM Rational DOORS.

9. Agile Methodologies

With necessary Agile skills, business analysts can collaborate with development teams, facilitate sprint planning, and participate in Agile ceremonies by understanding Agile methodologies like Scrum or Kanban.

10. Prototyping and Wireframing

Proficiency of Business Analysts in tools like Axure RP, Balsamiq, or Sketch to create interactive prototypes, wireframes, and mock-ups. These skills enable them to communicate requirements and validate solutions with stakeholders visually.

11. Knowledge of ERP and CRM Systems

Understanding resource planning systems like SAP or Oracle and (CRM) systems like Salesforce help business analysts gather requirements, evaluate integration needs, and support implementation projects.

12. Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

To work effectively with development teams and ensure smooth project execution, business analysts must have familiarity with the various phases of the SDLC. 

13. Database and SQL

One of the many critical skills is the knowledge of databases and SQL. To store and process heavy data while working with structured data, they should have a decent knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL database, Oracle DB, and NoSQL databases.

14. Microsoft Excel

To know about Microsoft Excel comes under a fundamental skill that every business analyst must have. Excel is one of the ancient and most used analytics and reporting tools; business analysts use it to perform several operations to unravel business patterns smoothly. 

While correspondence, critical thinking, and basic reasoning abilities are central to being a decent BA, they are not the only required business analyst skills.

15. Cost-Benefit Analysis

Business analysts conduct cost-benefit analyses to assess the anticipated costs and benefits of a project. Before organizations undertake new initiatives, these analysts utilize cost-benefit analysis to determine their feasibility.

1. Relationship-Building Skills

Relationship-building is not among the technical skills of business analysts but is considered necessary. As a matter of first importance, the rundown of delicate aptitudes is the capacity to produce solid connections, frequently called partner connections. A partner is any individual who has something to add to your venture, and regularly, you'll work with numerous partners from both the business and the specialized groups.

2. Self-Managing

While BAs are not extended chiefs, the best BAs deal with the business investigation exertion. This implies the BA is proactive and reliant on mindfulness. It is a crucial point after the top business analyst's technical skills.  It additionally implies they oversee themselves to responsibilities and due dates, a range of abilities which can include impact, assignment, and issue the executives.

3. Analytical and Critical Thinking

Business analysts evaluate numerous alternatives before helping a group settle on an answer. While finding the issue to be tackled, business investigators must tune in to partner needs, think about those requirements, and pose examining inquiries until the genuine need is surfaced and comprehended. This is the thing that makes basic reasoning and assessment aptitudes significant for new business investigators.

4. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Regarding the top business analyst skills, Business Analysts must be great communicators. This implies they can encourage group meetings, pose relevant inquiries, hear the appropriate responses, and implement what's being said. In this day and age, correspondence does not generally happen eye to eye. The capacity to be a solid communicator in a virtual setting (using phone calls or web meetings) is similarly significant. As another business analyst, you might not have involvement in an assortment of business examiner determinations (that accompanies time and an assortment of venture encounters). Yet, it's very conceivable that your solid general documentation and composing aptitudes will kick you off.

5. Decision-Making Skills

A company business is directly and indirectly affected by the decisions taken by a business analyst. So they should be sure about their final decision after proper assessment and then present it. They should evaluate the solutions and their repercussions.

6. Teamwork

Business analysts frequently work as part of cross-functional groups. Being able to cooperate and work effectively with team members is essential.

7. Adaptability

Prerequisites and task requirements change now and then, so business analysts should be flexible and open to adjusting their strategy accordingly.

8. Negotiation Talents

This talent comes in handy to everyone, irrespective of their industry. Business analysts occasionally must adjudicate between stakeholders with competing interests, demanding firm negotiation talents.

9. Time Managing

Addressing numerous tasks and deadlines is a standard aspect of the role, so suitable time management is paramount to remain on top of responsibilities.

10. Business Acumen

A Business analysts should understand business regulations and approaches to align their analysis with the organization's objectives. A thriving business analyst possesses technical expertise and soft skills, enabling them to facilitate effective communication, drive projects forward, and contribute to the organization's overall success. 

11. Critical Problem-Solving Skills

Last but not least, problem-solving efficiency is one of the significant business analyst skills required for business analyst. No task is without issues. Indeed, the whole task is an answer to an issue. At the most elevated amount, BAs encourage a mutual comprehension of the issue and the potential arrangements and decide the extent of the undertaking. You'll discover BAs amidst encouraging groups to settle specialized difficulties, mainly when they include arrangements between different businesses or specialized partners.