Are you curious about starting a career as a business analyst in the UK?
You may be considering a career change or looking to enter the world of business analysis for the first time.
?Whatever your reasons, you've found the ideal resource to help you.?
In this comprehensive guide, let's walk through everything you need to know about working and becoming a junior business analyst in the UK.
As a business analyst, you help organisations make data-driven decisions and improve their business processes.?
It is a challenging yet rewarding career path with plenty of growth opportunities. So, whether you’re looking to build skills and acquire BA qualifications to land a job, are just starting out and eyeing opportunities for career advancement, or are looking to transition into a business analyst role, this blog post will be of value to you. Let's explore what it takes to succeed in this role, specifically for the UK job market.
What Is a Business Analyst? Exploring The Levels
No business analyst role is the same, so here is a simplified breakdown of each role, at the appropriate level.
Entry-level/ junior business analyst
This is a professional who is just starting their career in the field of business analysis. They have limited practical experience but possess the fundamental knowledge and skills required to contribute to business analysis projects.
Intermediate business analyst
A professional who has gained a significant amount of experience and knowledge in the field of business analysis. They have progressed beyond the entry-level or junior business analyst role and have developed a deeper understanding of the processes, techniques, and tools used in business analysis.
Senior business analyst
A very experienced and skilled professional who has advanced knowledge and expertise in the field of business analysis. They have progressed through the ranks of junior and intermediate levels and have a proven track record of successfully delivering complex business analysis projects. For the sake of this post, we will focus on people at the entry and intermediate levels.
Business analysts work closely with stakeholders, clients, managers, development teams, and subject matter experts from various departments (sales, marketing, finance, operations, etc.), to gather requirements, create project plans, and deliver solutions that meet business needs.
Responsibilities of business analysts at the junior levels could include
Example: Interviewing the sales team and analysing customer feedback data to understand why sales calls are dropping
Example: Document their findings through detailed reports and charts showing declining sales calls and present them to management (helping stakeholders understand the problem and need for a solution).
Example: working with the IT team to define the technical requirements for the new CRM system.
Example: Business analysts might help train sales teams to use this system and participate in user acceptance testing to ensure it meets their needs.
Example: business analysts would track the implementation of the CRM system, monitor key metrics like sales call volume, and report on its success to stakeholders.
To succeed in this role, business analysts must possess a range of skills, including:
Becoming a Business Analyst: Qualifications Guide for Beginners
While there are no strict educational requirements for becoming a junior business analyst in the UK, having relevant business analysis qualifications can significantly boost your chances of landing your dream job.?
One of the best ways to gain the necessary skills and knowledge is through specialised training programs, like the ones offered by ITonlinelearning.
Business Analyst Training for the Modern Career Path
ITonlinelearning provides two comprehensive career programmes designed to help aspiring business analysts kickstart their careers, and people in a career to advance to the desired next level:
Business Analyst Career Starter Programme?
This career starter programme is ideal for people new to business analysis and those looking to validate their skills and knowledge in business analysis.
It covers:
Business analysis fundamentals: This course teaches the fundamental concepts of business analysis and helps build strong foundational knowledge to get you started in business analysis.
Business analysis foundation: Build skills and knowledge to support successful business change programmes within organisations. Learn how to identify and evaluate options for improving a business.?
Business analysis practice practitioner: Apply business analysis techniques in a clearly defined framework. Explore a number of strategic analysis and performance management techniques
Business Analyst Diploma Career Programme?
The Business Analyst Diploma Career Programme is the way to go for people looking for in-depth and comprehensive training.
This BCS-accredited diploma programme covers a wide range of specialist topics, including:
Business Analysis Foundation
Business Analysis Practice Practitioner
Requirements Engineering Practitioner
Modelling Business Processes Practitioner
Oral Examination Preparation Course
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These two programmes offer flexible online learning, allowing you to study at your own pace and fit your education around your existing commitments.?
Additionally, you benefit from the guidance of expert tutors, a supportive learning community, and a UK-recognised certification upon completion - all of which help you stand out in the job market. Accredited Business Analysis qualifications with ITonlinelearning
Who Hires Business Analysts Anyway?In the UK, a growing number of businesses in diverse sectors rely on data-driven decision-making approaches that only business analyst professionals can provide. These include:??
The Government Analysis Function, which includes business analysts, is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
Other industries that hire junior business analysts include:
ITonlinelearning tip: the demand for business analysts varies by region in the UK. According to data from ITJobsWatch, London and the North of England have the highest demand for business analysts, followed by the South East and North West.
Business Analysis: Career Outlook and Growth Opportunities
Considering the growing demand for business analyst skills, these numbers do not surprise us.
?Business analyst roles are projected to increase by 14% between 2017 and 2027, much faster than the average for all occupations (UK government's National Skills Academy for IT).?
Junior roles:
Senior roles:
Note: Salary varies depending on location, industry, experience and company size.?
Business Analyst Career Path Progression: Possible Roles
ITonlinelearning tip: related roles like project management, product management, and data analytics are options for business analysts since these skills are transferable to many careers.?
Real Experience With Business Analysis Courses and Qualifications
Paulette Smith, a Business Analyst, Paulette took the Business Analysis Diploma course with ITonlinelearning.
?She found the course content to be comprehensive and up-to-date, covering key topics:
Paulette appreciated the flexibility of online learning, which allowed her to balance her studies with work and personal commitments.
The practical projects and case studies included in the course helped her apply what she had learned to real-world scenarios.
Since completing the course, Paulette has taken on more complex projects at work and become her team's go-to resource.
Manasvini had an overall positive learning experience with ITonlinelearning's business analysis course.?
She found the course content comprehensive and well-structured, with a practical focus that included real-world examples and hands-on projects.?
The supportive tutors and engaging learning community enhanced her learning journey. Since completing the course, Manasvini has noticed significant improvements in her job performance.?
She feels more confident in her ability to analyse complex problems and communicate effectively with stakeholders in her company.
?She says she would recommend the course to anyone looking to start or advance their career in business analysis, considering it an invaluable investment in professional development.
Valuable Resources For Further Learning And Development
Websites and blogs
Wrapping Up
Pursuing a business analyst career is an exciting and rewarding choice. It is one we recommend as an accredited provider of business analysis qualifications.
As businesses turn to data-driven decision-making to optimise processes, the demand for skilled business analysts will undoubtedly continue.
?By understanding what a business analyst does and, in particular, the role of a junior business analyst, we hope we have convinced you to pursue the relevant accredited certifications to fast-track your growth into a business analyst job and career.
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