5 answers
Natalie
Student
Long Island, Maine
5
Questions
Updated
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What's your work like, business analysts?
Tell me about what you do. Daily, yearly, anything. Someone said everyday is different for work. I'm curious.
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5 answers
John Morris
Instructional Designer / Musician / eLearning Creator
38
Answers
Updated
John’s Answer
I was a business analyst years ago for an airline.
The airline was a big company with a lot of employees doing many different things all at the same time. Some of these things were very complicated and they were done over and over every day. For example, flying the airplanes, loading the luggage and cargo, fixing the airplanes, or scheduling crew members.
For a number of reasons, not the least of which was safety, often these things had to be done exactly the same way by every person, every time. I worked for the VP who was responsible for running the Ground Handling department so he was the one responsible to make sure that the ground handling procedures were all executed properly all around the airline's system. He had a small group of analysts who reported to him (one was me). Our jobs were to watch the operation, report to him on what we saw, and to provide feedback to the employees and managers in the field about what we saw.
There were a number of ways we did this. One was was ling at at data, for example how many flights left late, how many pieces of luggage went to the wrong destination, or how much was being spent on maintenance for our trucks and other ground equipment. Sometimes we traveled to look first hand at what was going on.
I found the work very interesting, there always seemed to be something new for me to learn as the industry and the company were changing quickly at the time. I also found that I needed to really understand what I was looking at because if I was going to say that I saw something that needed fixing, someone might get angry because I had been critical of something that they were doing, so I needed to be pretty sure I knew what I was talking about.
During the few years that I was working this job, the scope of what all of us were responsible for grew, which also provided new things to learn and new challenges.
At some companies "analysts" are very common, there are lots of them and not a lot of training on exactly what they do. I was quite clueless when I started and, thanks to some more senior analysts who were already there when I started, I got a pretty good education. I had to learn to negotiate, be diplomatic and polite, how to talk with anyone from a VP to a cleaner, how to write reports, how to download and view data in spreadsheets.
It was a great time for me, and a time where I learned many of the business skills I still use.
The airline was a big company with a lot of employees doing many different things all at the same time. Some of these things were very complicated and they were done over and over every day. For example, flying the airplanes, loading the luggage and cargo, fixing the airplanes, or scheduling crew members.
For a number of reasons, not the least of which was safety, often these things had to be done exactly the same way by every person, every time. I worked for the VP who was responsible for running the Ground Handling department so he was the one responsible to make sure that the ground handling procedures were all executed properly all around the airline's system. He had a small group of analysts who reported to him (one was me). Our jobs were to watch the operation, report to him on what we saw, and to provide feedback to the employees and managers in the field about what we saw.
There were a number of ways we did this. One was was ling at at data, for example how many flights left late, how many pieces of luggage went to the wrong destination, or how much was being spent on maintenance for our trucks and other ground equipment. Sometimes we traveled to look first hand at what was going on.
I found the work very interesting, there always seemed to be something new for me to learn as the industry and the company were changing quickly at the time. I also found that I needed to really understand what I was looking at because if I was going to say that I saw something that needed fixing, someone might get angry because I had been critical of something that they were doing, so I needed to be pretty sure I knew what I was talking about.
During the few years that I was working this job, the scope of what all of us were responsible for grew, which also provided new things to learn and new challenges.
At some companies "analysts" are very common, there are lots of them and not a lot of training on exactly what they do. I was quite clueless when I started and, thanks to some more senior analysts who were already there when I started, I got a pretty good education. I had to learn to negotiate, be diplomatic and polite, how to talk with anyone from a VP to a cleaner, how to write reports, how to download and view data in spreadsheets.
It was a great time for me, and a time where I learned many of the business skills I still use.
That's really cool! I think I get a better gist of it now, Thank You!!!
Natalie
Amritpaul Toor
Business Owner
5
Answers
Bristol, Georgia
Updated
Amritpaul’s Answer
ole of a Business Analyst:
A business analyst (BA) is a professional who plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between business needs and technology solutions. The primary focus of a business analyst is to understand the business's objectives, processes, and challenges, and then identify opportunities for improvement and recommend solutions. Here's an overview of what their work involves:
Requirements Gathering and Analysis: BAs work closely with stakeholders, including clients, users, and management, to gather and document requirements for a project. This involves conducting interviews, workshops, and research to understand the current processes and desired outcomes.
Process Modeling: Business analysts create process models and flowcharts to visualize the current and proposed processes. This helps in identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for optimization.
Data Analysis: BAs analyze data to identify trends, patterns, and insights that can inform decision-making. They might also assist in data-driven projects, such as developing business intelligence systems or reporting solutions.
Solution Design: Once the requirements are gathered, BAs work on designing solutions. This could involve creating mock-ups, wireframes, and prototypes to illustrate how the final product will look and function.
Communication and Documentation: Clear communication is a key aspect of a business analyst's role. They document requirements, specifications, and project details in a format that can be easily understood by both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Stakeholder Management: BAs facilitate communication between different stakeholders, ensuring that everyone's needs and concerns are addressed. They act as a bridge between business users and development teams.
Project Management: Business analysts often have a role in project management, assisting in project planning, tracking progress, and ensuring that deliverables are met on time and within budget.
Testing and Quality Assurance: BAs may be involved in the testing phase of a project, ensuring that the developed solution aligns with the documented requirements and functions as intended.
Change Management: Implementing new processes or technologies can lead to resistance or challenges. BAs assist in managing change by identifying potential roadblocks and devising strategies to overcome them.
Continuous Improvement: After a solution is implemented, BAs monitor its performance and gather feedback from users. They identify opportunities for continuous improvement and refine processes based on feedback and data analysis.
Business analysts work across various industries and domains, from IT and finance to healthcare and manufacturing. Their work requires a combination of technical skills, analytical thinking, communication abilities, and a deep understanding of business processes.
Please note that the specific responsibilities of a business analyst can vary depending on the organization, industry, and project.
A business analyst (BA) is a professional who plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between business needs and technology solutions. The primary focus of a business analyst is to understand the business's objectives, processes, and challenges, and then identify opportunities for improvement and recommend solutions. Here's an overview of what their work involves:
Requirements Gathering and Analysis: BAs work closely with stakeholders, including clients, users, and management, to gather and document requirements for a project. This involves conducting interviews, workshops, and research to understand the current processes and desired outcomes.
Process Modeling: Business analysts create process models and flowcharts to visualize the current and proposed processes. This helps in identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for optimization.
Data Analysis: BAs analyze data to identify trends, patterns, and insights that can inform decision-making. They might also assist in data-driven projects, such as developing business intelligence systems or reporting solutions.
Solution Design: Once the requirements are gathered, BAs work on designing solutions. This could involve creating mock-ups, wireframes, and prototypes to illustrate how the final product will look and function.
Communication and Documentation: Clear communication is a key aspect of a business analyst's role. They document requirements, specifications, and project details in a format that can be easily understood by both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Stakeholder Management: BAs facilitate communication between different stakeholders, ensuring that everyone's needs and concerns are addressed. They act as a bridge between business users and development teams.
Project Management: Business analysts often have a role in project management, assisting in project planning, tracking progress, and ensuring that deliverables are met on time and within budget.
Testing and Quality Assurance: BAs may be involved in the testing phase of a project, ensuring that the developed solution aligns with the documented requirements and functions as intended.
Change Management: Implementing new processes or technologies can lead to resistance or challenges. BAs assist in managing change by identifying potential roadblocks and devising strategies to overcome them.
Continuous Improvement: After a solution is implemented, BAs monitor its performance and gather feedback from users. They identify opportunities for continuous improvement and refine processes based on feedback and data analysis.
Business analysts work across various industries and domains, from IT and finance to healthcare and manufacturing. Their work requires a combination of technical skills, analytical thinking, communication abilities, and a deep understanding of business processes.
Please note that the specific responsibilities of a business analyst can vary depending on the organization, industry, and project.
Matthew McLennan
System Engineering Manager
3
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Hello there!
In essence, as a Business Analyst, you're the bridge that connects 'the business' with solutions. You're there to comprehend their queries or requests and then perform tasks that might be beyond their skill set or time constraints.
For instance, consider a scenario where a Business Stakeholder asks a Business Analyst, "Should we incorporate automated check-outs in our store?" The ball is then in the BA's court to pinpoint the necessary steps, and coordinate the right team to bring this idea to life. It's all about making things happen!
In essence, as a Business Analyst, you're the bridge that connects 'the business' with solutions. You're there to comprehend their queries or requests and then perform tasks that might be beyond their skill set or time constraints.
For instance, consider a scenario where a Business Stakeholder asks a Business Analyst, "Should we incorporate automated check-outs in our store?" The ball is then in the BA's court to pinpoint the necessary steps, and coordinate the right team to bring this idea to life. It's all about making things happen!
Rajeev Shah
project manager
3
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Rajeev’s Answer
A business analyst is a professional who examines the business process, identifies existing challenges, and offers solutions for an improved future state.
Jonathan Cerne
Technology Leader
4
Answers
Mill Valley, California
Updated
Jonathan’s Answer
Variety is the key to life. Yes, it is amazing to think about the various and varied experiences I have had in my career in information technology. I have played many roles (designer, tester, business analyst, programmer, project manager, program manager, portfolio manager, etc). I have worked in multiple industries (high tech, biotech, media & entertainment, telecom, higher education, public sector, etc.). I have worked in many states (NJ, NY, CA, MN, MA, etc.). I have actually had a steady trajectory in my career, but if I look closer each year has been a bit different and that is very refreshing. I find that there are 3-5 year cycles too, where you make some type of larger pivot. I would certainly embrace change and look forward to new challenges. The idea is to build up confidence via the various experiences and responsibilities, then looking to always have a level of familiarity combined with a level of newness. This is a good balance. The day in the life for me has changed over the years, but I would say it has always been team based, focused on technology implementation, growing in accountability, becoming more strategic and coaching oriented. Earlier in my career, it was heads down and get the work done. Later in career it has become about people, strategy, and leadership. For IT Business Analysis, the focus was being a bridge between the business customers and the technology builders. Be able to speak the language of the business and the technical experts at the same time. Understand how to find the middle ground. Negotiate. Influence. Be able to create user stories, personas, stakeholder assessments, requirements, designs so that what is built delights the customers. You will really enjoy being part of a team.