Business analyst

Business analysts investigate situations and problems to find improvements for businesses.

In this guide

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You could:

  • speak to managers to learn what their business needs are
  • write down what the business does and how
  • analyse your findings to suggest changes and improvements
  • explain the possible effects of changes, such as the costs, benefits and risks
  • organise testing and quality checks
  • support staff to make changes

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a business analyst to be a green job, you could:

  • work for an environmentally friendly company
  • ensure that the business follows green policies and practices
  • suggest solutions which take into account the environmental impact

Find out more about green careers

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • become a business project manager
  • work as a consultant
  • work in different industries
  • set up your own company
  • work freelance

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • business management skills
  • analytical thinking skills
  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Most relevant

  • Business - Business analysts need to understand how organisations operate, including their structures, processes, and strategies. They speak to managers, map out how a business works, and suggest improvements – all of which requires a solid understanding of business concepts like operations, finance, and customer service.
  • Mathematics - Business analysts work with data every day, analysing figures to identify trends, measure performance, and calculate the costs, benefits, and risks of proposed changes. Strong skills in statistics, data interpretation, and numerical reasoning are essential for making evidence-based recommendations.
  • Computer Science - Business analysts need a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications, and often work closely with software development teams to define what a new system should do. Understanding how databases, software, and digital systems work helps them bridge the gap between technical teams and the rest of the business.
  • Economics - Business analysts assess the financial impact of proposed changes, weighing up costs, benefits, and risks to help organisations make better decisions. Understanding economic principles like supply and demand, market behaviour, and resource allocation helps them see the bigger picture when recommending improvements.
  • English Language - Business analysts write detailed reports, create requirements documents, and present their findings to managers and stakeholders. Being able to communicate complex ideas clearly – both in writing and verbally – is central to the role, as their recommendations need to be understood and acted on by people across the business.

Also relevant

  • Accounting - Business analysts often need to understand financial data, budgets, and cost structures when evaluating how a business operates. Being able to read financial statements and understand where money is being spent helps them identify inefficiencies and build a strong case for change.
  • Psychology - Business analysts work closely with people across an organisation, gathering requirements and supporting staff through change. Understanding how people think, behave, and respond to change helps them manage stakeholders effectively and design solutions that people will actually adopt.
  • Design and Technology - Business analysts use design thinking and process modelling to map out how systems and workflows currently operate and how they could be improved. The iterative approach of identifying a problem, prototyping a solution, and testing it is very similar to the design process.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Any degree that teaches analytical skills can be useful for this role.

Some employers might prefer you to have a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject such as:

  • business information systems
  • business management
  • computing and systems development
  • computer science

Experience during your degree

You may have an advantage if your degree course lets you get some business experience.

This could be through:

  • internships
  • work placements
  • a year in industry

It may also be useful to get experience of managing projects and analysing data.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

You could gain some of the skills and knowledge needed for this role through an apprenticeship.

For example, you could do the Business Analyst Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship or the Project Manager Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got several years' experience in project management, consulting or IT.

Career tips

To become a business analyst, it might be useful to know about agile project management or other similar methods.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a business analyst from:

You can also find out about government business analysts in the Civil Service on GOV.UK.

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