Business Analyst Roles

A "business analyst" is a role that can mean different things to different people.

In some organizations, the business analyst plays a narrow, technically oriented role and has very little "business" knowledge.

In other organizations, business analysts have an intimate understanding of the business but a limited knowledge of computer systems and application system architectures.

Business Analyst Skillset

The business analyst of greatest value to an organization, however, is a generalist who can function competently in many diverse roles. Such individuals typically have a broad educational background, a diverse skill set and a wide range of work experience in different jobs and industries.

Business analysts are able to see “the big picture” as well as any technological and architectural barriers or enablers.  Business analysts must be comfortable working with "specialists" in diverse roles and to understand the business from many diverse perspectives.