Business analyst
Also called Process analyst, business systems analyst.
Business analysts investigate situations and problems to find improvements for businesses.
- Potential salary
- £23,000 starter to £55,000 experienced per year
- Typical hours
- 37 to 39 a week. Working pattern: evenings occasionally.
- Career area
- Business and administration
- Where they might work
- You could work in an office or at a client's business.
- A typical task
- speak to managers to learn what their business needs are
- Subjects that may help
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- Typical route
- Any degree that teaches analytical skills can be useful for this role.
- Interest area used here
- Asking questions and research, Starting things and persuading
What you might do
- 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
More tasks (3)
- work for an environmentally friendly company
- ensure that the business follows green policies and practices
- suggest solutions which take into account the environmental impact
Could this suit me?
Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.
- 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
More skills
- the ability to work well with others
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
Routes into this career
University route
- 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
- 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.
- You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
University courses that could lead to this career
These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.
- Accounting and finance
Alternative route. Useful numerical background. Not a dedicated business-analysis qualification.
- Business management
Common route. A possible route. Experience with projects and data matters as much as the title.
- Data science
Alternative route. Useful technical background. Business analysis also recruits from business and other degrees.
- Economics
Alternative route. Relevant. Business and other degrees also lead in.
- Information Systems
Common route. A common route into analysis roles. Experience matters as much as the title.
- International Business
Common route. Business degrees are a common start. Analysis skills still have to be shown.
- Marketing
Related, but not enough on its own. Not the usual quantitative route into business analysis.
Apprenticeship or vocational route
- 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.
- 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
- equivalent entry requirements
- guide to apprenticeships
Career 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
Subjects that may help
Subject guidance
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship