Business Analyst Kaitātari Pakihi

Business analysts design or recommend solutions, such as computers or computer programs, to help organisations meet their goals.

Business analysts may choose to gain industry certifications such as those available through the Information Technology Certified Technologist (CTech) scheme. 

Business analysts may do some or all of the following:

  • consult with an organisation's management, staff and customers on their needs, goals and requirements
  • design or recommend solutions (such as computers or computer programs) to meet clients' needs
  • document requirements for computer systems
  • estimate costs and write business cases
  • oversee new developments, including design and choice of computers and computer programs.

Useful Experience

Useful experience for business analysts includes:

  • computer programming
  • business management
  • project management.

Personal Qualities

Business analysts need to be:

  • logical, methodical, patient, and good listeners
  • able to work well under pressure to meet deadlines
  • skilled at design and planning
  • good at verbal and written communication
  • skilled at analysing and problem-solving.

Skills

Business analysts need to have knowledge of:

  • computer hardware and software, and methods of programming
  • methods of analysing needs, costs and benefits
  • the business they are working in and the staff's work methods.

Conditions

Business analysts:

  • work regular business hours, but may have to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines on projects
  • work in offices
  • may travel to see clients in their workplaces, or to conferences and seminars.

Business Analysts can earn around $115K–$140K per year.

Chances of getting a job as a Business Analyst are good due to a shortage of people interested in this type of work.

Pay for business analysts varies depending on experience and where they work. 

  • Business analysts usually earn between $115,000 and $140,000 a year.
  • Senior business analysts can earn between $145,000 and $160,000 a year.

Source: Absolute IT, ’IT Job Market & Salary Report 2023.'

Business analysts may progress to become self-employed, or move into project management.

Years Of Training

2-3 years of training usually required.

There are no specific requirements to become a business analyst. However, employers usually prefer you to have a diploma or degree in a subject that requires statistical, business and analytical skills, such as:

  • business analysis
  • computing
  • information systems
  • business computing
  • economics
  • maths or statistics.
Business Analyst