Business Analyst 1

Career overview

Reviews, analyses and evaluates business requirements, user needs and functions, using accredited methodologies and supporting software, with the objective of improving business processes and procedures. The results and recommendations specified form the blueprint in the development of optimal solutions. The scope of the role also encompasses strategic business research and analysis in developing business plans and market research in support of an organisation's initiatives and future direction.

Average salary

$77,022, based on 2-3 years of relevant IT experience

Case study - Tran

What do you do?

I am a Business Analyst for an IT consulting firm. I work across a variety of fraud and security projects and am analysing business systems, processes, data and information to improve the use of IT and better control outcomes. The job involves a lot of documentation and report writing based upon my analysis of situations. Getting the information I need requires extensive client interaction and a lot of teamwork.

Describe an average day

An average day at work consists of replying to numerous emails, attending meetings, talking to clients and completing documentation. The sort of documentation I work on includes high level design, issues and change documents. I gather and analyse the business requirements for client?s systems. At the moment I'm designing a database which includes creating a high level design document and having review meetings with my customers. My day varies depending on the projects I am working on.

What technology skills are necessary in your job?

I have a Bachelor degree in Information Systems. People need to be aware of their skills and personality in order to continually develop and improve. I think people need to have confidence in themselves but at the same time be receptive to constructive criticism. Furthermore, I think that attributes such as perseverance and determination are also important.

How did you get to where you are?

I have been working with Neuragenix for roughly 7 months. Neuragenix took me on as a recent university graduate, so I had no experience in IT before signing up for this role. A friend who was acquainted with another Neuragenix employee referred me. My first experience in the workforce was nerve racking. I found everything confusing and unclear. However I was fortunate enough to have friendly and supportive people around me to mentor and guide me along the way. Being thrown in at the deep end and having to learn how to swim has been a key challenge I've faced since starting in the role. I find this somewhat daunting however the experience has taught me to learn and adapt at a faster pace. I try to do a lot of reading to keep up to date. I've also found that listening to more experienced people in the same role and industry is extremely valuable.

What made you decide on a career in IT?

This role appealed to me as it offered the opportunity to work across both IT and business. The diversity of the projects and tasks involved gives me the chance to constantly learn new things and face new challenges.

What do you like about your job?

I enjoy the diversity and the nature of the work most as well as the diversity of people I get to work with. I also enjoy learning new skills, concepts and methodologies that were never taught at University. The highlight of my working career thus far would have to be working within and being exposed to different organisations and their mechanics.

Where do you see your career going next?

My future career aspirations seem to change constantly. So my answer would be that I'm still working on this and hopefully when I gain enough experience and exposure in this industry I will be able to better define my future career aspirations.

What advice would you give to anyone considering a career in IT?

I guess the best advice I could give young people seeking similar roles would be to research and understand the role and what it involves as well as the company you are applying to. I think it's really important to enjoy your job and the place you work seeing as you will be there 8 hours a day.

The top three tips that I would give to a young person considering a career in ICT are:

  • Research the career options that are available in the ICT industry to be sure that this is what you want to do.
  • Be sure that the course and subjects you do at University will equip you with the baseline knowledge and skills required.
  • Persevere and be determined.

Business Analyst - Occupation Information on Myfuture

Skills listing

The ideal candidate possesses a combination of skills and experience in a variety of areas. Below is a list of the most commonly sought after skills, with highly sought after examples listed in brackets. This list is meant as a guide only.

Technical skills

  • Ability to analyse business, user and technical requirements
  • Ability to do document results from research/analysis
  • Ability to implement business, user and technical requirements
  • Ability to design improved business processes and procedures
  • Ability to write and interpret specifications
  • Knowledge of relevant methodologies for evaluating business requirements
  • Knowledge of System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
  • Ability to manage projects
  • Ability to create, update and follow protocols

Non-technical skills

  • Analytical approach
  • Problem solving skills
  • Ability to work to deadlines
  • Negotiation skills
  • Results oriented
  • Ability to conceptualise
  • Attention to detail
  • Strategic thinking
  • Client consulting skills
  • Ability to identify and recommend improvements