College Development Program for Future Leaders
Business Analyst–IT
Learning the business from the ground up to become a future leader of the company.
What does a business analyst do?
Business analysts are consultants within the company who investigate business systems, identify options for improving them and propose solutions. They work directly with management and technology, the business and the customer to understand business problems and opportunities in the context of requirements, and recommend solutions that enable the company to achieve its goals.
What are some of their responsibilities?
Business analysts collect, develop, analyze, document and communicate business needs and requirements for the development of system applications. An important aspect of the job is to act as a liaison between the business and technology organizations.
Analysts must have a solid understanding of their partners’ business processes as well as the key drivers and measures of success for the business, and the short and long-term direction of both the business and technology. They also must be innovative in identifying, proposing and executing solutions; negotiating requirements across multiple partners or departments, and understanding project scope management and prototyping.
How else do they support the business?
Business analysts may support one department and/or a line of business, or perhaps multiple products. They are important team members on various projects, whether small or medium scope, basic to moderate complexity, or sub-projects within a large or highly complex project. In fact, they participate in project planning, from requirements through design, testing, implementation and maintenance.
Business analysts are skilled problem-solvers as well, resolving basic problems or partnering with technology development for analysis and solution.
Other aspects of the job include:
- Researches, collects, documents and communicates requirements gathered for the design and implementation of solutions
- Collaborates with all relevant parties by demonstrating knowledge of the business technical systems and providing timely and accurate information between the business partner and the information technology organization
- May develop and execute reports based on basic business requirements by extracting data from a business application or information systems and validating results
- May provide production support on escalated issues by researching and prioritizing problems
Who are we looking for?
Candidates for business analyst positions have completed (or are currently pursing) an undergraduate degree in management information systems, management engineering, computer information systems, or business administration with a technical minor preferred. They also should have relevant work experience, through internships or course work. Knowledge of business requirements analysis and business functions are valuable assets as well.
Are there other requirements?
- Courses in information systems management, business application development, systems analysis and design, business process analysis, and financial management are preferred
- Ability to communicate effectively for results
- Takes a consultative approach
- Highly organized
- Thinks analytically
- Ability to interact with all levels in an engaging and professional manner
- Computer skills: Microsoft Office-Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Access, MS-Visio
