With businesses evolving and transforming, the need to dig deep into the data has become even more important. As per an Ernst & Young study, 93% of companies are planning to increase investments in the area of data and analytics. Companies are relying heavily on data to make decisions, build strategies, and plan future goals and objectives. This growing reliance on data underscores the pivotal role of a technical business analyst in modern organizations.
How to Become a Technical Business Analyst? Is the question many budding professionals ask. In this article, we will address this very query by delving deeply into the role of a technical business analyst. We will explore the intricacies of becoming one, highlight the essential skills required, and discuss available career prospects, potential income levels, education, and other relevant information. By the end, readers will comprehensively understand this dynamic and rewarding profession.
Who is a Technical Business Analyst, and what do they do?
Technical business analysts are business analysts who bridge the gap between business management and information technology. They are responsible for bringing these two varied domains together to achieve common goals and objectives. Technical business analysts collaborate and maintain communication between the business and IT management teams of an organization. They ensure the quality of IT services while analyzing business requirements using data analytics.
A technical business analyst has a strong understanding of technology. They are responsible for translating business requirements into technical language that can be understood by IT developers. They also work with IT developers to design and develop IT solutions that meet business needs.
How to Become a Technical Business Analyst in 5 Simple Steps
To become a technical business analyst, you must have certain skills and qualifications. Let us look at it in detail:
Top Skills Needed to Become a Technical Business Analyst
A technical business analyst requires both soft as well as technical skills to perform their role efficiently. To understand the role of technical business analysts better, let us look into their skill sets.
Soft Skills
- Communication: Technical business analysts must be able to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Having the ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise way and being able to answer questions and address concerns is a primary skill.
- Problem-solving: Technical business analysts must be able to solve problems and come up with effective solutions. They must also think out of the box to come up with innovative solutions and recommendations, keeping the organization’s goals in mind.
- Adaptability: Business analysts must be able to adapt to change. As business environments are constantly changing, they must be able to adjust their plans accordingly.
- Time management: Business analysts must be able to manage their time effectively. They must be able to set priorities and to meet deadlines.
- Organizational skills: Maintain organized and up-to-date documentation, including requirement specifications, process diagrams, and meeting notes. Organize and manage data used in analysis, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Business analysts must have strong interpersonal skills. They must be able to build relationships with stakeholders, and also be able to listen to others, to be respectful, and to be able to resolve conflicts.
- Active Listening: Ability to attentively listen to feedback, concerns, and ideas from team members and stakeholders.
- Presentation Skills: Deliver clear and engaging presentations to stakeholders, conveying complex technical information in an understandable manner.
- Communication: Effectively convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Understanding Business Requirements: Skill in identifying, documenting, and prioritizing business needs and goals.
- Project Management: Organize and oversee projects to ensure timely delivery and stakeholder satisfaction.
- Business Acumen: Understand the organization's industry, market, and strategic objectives.
- Interpersonal Skills: Building a rapport with various stakeholders, including clients, vendors, consultants etc., will create positive work environments with minimum conflicts.
Hard Skills
- Data analysis: Technical business analysts must have strong data analytics skills. They must analyze complex data to identify trends and patterns. They also must be able to use data to make recommendations and decisions.
- Database Knowledge: They must have an understanding of database management systems (DBMS) like SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, or NoSQL databases. Also, knowledge of data modeling and database design principles is essential.
- Technical writing: Technical business analysts must be well-versed in writing clear and concise technical documentation. These technical concepts must be communicated to non-technical audiences in a language that they understand. They must know how to use process mapping tools such as Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, or other diagramming software.
- UML (Unified Modeling Language): Understanding and experience with UML diagrams like use case diagrams, class diagrams, and sequence diagrams to model software systems.
- Requirement Management: Familiarity with requirement management tools like JIRA, Confluence, etc., for tracking and managing requirements.
- Coding: Having basic coding skills in Python, Java, or JavaScript is necessary for technical business analysts as they work closely with IT teams. They use these skills to communicate with IT developers and understand the technical aspects of IT solutions.
- Version control: Technical business analysts must be able to use version control software to track changes to documents and code. Doing this will ensure that everyone is working on the same version of the project and that changes are not lost.
- Testing: IT business analysts must be able to test IT solutions to ensure that they are working properly. They also need to be able to identify and report bugs.
- Agile and Scrum: Knowledge of Agile methodologies and experience working in Agile or Scrum teams. Familiarity with Agile practices such as user stories, sprint planning, and backlog grooming. They must be familiar with project management tools like Jira, Asana, etc.
Other Competencies
Other than the soft and hard skills, technical business analysts must be detail-oriented, customer-focused, adaptable to changes, creative, etc.
Top Technical Business Analyst Certifications / Degree
Let us look at the top technical business analyst certifications that you can pursue to advance in this field:
Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP):
- Offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA).
- CBAP is one of the most recognized certifications for business analysts.
- Requires a minimum of 7,500 hours of work experience in business analysis and other eligibility criteria.
- Involves a comprehensive exam covering various aspects of business analysis.
Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA):
- Also offered by IIBA.
- Designed for business analysts with a few years of experience.
- Requires a minimum of 3,750 hours of work experience in business analysis and other eligibility criteria.
- Focuses on foundational knowledge and skills in business analysis.
PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA):
- Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
- Designed for professionals who manage requirements or perform business analysis tasks as part of their role.
- Requires a combination of education and professional experience in business analysis.
- Covers various aspects of business analysis within the context of project management.
Certified Agile Business Analyst (CABA):
- Offered by the International Consortium for Agile (ICAgile).
- Focused on business analysts working in Agile environments.
- Covers Agile principles, practices, and techniques as they relate to business analysis.
IIBA-AAC (IIBA Agile Analysis Certification):
- Also offered by IIBA.
- Designed for business analysts working in Agile environments.
- Focuses on Agile practices, including user stories, backlog grooming, and product ownership.
Step 2: Determine Your Ideal Timeline
An assessment of your current skills and knowledge in technical business analysis will give you a fair idea of the time you will take to prepare for your certifications.
Start Learning in a Format That Suits You
It is very important that you choose the learning format which meets your criteria. There are a lot of options available for learners to become technical business analysts. Below is a list of learning options available for you to check.
- Online Courses: Online learning platforms like KnowledgeHut, LinkedIn Learning, edX, etc. offer business management training courses that are highly flexible, allowing you to learn at your own pace and from the comfort of your home.
- University Programs: Many universities offer business and data analysis courses and degree certifications as part of their executive programs. These courses are targeted at working professionals who want to enhance their business analytics skills.
- Webinars and Workshops: Look for webinars and workshops hosted by industry experts. These short, focused sessions can provide valuable insights and practical tips. Attend live or virtual events to gain practical knowledge and network with professionals.
- Certifications: Certifications give you advanced skills and knowledge in business analytics. Enroll in business analyst certification programs like the KnowldegHut best business analyst courses, which prepare you for the role.
- Get hands-on experience: The best way to learn business and data analysis is by doing it. Opportunities to volunteer or work on small projects is a great option. This will give you the chance to apply what you have learned and to gain valuable experience.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Technical Business Analyst?
The time it takes to become a technical business analyst can vary significantly based on your starting point, background, and the level of proficiency you want to achieve. Here are some factors that influence the timeline:
- Educational Background: If you already have a relevant degree in business, computer science, or a related field, you may have a head start. If you need to complete a degree or additional coursework, this will add to the timeline.
- Prior Experience: If you have prior work experience in a related role, such as a software developer, data analyst, or project manager, you may be able to transition into a technical BA role more quickly due to your existing technical skills and business acumen.
- Learning Pace: Everyone learns at their own pace. Some individuals can acquire the necessary technical and business analysis skills relatively quickly, while others may require more time.
- Training and Certification: If you choose to pursue technical business analyst training or certifications in business analysis, it is advisable to enroll in the best business analysis courses. Preparing for and completing certifications like the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) or PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) can take several months.
Step 3: Begin Building Your Portfolio / Resume
Building a strong portfolio and resume is essential when pursuing a career as a technical business analyst. Your portfolio and resume showcase your skills, experience, and accomplishments to potential employers. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Define Your Career Goals:
- Determine your career objectives and the specific areas of business analysis you want to specialize in. This will guide the content you include in your portfolio and resume.
2. Identify Relevant Projects:
- List the projects you've worked on, both professionally and academically, that are relevant to business analysis. This could include internships, freelance work, or personal projects.
3. Collect Artifacts:
Gather artifacts and documentation from each project. These could include:
- Business requirement documents.
- Process flow diagrams or flowcharts.
- User stories or use cases.
- Test plans and cases.
- Project schedules or Gantt charts.
- Any other relevant deliverables.
4. Create Case Studies:
- Develop case studies for each project in your portfolio. Case studies should highlight the problem, your role, the analysis performed, and the results achieved.
- Include real-world examples of how your work contributed to project success.
5. Showcase Technical Skills:
- Highlight your technical skills, such as proficiency in data analysis tools (SQL, Excel), programming languages, and software development methodologies (Agile, Waterfall).
- Describe how you applied these skills in your projects.
6. Quantify Achievements:
- Use metrics and quantifiable achievements whenever possible. For example, mention how your analysis improved process efficiency, reduced costs, or increased revenue.
Portfolio Example or Resume Template for Download
Below is a template of Technical Business Analyst resume for your reference.
Step 4: Where and how to find a job
There are many ways that you can find a technical business analyst job. There are various online job portals like LinkedIn, indeed, Glassdoor, etc. where you find fresh listings of senior technical business analyst jobs. Also, you could register in recruitment agencies or staffing firms that specialize in business analytics roles. Another option available for you is to research company websites to look for project management-related jobs.
Top Companies Hiring Technical Business Analyst
Top companies hiring for technical business analyst positions are Accenture, Delloite, Amazon, IBM, and TCS.
Job Outlook for Technical Business Analyst
Many organizations are undergoing digital transformation initiatives to stay in the game. Having competent technical BAs helps organizations identify the right technologies and processes to achieve their digital goals. Also, the demand for business analysts who can work in agile environments has increased tremendously. Technical BAs with Agile experience are in high demand.
Step 5: Ace the Interview
If you’re looking to become a junior technical business analyst, it is very important to understand the IT SAP project manager; you’ll need to be well prepared to answer job interviews. One way to do this is to be prepared for a variety of SAP-related interview questions.
Brief overview of the interview process + Tips
In the interview process, you will be assessed on both your technical skills and soft skills. You will be evaluated based on your qualifications and work experience to gauge your fitment in the job role and technical business analyst job description. It typically involves several stages designed to evaluate candidates thoroughly.
Tips:
- Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this position.
- Focus on highlighting your relevant experience and soft skills. Also be confident and calm during the interview process.
- Practice types of job interview such as screening interview, phone interview, technical interview, etc.
- Prepare a list of questions in order to ask the employer during the job interview.
Below is the link for technical business analyst Interview questions:
https://www.techagilist.com/interview-qa/business-analyst/business-analyst-interview-questions-answers/
Who can become a Technical Business Analyst?
To become a Technical Business Analyst (BA) or to pursue a career in this field, you'll need to meet specific requirements related to education, skills, and experience. Let us look at them in detail.
Technical Business Analyst Requirements
Here are the typical requirements for a Technical Business Analyst:
1. Educational Background:
- Most employers prefer candidates with at least a bachelor's degree. While the degree can be in various fields, having a degree in business, computer science, information technology, or a related discipline is often advantageous.
2. Business Analysis Training:
- Consider formal training in business analysis. Many organizations offer courses and certifications that provide a structured approach to business analysis methodologies and techniques. Look into programs offered by organizations like the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) or Project Management Institute (PMI).
3. Technical Skills:
- Technical BAs should possess a solid understanding of various technical aspects. Key technical skills may include:
- Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., SQL, Python, Java).
- Data analysis and data modeling skills.
- Knowledge of database management systems (e.g., SQL Server, Oracle).
- Familiarity with software development methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
- Understanding of IT architecture and system design principles.
4. Business Analysis Skills:
- Technical BAs need strong business analysis skills, including:
- Requirement gathering and documentation.
- Process modeling and analysis.
- Use case development.
- Systems analysis and design.
- Risk assessment and management.
Why / Benefits
Individuals interested in information technology and business management can choose a technical business analyst career path as it offers a lot of benefits.
What’s the Demand for Technical Business Analyst?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the role of management analysts is expected to grow 11% between 2021 and 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Even similar job titles to business analysts have great job outlooks. BAs are in high demand across various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and more. Technical BAs get very high salaries because of their specialized skills and ability to deliver value by improving processes and facilitating effective IT solutions.
Salary details for top 5 countries
According to Glassdoor,
- The average technical business analyst salary in the United States is $84,781 USD but the salary range typically falls between $74,262 USD and $96,535 USD.
- The average technical business analyst salary in the United Kingdom is £44,838 but the salary range typically falls between £34,000 and £60,000.
- The average technical business analyst salary in India is ₹9,86,805 but the salary range typically falls between ₹6,40,000 and ₹17,00,000.
- The average annual salary for Technical Business Analyst jobs in Australia ranges from A$115,000 to A$135,000.
- The average technical business analyst salary in Germany is €59,000 but the salary range typically falls between €53,000 and €71,000.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, the demand for technical business analysts is only increasing with changes in business environments. Having the right skills, knowledge, and certifications goes a long way in building your career path in business management. Companies are investing more and more in technologies; hence, data has become even more crucial in the current business setting. This data, which is centralized, has become the foundation of any analysis. Their ability to bridge the gap between business needs and technical solutions makes them invaluable contributors to an organization's success. Hence, technical business analysts have a great role to play in the organization's overall growth.
