The business analyst: pivotal in process optimization and decision-making
What does a business analyst do in an organization? As a business analyst, you focus on identifying business needs, improving processes and translating these needs into tangible solutions that support the company’s objectives. Business analysts are thus the connecting link between business requirements and the (technical) solutions that support these. They ensure that processes run smoothly and support strategic decision-making by providing valuable insights.
Business analysts also play a key role in improving collaboration between different departments and optimizing communication within their organizations.
In-depth knowledge of business processes and analysis methods is essential for fulfilling this crucial role. This expertise helps business analysts not only identify problems, but also offer practical solutions that improve performance.
These skills make a business analyst successful
As a business analyst, you must be strong in both analytics and communication. These are the most important competences that every business analyst requires:
- Analytical thinking: Skill in analyzing business processes and identifying areas for improvement is important.
- Communication skills: Business analysts have the ability to communicate technical and business information to various stakeholders effectively.
- Problem-solving capacity: Being able to devise quick and efficient solutions to more complex business challenges is essential.
- Knowledge of methods and tools: Knowledge of frameworks such as Lean and Agile is essential for improving processes.
With these skills, you can lay the foundation for a successful career as a business analyst and contribute to the growth of your organization.
Essential professional knowledge for a business analyst
To be successful, a business analyst must possess specific knowledge and expertise. Certifications such as BCS and Lean Six Sigma provide the right tools and techniques to analyze processes effectively, to collaborate and implement improvements.
- BCS certification: The internationally recognized BCS certification provides business analysts with a solid foundation in requirements engineering, business change and analysis skills – forming a solid basis for further personal growth.
- Lean Six Sigma certification: This certification helps improve processes by eliminating inefficiencies and optimizing results.
- Agile BA certification: Agile BA focuses on using Agile methodologies within business analysis to improve processes more quickly and flexibly.
With this knowledge and these certifications, you are well equipped to understand and address the complexity of business processes!
The must-have training for business analysts
Would you like to lay a solid foundation as a business analyst right away – perhaps with a view to business analyst job openings? Then the Business Analysis Essentials training course is an excellent choice. (In this business analyst training course, you learn to analyze your business problems systematically, translate stakeholder needs into tangible solutions, and to collaborate effectively within change processes).
View all business analyst training courses at Capgemini
Capgemini Academy offers a wide range of training courses for business analysts, suitable for every level. Most training courses provide a digital badge as proof of participation, and many also include an official examination and certification.
Naturally, good analytical skills are important for a business analyst – but these are not enough. As a business analyst, you combine knowledge of the business with analytical techniques and strong communication skills. Together, these three form a solid foundation. And if one of the three is missing? Then it’s difficult to operate effectively in the playing field between business and IT.
For this reason, we distinguish between two types of training at Capgemini Academy:
- Practice-oriented courses to enable you to perform your role truly effectively
- Certification training courses that also provide formal recognition of your knowledge
We recommend starting with the practical training and pursuing certification only after that. Because in practice, you really learn to make a difference.
Your basis as a business analyst
Have you just recently started, or would you like to strengthen your basis? Then start with:
- Business Analysis Essentials (NL)
- Requirements Analysis (NL)
- Define and Refine Use Cases (NL) → only after Requirements Analysis
- Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN)
- Introduction to Data Modeling (NL)
In addition, a basic understanding of agile working is extremely valuable:
Will you become a generalist or a specialist?
Many business analysts are generalists: they touch on all aspects of the profession. But you can also dive deeper into one of the four main areas:
1. Requirements
2. Process modeling
- Business Process Management (BPM) (NL)
- Process modeling and analysis (NL)
- BCS Foundation in Business Analysis (EN)
- BCS Modeling Business Processes (EN)
Please note: the BCS Foundation is a broad introductory training course, suitable for any business analyst. But no BCS training is mandatory – you yourself determine the route. However, we do recommend that you first take the BCS Foundation training course.
3. Data
- Introduction to Data Modeling (NL)
Where you head after this depends on your goal. Would you like to do more with data analysis or data science? Then get in touch or view our roles in data.
4. Strategy and organizational change
Would you like to exert more influence on change processes and support strategic decision-making as a business analyst? Then this training course is a valuable way to dive deeper:
- Problem & Change Analysis (NL): Learn how to analyze problems and desired changes systematically and translate these into feasible solutions at the organizational level.
Personal skills for business analysts
In addition to subject matter expertise, business analysts have to be able to communicate, collaborate and persuade professionally. Precisely because you operate at the cutting edge of business and IT, you are the person who often makes a difference. The following training courses help you reinforce your personal effectiveness:
Essential skills:
- Consultancy Skills – Communicating: Learn to communicate clearly and professionally with various stakeholders.
- Pyramid Principle: Apply structure to your message and persuade with a clear set outline.
- Recognizing and influencing behavioral patterns with Insights: Gain additional insight into your own communication style and that of others – and learn how to respond effectively.
Important skills:
- Cooperating in a team: Develop skills to collaborate successfully in multidisciplinary environments.
- Storytelling: Use stories to convey your analysis and recommendations more powerfully.
- Presenting Professionally – Fundamentals: Present yourself and your message persuasively to groups or to clients.
Could-have skills:
- Realistic Persuasion: Learn to create buy-in for your idea authentically.
- Time management: Manage your work load and set clear priorities.
- Professional Presenting – Advanced: Take your presentation technique to the next level.
Our experienced professionals are ready to share their knowledge and expertise with you!
Your springboard to success: Capgemini Academy
- Part of one of the largest, most innovative IT service providers in the world.
- A large range of training course offerings: available both fully online and in the classroom.
- Most training courses include certification and exams.
- Trainers with passion, didactic skills and practical experience.
- Average rating by course participants: 8.8
Do you have any questions about the role of the business analyst, or about which training fits best for you? Please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be glad to share thoughts with you – also if you’re looking for custom courses for yourself or for your team.