Business Analysts are required to investigate and analyse business activities to make them more efficient by using IT resources. They can create an integrated IT system to deal with dispatch, payments, orders, and stock control. These professionals can work in-house for their company or perform their duties for a third party, such as software house or a consultancy firm.

Business Analysts usually perform many of the following tasks:
• Creating IT solutions.
• Providing staff training.
• Testing systems.
• Advising senior management.
• Identifying areas for improvement.

• Being able to work alone or with a team.
• Having excellent IT skills.
• Being logical and objective.
• Having good understanding of business environment.
• Having math skills.
• Being able to work under pressure.
• Having interpersonal skills.
• Being self motivated and proactive.
• Having leadership skills.
• Having high attention to details.

Most Business Analyst job placements require applicants with degree level. It is not compulsory to have a degree specifically related to this area because other subjects provide suitable skills for these jobs. It is recommended to have degrees related to programming and IT subjects. A specific qualification for this area is the Diploma in Business Analysis offered by the Information Systems Examination Board.

There are awards for people working on this area such as the Certified Business Analysis Professional offered by the International Institute of Business Analysts. This qualification can be obtained by demonstrating expertise in this area through the CBAP application process and passing the CBAP examination of this institution.