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Job outlook for business analysts in the United States
Business analyst job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected business analyst job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 56,000 new jobs for business analysts are projected over the next decade.
Business analyst salaries have increased 10% for business analysts in the last 5 years.
There are over 272,851 business analysts currently employed in the United States.
There are 170,514 active business analyst job openings in the US.
The average business analyst salary is $74,431.
Are business analyst jobs in demand?
Business Analyst job and salary trends over time
Business Analyst jobs over time
Business Analyst job growth rate over time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 272,851 | 0.08% |
| 2020 | 283,491 | 0.08% |
| 2019 | 241,099 | 0.07% |
| 2018 | 202,843 | 0.06% |
| 2017 | 188,386 | 0.06% |
Average business analyst salary over time
Business Analyst salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $74,431 | $35.78 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $71,978 | $34.60 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $70,349 | $33.82 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $68,977 | $33.16 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $67,419 | $32.41 | +1.5% |
Business Analyst jobs by state
Most common states for business analysts
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 585 | 84% |
| 2 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,584 | 28% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 204 | 28% |
| 4 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 513 | 27% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 261 | 27% |
| 6 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,997 | 24% |
| 7 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 251 | 24% |
| 8 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 207 | 24% |
| 9 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,578 | 23% |
| 10 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 644 | 22% |
| 11 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 652 | 21% |
| 12 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,233 | 20% |
| 13 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,104 | 19% |
| 14 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 201 | 19% |
| 15 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 2,112 | 18% |
| 16 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,073 | 18% |
| 17 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 732 | 18% |
| 18 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 540 | 18% |
| 19 | Vermont | 623,657 | 111 | 18% |
| 20 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 507 | 17% |
Most common cities for business analysts
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 40 | 101% | $76,916 |
| 2 | Lansing | 48 | 41% | $71,489 |
| 3 | Hartford | 33 | 27% | $76,558 |
| 4 | Tallahassee | 47 | 25% | $63,014 |
| 5 | Atlanta | 82 | 17% | $67,021 |
| 6 | Des Moines | 36 | 17% | $69,681 |
| 7 | Little Rock | 34 | 17% | $64,393 |
| 8 | Boston | 96 | 14% | $72,421 |
| 9 | Baton Rouge | 33 | 14% | $62,089 |
| 10 | Washington | 91 | 13% | $76,558 |
| 11 | Tampa | 50 | 13% | $61,310 |
| 12 | Sacramento | 43 | 9% | $89,299 |
| 13 | Urban Honolulu | 32 | 9% | $57,319 |
| 14 | Indianapolis | 48 | 6% | $69,422 |
| 15 | Denver | 37 | 5% | $68,139 |
| 16 | Phoenix | 64 | 4% | $72,092 |
| 17 | Jacksonville | 32 | 4% | $63,213 |
| 18 | Chicago | 80 | 3% | $72,961 |
| 19 | Los Angeles | 39 | 1% | $85,673 |
Business Analyst job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of business analyst experts
UMass Lowell
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Program Coordinator, Masters of Science in EntrepreneurshipUMass Lowell
Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
What general advice would you give to a Business Analyst?
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.: Remember that your first job does not define your career. You may build a career around that first job or you may use it as a valuable learning experience to change careers at some point. Eventually, what we call our careers are only really seen in hindsight. They are part of a narrative we construct about ourselves. So, don't worry to much about whether you are on the 'right path'. The right path is the one you chose at the time given the constraints and alternatives before you. But make the most of every opportunity you can to learn more about yourself - what you like, what you don't like, and what you find fulfilling about your work.
What Business Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.: Obviously we are seeing a tremendous increase in AI and other digital technologies. These will become a more crucial skill set for many careers going forward. But I wouldn't downplay the role of what are traditionally seen as soft skills like empathy, communications, and judgment. Not only can these distinguish you from robots but from your human competitors as well.
What will help Business Analysts increase their earning potential?
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.: If all you want is the highest potential starting salary, then you should aim for careers that offer them. But that is a shortsighted way to view things. For example, many careers that have tournament-like pay structures (think entertainment) often have very low starting salaries but the so-called winners enjoy outsized financial gains. If you are thinking about a more traditional career, I think it's important to make sure you are more valuable to your employer than they are to you. This means you have to market yourself, both to your current employer as well as to potential ones. Of course, this approach may not be for everyone and maximizing your salary potential is only one thing you should be considering when assessing job and career opportunities.
What general advice would you give to a Business Analyst?
Yipeng Yang: Logic and critical thinking, mathematical modeling, computer programming, data analytics, and communication.
What Business Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Yipeng Yang: Get to know clearly the job duties quickly. Make good connections with colleagues and listen to their advices.
What will help Business Analysts increase their earning potential?
Yipeng Yang: Enhance problem-solving ability. Keep learning and improving new skills in your field.
What general advice would you give to a Business Analyst?
Dr. Swagata Banerjee PhD: Research salary benchmarks: Before negotiating your salary, research industry standards and typical salary ranges for your role and level of experience. Highlight your value: During interviews and salary negotiations, emphasize your skills, qualifications, and any relevant experience that sets you apart from other candidates. Negotiate strategically: Approach salary negotiations with confidence, but also be willing to compromise. Consider other factors such as benefits, professional development opportunities, and work-life balance. Consider long-term growth: While salary is important, also consider the potential for career advancement, learning opportunities, and overall job satisfaction when evaluating job offers. Continue to increase your value: Invest in continuous learning, seek out opportunities for skill development, and regularly reassess your market value as you gain experience and expertise.
What Business Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Swagata Banerjee PhD: Digital literacy: As technology continues to evolve, proficiency in digital tools and platforms will become increasingly essential. Adaptability: The ability to quickly learn new skills and adapt to changing circumstances will be crucial in a rapidly evolving industry landscape. Data literacy: Understanding and analyzing data will become more important for making informed decisions and optimizing strategies. Interdisciplinary skills: The ability to work across different disciplines and collaborate effectively with diverse teams will be highly valued. Emotional intelligence: Soft skills such as empathy, communication, and teamwork will continue to be in demand as workplaces become more interconnected and dynamic.
What will help Business Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. Swagata Banerjee PhD: Network extensively: Build relationships with professionals in your field, attend industry events, and join relevant professional organizations. Continuously learn and adapt: Stay updated on industry trends, new technologies, and best practices through courses, workshops, and online resources. Seek mentorship: Find experienced professionals who can offer guidance and advice as you navigate your career path. Be proactive and resourceful: Take initiative, seek out opportunities for growth, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
What general advice would you give to a Business Analyst?
Joseph Spivey: I’d start by becoming as knowledgeable as possible about the salaries of people in jobs you are interested in. Compare salaries for open positions; you may be able to use your knowledge as leverage to ask for more money. When you interview, ask not just about starting salary but about how raises and promotions are handled. I wish that I had learned some basic negotiation principles when I started my career. I’d recommend the book Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In.
What Business Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joseph Spivey: I think technology, especially artificial intelligence, provide increasingly important tools. Mathematics graduates will need to understand how to use technology in all kinds of new ways to improve their output and efficiency. Math graduates will need to be able to identify the best technological tools for a given task and critically interpret the output. As with most technological tools, people will be best served by using technology to augment, rather than replace, their efforts.
What will help Business Analysts increase their earning potential?
Joseph Spivey: My first piece of advice is to recognize that you have achieved something hard and worthwhile by completing a mathematics major. There are not many people on this planet who have the knowledge and skills that you have developed! By completing a math major, you have proven that you have excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and these abilities and confidence in your abilities will pay off. I also think it’s worthwhile to identify a mentor early on who can help guide you to be successful.
What general advice would you give to a Business Analyst?
Sam Engel: Zippia is a job search site with over 5 million visits a month, We were hoping you could answer the following questions:
What Business Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sam Engel: Zippia is a job search site with over 5 million visits a month, We were hoping you could answer the following questions:
What will help Business Analysts increase their earning potential?
Sam Engel: Zippia is a job search site with over 5 million visits a month, We were hoping you could answer the following questions:
What general advice would you give to a Business Analyst?
Reshad Osmani PhD: As a new graduate starting your career, I recommend staying curious, being open to learning from others, seeking feedback, building networks, and being proactive in tackling challenges. Keep developing your analytical skills, stay adaptable, and remember that mistakes are opportunities for growth. Learning by doing should be your number one priority.
What Business Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Reshad Osmani PhD: To maximize your salary potential when starting your career, consider the following strategies: negotiate your starting salary based on market research, demonstrate your value through accomplishments, seek out opportunities for advancement and growth, continuously improve your skills, consider additional certifications or degrees, and be willing to explore job opportunities that offer competitive compensation packages.
What will help Business Analysts increase their earning potential?
Reshad Osmani PhD: In the next 3-5 years, skills like data analysis, digital literacy, adaptability, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are likely to become even more important across various fields due to the increasing influence of technology, automation, and remote work trends. Additionally, skills related to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and sustainability may also gain prominence.
Renee Robinson Ph.D.
Professor of CommunicationWhat general advice would you give to a Business Analyst?
Renee Robinson Ph.D.: How can you maximize your salary potential when starting your career in your field?
What Business Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Renee Robinson Ph.D.: What skills do you think will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years?
What will help Business Analysts increase their earning potential?
Renee Robinson Ph.D.: That would be awesome! We were hoping you could answer the following questions: 1. What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career in the field?
What general advice would you give to a Business Analyst?
Rebecca MacGowan: My general advice is to work backwards and start your career by thinking about what you want to achieve long term. When you think about your career in ten or twenty years, what position are you in? Once you have an idea of the type of position you would like to be in during the middle and/or late stage of your career, go on LinkedIn and look up individuals who currently hold that position and see what their career trajectory was. What positions provided them the stepping stones to achieve the career you currently aspire to? By working backwards, you can ensure that your initial position is setting you up for your long-term goals. Additionally, what you are likely to find when you look at the career paths of different folks is that there are often many paths leading to your ideal future position. Hopefully, this broadens your perspective regarding what position you need right now and how different positions can help set you up for your desired future career. Often, unless we are exceptionally fortunate, our first career after undergraduate isn’t going to be our ideal position, but with proper planning, it can be the first step towards our ideal position.
What Business Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rebecca MacGowan: Business graduates encompass a broad set of majors, each of which has their own set of best practices and different applied tools that they use. I highly recommend students become familiar with the dominant trends in their fields including decision making processes (how do individuals in their field draw conclusions about what to do) and what software applications are the most prevalent (what they use for supply chain is going to be different from the applications they use for accounting, and so forth) so that they can ensure they are practicing their domain-specific aptitudes prior to graduation. They can do this via their college courses, outside learning opportunities, or via an internship with applied experience. Regardless of their specific major, all business students benefit from the development of their soft skills – rarely in a business environment will you work independently, the majority of the time you are going to be working in groups and teams, nested within departments, nested within organizations, nested within industries. As such, learning strong communication and conflict management skills, gaining an understanding of the strengths of your personal leadership style as well as an understanding of your weaknesses, and figuring out the best way to maintain your personal motivation and how to motivate others, are all skills that transcend time and are helpful across different positions and organizations. Additionally, as AI becomes more prominent in white-collar positions, the ability to interface with AI engines will continue to emerge as an important general skill to have.
What will help Business Analysts increase their earning potential?
Rebecca MacGowan: Maximizing salary potential at any stage of your career is related to how you as a candidate can create value (tangible and intangible) in the organization as well as establishing to the organization the idea of scarcity as it pertains to your profile as a job candidate. Start by assessing what your value add as a candidate is to the company. What hard and soft skills do you have related to your specific field, or the position you are interested in, that you should be compensated for? Establishing this helps you to secure your baseline compensation. Then, in order to further maximize your pay and benefits, it is important to communicate with recruiters and hiring managers how your particular mix of skills is unique and would be difficult to find in another candidate. This creates the scarcity regarding your candidate profile and incentivizes the company to compensate you at a higher level in order to recruit you into the organization. Not only do you have valuable skills, but finding a similar candidate would take significant time and effort, ultimately costing the organization more, so they would be better off allocating that money to giving you a better offer.
What general advice would you give to a Business Analyst?
Rebecca Bird MAS, BS MT(ASCP): Skills that will become more important in the future are understanding quality measures. Six Sigma Lean principles are very applicable to what we do and help to keep a balanced workflow. A second thing is to understand that you and your coworkers are human. Find resilience tools that help you to keep a calm focus and practice good communication. Stay connected to national organizations for articles and training to stay connected to the future.
What Business Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rebecca Bird MAS, BS MT(ASCP): To maximize your salary potential, obtain some experience while you are in school. If there is a clinic to volunteer at or a student job in a lab, take it. Higher pay is almost always offered to the evening and night shift technicians. If your new workplace is on 8-hour nights or evenings, create a schedule where evenings and nights do 10s or 12s and suggest it to the leadership. This makes a much better work-life balance.
What will help Business Analysts increase their earning potential?
Rebecca Bird MAS, BS MT(ASCP): As a new graduate, remember why you decided on this career. Was it because you liked to help people? Then remember your results are improving the quality of life for another person. Is it because you like detective work? Then view each sample as a puzzle to work through. Is it because you want to further your education? Then never stop learning.
What general advice would you give to a Business Analyst?
Ning Ye Ph.D.: First of all, the ability to understand and interpret data will be key as businesses increasingly use data analytics for decision-making. One area where there will be huge demand is in data analytics, business intelligence, and data visualization. Secondly, I think the ability to adapt fast and bounce back after a failure is going to be more crucial than ever. This encompasses; embracing new ideas, learning from past mistakes, having a positive attitude when faced with adversities. Emotional intelligence (EQ) together with leadership abilities are also important for any employee. This involves knowing how to control your feelings, being able to share others' pain, and leading different teams in a globalized changing world.
What Business Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ning Ye Ph.D.: Firstly, you need to research your salary benchmarks. Look up salary benchmarks for the role or industry you are entering into before joining the job market. Websites such as Payscale, Glassdoor and LinkedIn Salary can give valuable input concerning what others in equivalent positions earn. Such knowledge will help set realistic expectations and negotiate well. Select employers who invest in their employees' growth and development. Companies that have good mentoring programs, a way for advancement, and a positive culture tend to have better long-term salary prospects. Make a commitment to life-long learning and professional development. Keep abreast with new trends in your industry and keep upgrading your skills all along. Employers are more likely to invest in employees who demonstrate a commitment to their own growth and development. It is important to obtain certifications relevant to your field that can make you a more attractive candidate and justify higher salary demands. For instance, certifications in project management (PMP), data analysis (Google Data Analytics), or digital marketing (Google Analytics) can set you apart.
What will help Business Analysts increase their earning potential?
Ning Ye Ph.D.: The business environment is a rapidly changing one; I think it's important to be aware of the latest market trends, technologies and best practices in your field. This could mean taking part in workshops or online training or it could even involve seeking higher qualifications like advanced degrees and certifications. Secondly, I believe that it is important to build strong professional networks. Here, networking can easily lead to fresh opportunities and valuable mentorship. Lastly, being able to communicate with others, solve problems as a team, and manage time effectively are all great soft skills you should develop. Such skills will enable you to deal with the intricacies of the workplace efficiently by making an impact within your team.
Prof. Mohammad Elahee Ph.D.
Perlroth Professor of Int’l. BusinessWhat general advice would you give to a Business Analyst?
Prof. Mohammad Elahee Ph.D.: The main advice I would give to a new graduate is to be prepared for continuous learning for the rest of his working life. AI and other technological breakthroughs are changing the job market landscape. The skillset that would help one get a job would not keep him/her there for long. To remain marketable, one has to regularly acquire new skills, develop and maintain a strong professional network and scan the market regularly to gauge impending changes.
What Business Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Prof. Mohammad Elahee Ph.D.: A combination of both hard and soft skills will be needed to survive in this ‘dog eat dog world’. Hard skills that will be in high demand are familiarity with new AI- and machine-driven technologies and quantitative reasoning. Soft skills that employers will be looking for include emotional intelligence, communication and interpersonal skills and a “can do attitude”. Paradoxical though it may sound, AI would actually create more demand for people with emotional and social intelligence.
What will help Business Analysts increase their earning potential?
Prof. Mohammad Elahee Ph.D.: Employers will pay a high salary if a job applicant can show that they can create value for the employer and deliver on time. Prior experience in the form of internship, part-time work, voluntary work, leadership experience etc. along with professional certification and micro-credentials in emerging areas would allow job seekers to negotiate their salary from a position of strength. Possessing cultural dexterity would also enhance salary potentials.
What general advice would you give to a Business Analyst?
Marilyn Krogh: Statistical and communication skills are always in demand, and familiarity with a little AI would be a bonus.
What Business Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Marilyn Krogh: Know yourself—take time to identify and name your own strengths, interests and priorities in your work life. Take advantage of the services from your university career development center.
What will help Business Analysts increase their earning potential?
Marilyn Krogh: Have a strong undergraduate portfolio, do an internship before graduation, and be willing to 'go an extra mile' for your employer.
What general advice would you give to a Business Analyst?
Dr. Michael Zhang: In the coming years, turning data into insights and driving business innovation and success is the new compass.
What Business Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Michael Zhang: Don’t worry about your job title. Regardless of what you do, prepare yourself with data and modeling skills and hands-on experience in applying knowledge for developing, evaluating, refining and implementing analytics solutions to your career.
What will help Business Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. Michael Zhang: All your study at University is a solid foundation of the bridge between theory and practice. Don’t be afraid of failure, be open-minded, keep learning and adapting to new challenges.
What general advice would you give to a Business Analyst?
Dr. Laura Gonzalez Ph.D.: Technology, and in particular Artificial Intelligence, are becoming ubiquitous in all professions. New positions are being created and those who know how to use Artificial Intelligence will not be replaced by AI. This requires minimum programming knowledge, and it is useful to have some data analytics knowledge as well.
What Business Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Laura Gonzalez Ph.D.: My first advice would be to celebrate and then rest a little, because graduation is just the beginning. It is imperative to continue professional and skill development even after finding a job. Interviewing takes both practice and skills. It is also important to stay in touch with the alma mater and attend alumni events to network. Networking within the alma mater circles is a key source of information, recommendations and referrals.
What will help Business Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. Laura Gonzalez Ph.D.: The most effective way to negotiate contracts and promotions is to have multiple options and offers. Moreover, compensation is a package with multiple components that can be negotiated, including reallocation bonus and different benefit providers. In addition to common minimum components in compensation packages, some employers can negotiate stock options besides bonuses, and assist with accommodation and/or mortgage conditions.
What general advice would you give to a Business Analyst?
Jennifer Barr PhD: All of the skills noted in my response to Q1. However, as business professionals advance in their respective careers, they must have a keen understanding about the impact of technology on every aspect of an organization. It is also essential to stay abreast of emerging technologies and understand their implications for business practice.
Professional development should be an ongoing priority. Attend conferences and seminars, complete certificate programs, etc. Build your personal brand and value at every level.
Hone leadership skills for middle management positions including collaboration, thinking and acting systemically, resiliency and learning agility. Never forget the importance of humanity when interacting with subordinates. Lead by example always.
Recognizing the role of data capture, analytics and technology in advancing organizations, creating competitive advantage and delivering exceptional user experiences is paramount.
Hire well. Employees are considered the most valuable asset of every organization. Abilities, knowledge and experience matter but the soft skills in terms of how someone works and interacts with others should be top priorities.
What Business Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jennifer Barr PhD: Do research on what market compensation is for a given role. Review websites like Glassdoor and Indeed.
Understand standard compensation negotiation tactics during the offer stage.
What will help Business Analysts increase their earning potential?
Jennifer Barr PhD: Embrace a lifelong learning mindset at the outset. Read case books about successful organizations, notable leaders and new business practices.
Establish an unwavering reputation as a disciplined and responsible worker.
Strive to be an excellent listener. Your attention to detail will be noticed as evidenced through your work.
Be creative and take risks. Suggest an idea to your supervisor about how to improve a procedure or system. This will position you as an early career problem solver.
Seize every opportunity to grow and build key skills including communication, interpersonal, critical thinking and technology.
Recognize the strong correlation between emotional intelligence and success. This is particularly important as you advance in your career.
Cultivate mentorship opportunities and network as much as possible. Eventually step into a mentorship role.
Honesty, integrity and character matter. Be true to yourself and never deviate from your moral compass. Listen to your instincts always.
Create a strong LinkedIn profile and update regularly. It is one of the top recruiting sites.
What general advice would you give to a Business Analyst?
David Hart: So the field of Business Analyst can encompass interacting with different department managers on a daily bases. Quite often they will be required to interpret large amounts of data from the various departments each day to look at trends either in sales or procurement. Working with IT is a must so that data mining of the correct data to help the company achieve their business goals is critical.
What Business Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
David Hart: Most businesses may hire you on like a consultant. The employees rarely welcome consultants in their business so that early friction is something that most new Business Analysts find distasteful, however if taken in that context, it is also the most challenging part of the field. When you discover processes that will enhance the productivity of the company and help the employees see more profit sharing you can end up being the hero. Most employees spend most of their work career never feeling fulfilled. This profession will definitely give you that rewarding feeling.
What will help Business Analysts increase their earning potential?
David Hart: This field has become more valuable ever since the supply chain interruption due to Covid. The analyst is challenged every day with supply chain issues and deployment of the right resources to their prospective areas. Every day can be a new challenge so the work is rarely mundane.
Dany Doueiri
ProfessorWhat general advice would you give to a Business Analyst?
Dany Doueiri: Don't try to start your own business right after you graduate. Keep your dreams, passions, and aspirations alive but get experience from the field through companies, organizations, and institutions. Gain wisdom from those who have more experience than you and those who make mistakes, including your own shortcomings. Then, you can consider branching out. Finally, learning never stops at the end of your college journey. Be humble and keep on learning for life.
What Business Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dany Doueiri: Have a team mentality, share, keep learning, and seek all professional development opportunities available to you, through your work or individually.
What will help Business Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dany Doueiri: Ability to adapt to new realities, creativity, ethics, innovation, and resilience to face new realities.
Angel Armenta
What general advice would you give to a Business Analyst?
Angel Armenta: Just following up. I answered the questions but before I send my answers I wanted to know if I send my answers will they for sure be featured in the article ?
What Business Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Angel Armenta: I think I should be able to get you my answers by tomorrow. Quick question. If I do this, will some or all of my answers be for sure featured in the article?
What will help Business Analysts increase their earning potential?
Angel Armenta: Thank you! By when would you need the response ? Can I submit my responses in written format or is this an oral interview ?
What general advice would you give to a Business Analyst?
Adam Roth: As a liberal arts graduate, it is critical to focus on networking, continuous learning, and gaining practical experience. I strongly advise leveraging campus recruitment fairs, leadership positions, alumni gatherings, and platforms like LinkedIn to build a robust professional network. Utilize career services to seek out internships or volunteer opportunities that will enhance your skills and expand your professional network. Through your coursework and extra- and co-curricular activities, work on developing skills that are highly sought after by employers of new college graduates and which are in short supply; oral and written communication, analytical reasoning, problem solving, and teamwork. Complement these with technical skills that will make you more versatile in the job market. When possible, find mentors among alumni, internship supervisors, and even parents of friends who will offer guidance and support. Embrace opportunities to showcase your abilities, identify areas for improvement, and pursue additional coursework or online credentials to further enhance your skills and marketability.
What Business Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Adam Roth: I recommend that students start by identifying a specific skill in demand within your field, such as data analysis or social media marketing, and focus on developing expertise in that area. Research salary ranges and living costs in particular areas where you’re interested in working to ensure your compensation aligns with the local market. Always negotiate a salary and consider other aspects of the offer, such as funds for continuing education, technology and more. Continuing to network and establish demand for your services is essential; attend industry events, join professional associations, and engage with professionals in your field. Never miss an opportunity to reach out to and check in with your professional contacts. Pursue additional learning opportunities and education, such as certifications or advanced degrees, to provide a competitive advantage and increase your earning potential over time.
What will help Business Analysts increase their earning potential?
Adam Roth: In the next 3–5 years, the increasing presence of robots and artificial intelligence (AI) will drastically change the job market, leading to the replacement or displacement of many tasks that are currently performed by humans. This change highlights the growing need for individuals with degrees in the liberal arts. A liberal arts education emphasizes communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical reasoning, creativity, emotional intelligence, and cultural awareness—human literacies, skills, and competencies that are difficult for a machine to replicate. As automation takes over many routine tasks, jobs requiring complex decision-making, creativity, and communication and interpersonal skills will become more important. Liberal arts graduates also excel in ethical decision-making and understanding societal issues, which are crucial in the responsible use and incorporation of AI.
What general advice would you give to a Business Analyst?
Bradley Andrew Ph.D.: So-called soft skills are still in demand by employers, based on recent surveys, because a smaller percentage of graduates possess them. These include:
Showing up and on time;
Having a strong work ethic;
Critical thinking skills
Social skills, including the ability to get along well with people, motivate and encourage them, and leadership skills. Also be able to schmooze with clients over dinner or drinks, or just in your office. A personal touch and connection is something software can’t provide.
Creativity—Apple products, for example, appeal to many people because of their combination of form and function.
The ability to work AI in order to increase one’s productivity will become more important over the next 5 years.
What Business Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Bradley Andrew Ph.D.: I’m going to change the question based on the evidence gathered by labor economists. Overall, income rises most in a person’s 20s and 30s, stagnates in one’s 40s and actually falls from age 50 on. Moreover, people who are willing to change jobs more frequently have greater salary growth. If this is your goal, then spending your twenties and thirties working hard on your skills and credentials, being willing to move from one position to another and being geographically flexible will increase your lifetime income.
What will help Business Analysts increase their earning potential?
Bradley Andrew Ph.D.: Once you have your first job, ask about or determine the 20% of your supervisor’s job that they hate and start doing that for them. They will love you for it and it will quickly get you recognition. You’ll also be well on your way to learning your boss’s job. Continue doing this as you progress in your career (Kudos to Theo Epstein, former GM for the Red Sox, for this recommendation)
No matter the task you’re given, do it to the absolute best of your abilities. In the professional world, you may often be given menial tasks or tasks that you don’t believe are part of your job description. Doing those tasks to the absolute best of your ability leads to increased trust, recognition and responsibility and will put you “above class.” If asked, the coffee you bring should be the best your boss has ever had. You never know who’s watching.
Don’t expect credit and don’t ask for credit when things go right; give the credit to others.