Becoming Business analyst

The business analyst plays a key role within companies. They are specialized consultants who assess how well a company's information systems (IS) align with its strategic objectives. In the business world, the ability to effectively evaluate and optimize business processes is critical for success. A business analyst’s role is to drive business performance and improvement by providing insight into the operations of the organization.

In other words, the business analyst acts as a liaison between various operational departments of the company and the Information Systems Department (ISD). By studying numerical data, they conduct analyses and provide strategic recommendations. Their ability to conduct data analysis and interpret findings is essential to generating valuable insights.  

They are responsible for giving value to the company's key figures, under the supervision of the marketing and/or commercial management. The business analyst conducts structural analyses of the market and verifies the financial and marketing mechanisms of the employing company. They evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and make necessary corrections and adjustments. This involves working closely with professionals in different business areas, such as sales, finance, and management, to ensure alignment with the company's strategic goals.

The principal missions of the business analyst include defining key performance indicators (KPIs), implementing monitoring and forecasting tools with the ISD, analyzing databases, synthesizing analysis results, identifying issues, and implementing corrective operations. Each step in these processes requires a deep understanding of business dynamics and a systematic approach to problem-solving.

The business analyst must also focus on improving processes by identifying inefficiencies and recommending solutions. They need to analyze various data sources to identify trends and patterns that can lead to better decision-making. This requires not only analytical skills but also strong communication skills to effectively share findings with stakeholders. Furthermore, the ability to implement effective change management strategies is crucial for driving improvements within the organization.

The business analyst is primarily an analyst. They must be comfortable with IT tools and complex statistical data. This professional must master data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or Google Data Studio, which are essential for presenting complex data in an understandable manner. Proficiency in data analytics and business intelligence is vital for identifying insights that drive business value.

Technical-functional profiles must have skills in Python programming. Specific qualifications related to the company's sector (banking, finance, insurance) are also valuable assets. Lastly, a business analyst, who often operates internationally, must be fluent in English. Understanding the global market is a key skill for business analysts, especially when working for multinational companies.

Beyond technical skills, they must possess soft skills such as precision, analytical thinking, interpersonal skills, and proposal and persuasion strengths. These skills enable them to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, including clients and team members, ensuring that their analysis leads to actionable business decisions.

For students aiming to become business analysts, several programs are available. The Global BBA is a four-year program in international management, based on project-based learning, with numerous academic and professional immersions abroad, and a specialization in the fourth year. This program is accessible after graduating high school. With the Global BBA, you will master the management of impactful projects in an international context across various domains, from start-ups to multinationals, through enriching international experiences and exchanges with partner universities.

emlyon business school offers Master of Science programs that allow entry into business analyst positions, such as the Master in Digital Marketing & Data Analytics. This program is divided into four competency blocks over the year, where you will master the realms of digital marketing and data exploitation. The program includes training in the latest data analysis techniques and tools, preparing students to tackle complex business challenges with confidence.

You will learn to lead a digital strategy and its performance indicators, produce and analyze data, develop your skills in programmatic marketing to meet a company's marketing challenges, and finally, identify new opportunities and development potentials with ethical and environmental considerations in mind. These competencies are crucial for the evolving roles of business analysts, especially as they integrate more with the digital aspects of business operations.

The Specialized Program Stratégie & Développement des Affaires Internationales (taught in French only), offered by emlyon business school, is a 13-month program designed to train experienced international business engineers. This program is ideal for those looking to deepen their understanding of international business dynamics and develop strategic planning skills crucial for senior business analyst roles.

The salary of a business analyst varies depending on geographic location, years of experience, and the scope (and complexity) of the role. The size of the company also affects remuneration. On average, a junior business analyst can expect an annual gross salary between €40,000 and €45,000, while a senior profile can earn up to €65,000 annually. These salaries reflect the high demand for skilled analysts who can drive business success.

The business analyst profession offers numerous career opportunities, such as pre-sales consultant, consultant in project management support, Big Data Manager, Marketing Manager, and Financial Manager. As business analysts gain experience, they may progress to higher-level positions, such as product manager, business architect, or even management consultant roles.

The private higher education institution recognized by the State, specializing in business and management, emlyon business school celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2022. With its 200 international partners and a network of 45,000 alumni, the school offers genuine career opportunities to its students. emlyon business school adopts an “makers pedagogy”, a system focused on collective and individual experimentation and learning by doing.

emlyon business school emphasizes the importance of business education in preparing students for the dynamic world of business analysis. The school offers programs designed to develop critical business analyst skills and knowledge, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet industry demands. By integrating modern technology and innovative learning approaches, emlyon provides an education that is both relevant and impactful.

The comprehensive curriculum offered by emlyon ensures that students not only meet the academic requirements but also gain practical experience through internships and industry collaborations. This combination of education and real-world application helps students develop the skills necessary for a successful career in business analysis.

In conclusion, the role of a business analyst is indispensable for organizations aiming to improve business performance and achieve strategic goals. With the right education and training, such as those offered at emlyon business school, aspiring business analysts can develop the skills needed to excel in this dynamic field.