Did you know that business analysis is one of Australia's most sought-after IT roles today? Based on Hays’ recent report, there is a growing demand for business analysts (BAs) as organisations rely more on data-driven decision making for their operations.
What’s more, the field is set to grow by 27% over the next five years, according to SEEK. Professionals can earn as much as $115,000 yearly, making business analysis one of the most promising career paths right now.
If you’re looking to enter this rapidly evolving field, you need to have the right competencies. In this blog post, we’ll look at six of the most important skills to become an effective business analyst. We’ll also discuss how Lumify Learn can help you achieve success through our Business Analysis Certified Professional boot camp course.
What are the Top Business Analysis Skills for 2025?
With technology, data, and organisational needs quickly evolving today, it’s important for business analysts to have the right skills, such as:
1. Data Analysis
Data analysis is the process of systematically collecting, cleaning, transforming, and modelling data.
BAs must be skilled in this aspect as this allows them to extract valuable insights and data-driven recommendations from raw data. These findings can then help organisations make more informed decisions and drive strategic initiatives.
For instance, let’s imagine an electronics store often running out of popular items but overstocking those that don’t sell as well. This results in lost sales opportunities and increased holding costs. To correct this issue, a business analyst can collect, analyse, and interpret data from various sources like sales transactions, customer preferences, and seasonal trends. This will help them discover that certain products may sell well during specific periods, such as holidays and back-to-school seasons.
Using this information, they can adjust inventory levels to match demand patterns. They can also tailor their marketing campaigns based on customer preferences. By doing these, the business optimises stock levels, reduces costs, and maximises sales, ultimately improving the store’s profitability and customer satisfaction.
2. Advanced Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel is one of the oldest and most widely used analytics and reporting tools today. BAs use it to perform calculations, budget analyses, and data visualisations to identify business patterns and trends. They also utilise the program to remove duplicate data, correct errors, and summarise and analyse large datasets through pivot tables.
However, business analysts must also be familiar with advanced Excel functions, such as:
Power Query: This feature allows you to import data into Excel through external sources like text files, CSV files, Web, or Excel workbooks.
Power Pivot: This is a data modelling add-in that lets you create data models, establish relationships between tables, and perform complex calculations using Data Analysis Expressions (DAX).
Macros: Through this function, you can record a sequence of actions performed in Excel. You can replay this sequence to automate tasks. By automating routine processes, business analysts save time, allowing them to focus on more valuable activities.
Array Formulas: These are formulas that perform an operation on multiple values instead of a single value. For example, SUMPRODUCT multiplies corresponding elements in the given arrays and then adds the products. ARRAYCONSTANT, on the other hand, creates arrays of values that you can use in calculations.
XLOOKUP: A powerful and flexible lookup Excel function introduced to replace older lookup functions like VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, and LOOKUP. It can search both vertically and horizontally, making it easier for users to find the data they need.
Pro tip: Looking to brush up on your Excel skills? Our sister company Nexacu offers a wide range of Microsoft Excel and Excel Specialist courses.
3. Business Intelligence (BI) and Other Tools
While Microsoft Excel is useful for some business intelligence tasks, managing large datasets with it can be a struggle. It also lacks certain analytics features, such as seamless data integration and interactive dashboards. As such, it’s essential for BAs to learn other tools like:
Tableau: A visual analytics platform used to report and analyse vast data volumes.
Microsoft Power BI: Power BI is a cloud-based tool that integrates with other Microsoft products like Excel and Azure to better analyse and interpret data.
Qlik Sense: A software platform allowing users to visualise and examine datasets through interactive dashboards
Jira: A project management tools that enables teams to track issues, automate workflows, and manage projects.
4. Business Process Modelling (BPM)
Also called process modelling, BPM is the act of creating a visual representation of an organisation’s business processes using diagrams or models.
One common method for this is Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN), which provides a standardised way to illustrate business processes comprehensively. BPMN offers a clear view of how different tasks, activities, and resources across departments are interconnected within the organisation.
Through BPM, BAs can identify areas for improvement, such as redundant steps, delays, or resource constraints. From here, you and your team can optimise business processes , leading to cost savings and increased efficiency. BPM diagrams can also help analysts identify potential risks and failure points, allowing them to develop mitigation strategies to manage issues proactively.
Finally, BPM supports requirement gathering by providing a clear framework to understand and document business needs.
5. Communication and People Skills
BAs need to collaborate with various stakeholders, including clients, executives, and team members. Clear communication ensures that they understand the requirements and expectations of these individuals. It also helps manage and resolve conflicts that may arise. This ensures successful project outcomes and helps build trust and foster positive relationships.
Moreover, it’s imperative for business analysts to present their findings, analyses, and recommendations clearly and persuasively. For instance, they could use visual aids, data storytelling, and engaging delivery to make complex information more understandable to stakeholders. With effective communication skills, BAs can support their recommended actions and influence the organisation’s decision-making processes.
6. Business Acumen
Business acumen, also known as business sense, refers to understanding how organisational practices work and applying that knowledge to succeed in real-world situations. In simple terms, business acumen is about knowing how a company operates effectively and profitably.
For BAs, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of business principles and strategies. This allows them to align their analysis with the organisation's overall goals. It also allows them to adapt to market or company priority changes quickly, ensuring their work is impactful and relevant.
Let Lumify Learn Help You Become a Business Analysis Pro
Ready to help businesses thrive by identifying their needs and recommending solutions to their challenges? Lumify Learn has the perfect course for you!
With our Business Analysis Certified Professional online boot camp, you can learn business process modelling, requirement gathering, and stakeholder communication and collaboration. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with a project that simulates what it’s like to be a BA in real life. No previous experience in business analysis required!
By the time you complete the course, you will have earned two certifications:
BCS Business Analysis Foundation: This micro-credential in business analysis principles and practices helps you develop a deep understanding of the field, including skills like process modelling and communication.
BCS Requirement Engineering Practitioner: Learn to gather, document, and manage project requirements effectively.
After you graduate, you can also participate in our career support program Lumify Edge. Revamp your professional resume and LinkedIn profile, reach out to employers looking to hire business analysis professionals, and secure internships that help you gain experience.
Welcome the new year with new business analysis skills. Enquire with us on the course today.