We surveyed 10,976 business analysts to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical business analyst. Here are the results.

How much intelligence is required as a business analyst?

Low

High

Working as a business analyst typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.

Can I learn to become a business analyst?

Intrinsic Talent

Acquired Talent

A career as a business analyst typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.

Is it easy to get a job as a business analyst?

Easy

Hard

It’s typically difficult to find a job as a business analyst. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for business analysts.

Info

Do business analysts work full-time or part-time?

95% of business analysts work in full-time roles while 5% work part-time.

Is being a business analyst stressful?

Low

High

Stress is not uncommon amongst business analysts, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.

Is being organized important as a business analyst?

Low

High

Organization is considered a very important trait for business analysts, and is critical to success in the field.

How competitive is the workplace for business analysts?

Low

High

Business analysts see mild competition in their workplace.

Does being a business analyst require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?

Low

High

Business analysts will have to sometimes face time pressure on the job.

Are business analysts allowed to express themselves creatively?

Low

High

Business analysts rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.

Do business analysts have control over the direction of their work?

Low

High

While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally business analysts will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.

Is being a business analyst physically demanding?

Low

High

Work as a business analysts is rarely physically demanding, making it a suitable option for those unable to perform physically strenuous tasks.

Are business analysts exposed to a wide variety of work?

Low

High

While sometimes repetitive, business analysts tend to have opportunities for variety in their work.

Does being a business analyst require attention to detail?

Low

High

Attention to detail is a vital skill for business analysts, as small mistakes can make or break one's ability to succeed in the career.

Does being a good business analyst require compassion and empathy?

Low

High

The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a business analyst.