Business Analyst Training Class: Business Analyst Job Description Information

With an expected 24 percent increase in job opportunities, business analysts enjoy a positive job outlook and the chance to earn high wages, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, these analysts will also face a high level of competition for jobs, and those with a graduate degree and/or expertise in a specialized area of business analysis will have the best chances in the job market.

A business analyst is often referred to as a consultant in private industries, reports the bureau. Organizations hire business analysts to scrutinize their structure and propose ways the company can improve their level of efficiency and worker productivity and maximize their profits. While some analysts specialize in a certain industry, such as healthcare, others specialize in a specific type of business function, such as marketing or human resources. Companies in private industries usually prefer analysts with a master's degree in business administration or a similar field, while government agencies occasionally hire those with a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions.