Business Analyst In Law: Skills And Steps To Take

Business analysts help organisations manage, change and plan for the future by identifying their needs and devising data-informed strategies to meet those needs. They are responsible for assessing business processes, determining requirements, and delivering data-driven recommendations and reports to stakeholders. Although a qualification is not necessary to become a business analyst, most earn a bachelor's degree in business administration, information technology or a related field. A master's degree or a business analysis certification can also help business analysts advance their careers. If you have a legal background and are looking to transition into business analysis, you will need soft skills such as facilitation, negotiation and communication, as well as analytical and investigative skills.

Gain a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as business administration or law

Gaining a bachelor's degree in a relevant field is an important step towards becoming a business analyst. While it is not always necessary to have a specific qualification, a bachelor's degree in business administration, information technology, or a related field can provide a solid foundation for a career in business analysis. This undergraduate degree will equip you with core competencies such as accounting, analytics, finance, and marketing. Aspiring business analysts might also consider a minor in communication, economics, or information management to develop complementary skills.

A bachelor's degree in law can also be a suitable qualification for a career in business analysis. A legal background can provide valuable analytical and investigative skills, as well as soft skills such as facilitation, negotiation, and communication. Any area of business law can be advantageous, as it can help you understand the intricacies of business operations and analyse current problems to recommend improvements.

In addition to a bachelor's degree, gaining work experience through internships, entry-level positions, or other relevant roles can be beneficial. This allows you to develop hands-on experience and build expertise in the field. It also enables you to make valuable professional connections and gain a better understanding of the industry.

While a bachelor's degree is a common starting point, further education, such as a master's degree or certifications, can enhance your career prospects and qualify you for more advanced roles. A graduate degree, such as a master's in business analytics or an MBA, can provide specialised knowledge and improve your credentials when applying for business analyst positions.

Develop soft skills like communication, facilitation and negotiation

Develop Soft Skills

Developing soft skills is an essential part of becoming a successful business analyst. Soft skills such as communication, facilitation, and negotiation are crucial for effective collaboration, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. Here are some strategies to enhance these skills:

Communication

• Be clear and concise: Choose your words carefully, and strive for clarity and brevity. Eliminate unnecessary words and distracting jargon.
• Prepare in advance: Know what you want to say and how you want to say it before engaging in any form of communication. Research and anticipate questions, criticisms, or unexpected situations.
• Be mindful of non-verbal cues: Understand that facial expressions, gestures, and body language can convey more than your words. Be aware of your own non-verbal signals and learn to interpret those of others.
• Practice active listening: Give your full attention when others are speaking, clear your mind of distractions, and avoid interrupting. Use open body language and rephrase what you've heard to ensure understanding.
• Build emotional intelligence: Develop self-awareness and understand your emotions and their triggers. This will enable you to manage your emotions effectively and build empathy for others.
• Create a positive communication culture: Foster an environment of trust, transparency, and open dialogue. Encourage employees to speak up and offer suggestions to build a productive communication dynamic.

Facilitation

• Set clear goals and parameters: Begin by defining the purpose and scope of the discussion. Create an agenda that outlines expectations, duration, and the importance of participation.
• Show enthusiasm: Be passionate about the topic, even if others aren't. Your enthusiasm can be contagious and help set a positive tone for the meeting.
• Use physical space to your advantage: Instead of standing apart, sit among the participants to create a more inclusive atmosphere. This can help shift the focus from you to the discussion itself.
• Make eye contact: Encourage individuals to engage in the conversation by making eye contact with them. This simple tactic can increase participation and make individuals more likely to contribute again.
• Maintain neutrality: As a facilitator, your role is to guide the discussion without imposing your opinions. Prompt, ask questions, and play devil's advocate, but refrain from revealing your personal preferences.
• Be prepared for different roles: A facilitator wears many hats, including listener, observer, and clarifier. Be ready to adapt and play the role that the situation demands to keep the discussion on track.

Negotiation

• Learn the fundamentals: Understand the process of preparing for, implementing, and concluding a negotiation. Familiarize yourself with negotiation tactics and psychology to gain an edge during negotiations.
• Participate in simulation training: Enrol in a negotiation skills training course that includes simulation exercises. This allows you to apply the theory in a safe environment and learn from the experiences and perspectives of others.
• Develop an action plan: Identify key takeaways from your training and create a plan for applying them in real-world negotiations. Set goals, such as spending a certain amount of time preparing for your next negotiation.
• Find an accountability partner: Share your action plan with a colleague, supervisor, friend, or partner to help you stay committed to your goals and provide ongoing support.
• Practice and reflect: Continuously apply your negotiation skills in real-world situations and reflect on the outcomes. Analyze what worked well and what could be improved, then incorporate those insights into your future negotiations.

Gain work experience in a legal or business setting

Gaining work experience in a legal or business setting is an important step in becoming a business analyst. While it is not necessary to have a specific qualification, relevant work experience can give you a competitive edge and increase your employability. Here are some ways to gain valuable experience in the field:

Internships and Entry-Level Positions

Start by looking for internships or entry-level positions in the legal or business field. These opportunities can provide you with hands-on experience and help you develop valuable skills. For example, working as a law clerk, paralegal, or intern at a law office can give you exposure to legal terms, documents, and procedures. Similarly, roles in accounting, finance, or business settings can offer a broad perspective on organisational functions and help you build a network of connections.

Projects and Volunteering

Working on projects that align with your career goals can be a great way to gain experience. Whether you're enrolled in a boot camp, internship, or working in an unrelated team, seek out opportunities to apply business analysis skills. Volunteer for projects that involve data analysis, process improvement, or strategy development. By demonstrating your ability to manage projects and apply business analysis best practices, you can showcase your potential as a business analyst.

Building a Professional Network

Building a strong professional network is invaluable in the job search process. Tap into your existing network, including friends, family, professors, and peers, to let them know about your career aspirations. Additionally, attend industry events, join professional organisations, and utilise networking platforms like LinkedIn to connect with potential employers and peers. A strong network can open doors to unadvertised job opportunities and provide mentorship and guidance along the way.

Lateral Career Moves

Consider transitioning from a related position into a business analyst role. Many business analysts have backgrounds in data science, data analysis, financial analysis, IT support, or business administration. These roles often provide experience in working with business data, understanding company processes, and developing domain knowledge. By leveraging your existing skills and knowledge, you can make a smooth transition into a business analyst career.

Certifications and Additional Education

Pursuing certifications or additional education can enhance your resume and demonstrate your commitment to the field. Consider obtaining a business analysis certification from a recognised industry organisation, such as the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). You can also explore boot camps or online courses in business analysis or data analytics to strengthen your skill set. These credentials will not only improve your technical abilities but also show hiring managers your proactive approach to professional development.

Get certified or complete a master's degree to advance your career

While a qualification is not necessary to become a business analyst, certifications and master's degrees can help you advance your career and have more options in the field.

Master's Degrees

A graduate degree can bolster your credentials and lead to better career opportunities, including more advanced roles and higher salaries. Two of the most popular options for business analyst master's degrees are a master's in business analytics and an MBA. Both degrees usually take one or two years to finish and can help you qualify for high-level positions.

Business Analysis Certifications

The International Institute of Business Analysis™ (IIBA®) offers three core certifications recognised across the industry that can demonstrate your qualifications to potential employers:

• The Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA)™: for beginning and junior analysts
• The Certification of Capability in Business Analysis™ (CCBA®): the standard choice for mid-level professional analysts
• The Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP®): IIBA's highest-level certification, open to seasoned professionals

IIBA reports that CBAPs earn 19% more than non-certified business analysts.

Apply for jobs and complete interviews

Applying for Jobs and Interviewing

When you're ready to apply for business analyst jobs, you can start by reaching out to your network of contacts. This could include friends, family, peers, and former professors or colleagues. Explain that you're looking for work as a business analyst and ask if they have any advice or leads. You can also search for job postings on online job boards or professional networking websites. Consider factors like salary, location, duties, and opportunities for growth and advancement when assessing potential job options.

Once you've found a few promising opportunities, you can apply by submitting a cover letter, resume, and any other requested application materials, such as references or writing samples. It's a good idea to have a friend or colleague review your application materials before submitting them to catch any errors or typos.

If your application is strong, the company may invite you for an interview. This is a chance for the employer to assess your skills and knowledge, and for you to learn more about the company and the role to see if it aligns with your career goals and expectations.

Interview questions for business analysts often focus on your past work experience, your interest in the field, and your knowledge of relevant procedures and regulations. You may also be asked about your ability to work under pressure, handle deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Interviewers may also ask about your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with data analysis and technology.

• Why do you want to become a business analyst?
• Why do you want to work for this company?
• What skills and strengths can you bring to this position?
• How do you manage deadlines and handle pressure?
• How do you keep up to date with industry trends and regulations?
• What tools or software are you familiar with?
• Describe a challenging situation you faced in a previous role and how you resolved it.

Remember to prepare thoroughly for interviews, including researching the company and the role, and anticipating potential questions. Dress professionally and arrive on time. Be ready to ask your own questions during the interview to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the role.

Frequently asked questions