Everything is digital nowadays, and it is accurate to say that we are well into the digital revolution. As a result, more and more businesses are adopting digital strategies to stay competitive in the market, and they need the help of digital business analysts to make this happen.
Digital business analyst jobs are in high demand because they are essential for companies that want to compete in the digital economy.
So, what does a digital business analyst do?
Let’s take a look.
The Role & Skills of a Digital Business Analyst
At its core, digital business analysts, or DBAs, are the bridge between businesses and technology. They help organizations understand how to use technology to achieve their strategic goals.
Whether it is to come up with digital solutions for business problems or to improve processes through technology, DBAs are the players you want in your team.
If you’re dreaming of being a digital business analyst, here are the roles and skills you should know:
Business Strategy and Assessment
Since they are described as a bridge between technology and business, it is no surprise that digital business analysts need to understand the ins and outs of both worlds.
They must have a strong understanding of the business functions, goals, and strategies. With this, it will help them create a digital transformation strategy for a company’s IT business processes, systems, and operations.
In essence, possessing problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and analytical skills are critical to a DBA’s success.
Data Analysis
Companies today handle tons of complex data, and it takes an expert to make sense of it all.
Hence, data analytics is a key part of a DBA’s role.
They will take raw data from various sources and analyze it to gain insights into customer behavior, user engagement, and other key metrics.
If you want to be a digital analyst in this age, you need critical thinking skills and the ability to interpret data accurately. Additionally, knowledge of data analysis tools and techniques such as SQL, Excel, and Tableau is a must.
Work closely with Business Leaders
Collaborating with business and technical teams to understand business goals and develop solutions is a vital part of being a digital analyst in the industry.
As a DBA, you need to be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders to create strategies that will help businesses reach their goals. The challenge here is to translate technical concepts into easily understandable terms for non-technical individuals.
For example, you need to discuss inefficient analog legacy systems with business leaders and explain how implementing a new digital system can improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Essentially, having communication skills and the ability to present complex concepts in a simple way are important qualities for this role.
System Design and Implementation
After strategizing, the next step is to put the plan into action!
Digital business analysts will design and implement systems in existing processes. This includes building platforms and using new technologies to develop solutions that meet the organization’s goals.
Setting up digital tools and ensuring they work correctly is another responsibility that falls under the DBA’s purview. In-depth technical skills, such as knowing how to design and code, are necessary for this role.
Conducting training and educating team members about using new systems is also part of the job. So, if you are technologically savvy and enjoy learning new technology, this role may be perfect for you.
Project Management
Managing digital transformation projects is the biggest part of the DBA’s job.
They are the ones who are responsible for the company’s digital footprint and ensuring that it aligns with the overall business’ IT strategy.
Hence, a DBA must be able to manage projects from start to finish, including defining project scope, creating timelines, managing budgets, and coordinating with team members and stakeholders.
If you have the communication skills, organization skills, and multitasking abilities needed for project management, then you’re on the right track to becoming a successful DBA!
What Is the Difference Between a Business Analyst and a Digital Business Analyst?
Knowing how digital business analysts work, you might think how similar they are to business analysts.
The truth is, although the two roles have some overlap, there are also a few key differences between them.
Let’s shed light on how these professions differ:
Skillset
One major difference is the skills and knowledge that they need to do their job. Digital business analysts must understand how technology works, as well as have an in-depth knowledge of analytics tools.
BA professionals, on the other hand, tend to focus more on understanding business needs and processes. This includes dealing with stakeholders, conducting requirement gathering, and creating business cases.
Focus and Scope
The focus of a DBA is on digital processes, systems, and operations. They are responsible for analyzing data and providing guidance on using technology to achieve better business outcomes.
When it comes to a business analysis role, they are more focused on business processes in departments such as finance, operations, and HR. Their goal is to improve efficiency and enhance the overall functioning of these departments.
Job Responsibilities
The responsibilities between these two roles also differ. Digital business analysts must be able to design and implement systems and analyze data, while business analysts are responsible for understanding a company’s needs and creating strategies.
In a nutshell, digital business analysts are responsible for analyzing data and using technology to develop enterprise digital solutions. Business analysts, however, focus more on understanding a company’s needs and creating strategies for improving business operations.
Ultimately, both roles are important in any organization, but it’s important to understand their differences to choose the right role for you.
What Is the Average Salary of a Digital Business Analyst?
Now that we have a better understanding of what digital business analysts do, let’s take a look at the compensation for this role.
Statistics show that 98% of businesses see digital transformation as an important part of their future business strategy. With this majority, digital business analysts are in high demand, and their salaries reflect that.
From SMEs to enterprise corporations, the average salary for a digital business analyst can vary. You just have to find the company that fits you the best.
In Australia, according to Seek, the average annual salary ranges from $125,000 to $140,000. In the United States, a digital business analyst gets an average salary of $79,125 per year, according to Glassdoor.com.
Of course, factors such as your location, company, industry, and experience will impact your salary. But, with the increasing demand for digital business analysts, you can expect this role to have a competitive salary package.
As long as you possess the required skills and knowledge, you can look forward to a rewarding career as a digital business analyst.
However, if you are a business owner looking into hiring a digital business analyst for your organization, outsourcing this role can be a more cost-effective option as it eliminates the need for additional employee benefits such as paid leave, health insurance, and retirement plans.
Why do Businesses Need Digital Business Analysts Today?
In this digital age, businesses should be aware of digital trends and how technology can help them achieve their goals. That’s why digital business analysts are becoming increasingly important in organizations.
Not only do they help you understand your customers and prospects, but they also help you make sense of the dizzying array of data that’s available today.
Let’s take a closer look at why businesses need to fill in this role today:
Data-Driven Decision Making
Organizations everywhere are awash with data, but trying to make sense of it all can be overwhelming. A DBA can help you identify key trends and patterns in your customer behavior and market conditions that can inform better decisions.
Whether you’re looking for ways to increase sales or optimize your process, having an experienced analyst on your team can give you an edge over your competitors.
Analyzing Your Customers
Your customers are the lifeblood of your business, so understanding their needs is key to success. A DBA can work with you to analyze user stories and develop strategies to keep them coming back for more.
If it’s about improving product features, creating better marketing campaigns, or finding new ways to engage with customers online or offline, you can count on a skilled DBA.
Understanding Market Trends
The global market changes fast—and if your business wants to survive in this ever-evolving landscape, it pays to stay ahead of the curve. Making use of your digital data is essential, and they can be the ones to help you turn it into actionable insights.
Hiring a DBA can help you interpret market trends by analyzing competitor behavior and consumer data from different regions around the globe. With their expertise, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about where best to invest resources for maximum impact.
Streamlining Business Processes
When it comes to streamlining processes, a digital analyst can be an invaluable asset. They’ll help you identify opportunities where processes are inefficient or outdated, then suggest ways to improve them.
This could involve automating manual tasks with software or using the latest digital technology tools to get the job done faster.
Competitive Advantage
Markets are constantly changing, and staying ahead of the competition is key to success. A DBA can analyze market conditions and help you develop strategies that will give you a competitive advantage over businesses that do not have one.
They can also help you identify new areas for growth and opportunities to reach more customers through digital marketing campaigns and other tactics.
Increased Profitability
Ultimately, having a digital business analyst can help to increase your profitability.
By increasing efficiency, improving customer service, and gaining insights into your business, an analyst can help you to boost your bottom line. This makes investing in a digital business analyst an excellent decision for any business owner.
All in all, digital business analysts are an essential part of any organization that wants to stay ahead of the competition and make informed decisions. Trust that there will be no shortage of companies who would want you!
5 Steps to Becoming a Digital Business Analyst
Having the motivation to become a digital business analyst is just the first step. But if you want to know concrete steps to take, there are five ways you can become a digital business analyst.
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Get the right education and certifications
It would be best if you started by earning a bachelor’s degree in business or computer science, or information technology.
If you already have a degree, you can look into getting additional certifications in business analytics and data science. These certifications will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to become an expert in the field.
2. Gain hands-on experience
Practical experience is key to success in this field. You can intern in a company or look for contract jobs that will help you gain the experience you need.
Don’t be afraid to work in different industries, such as finance, healthcare, or retail. Every experience will add to your knowledge of the digital business world.
3. Learn the latest industry trends
Even if you have all the knowledge and experience, staying up-to-date with the latest technology trends is essential. Read books, listen to podcasts, and attend conferences and seminars to stay ahead of the game.
Keep an eye on machine learning and artificial intelligence development, as well as new developments in data analytics and visualization.
4. Create an impressive resume
Having an impressive resume is essential for landing a job as a digital business analyst. Make sure you emphasize the following skills:
- problem-solving
- data analysis
- communication
- project management
Remember to include any certifications or awards you have earned in the field.
5. Network and find job opportunities
Building a network is key to finding a digital business analyst role. Attend organization events, join relevant LinkedIn groups to connect with other professionals in the field, and use social media to promote yourself.
You can also look for job openings on job boards or contact companies directly. Don’t forget to use your network as a resource when searching for openings.
Digital business analysts are highly sought after in today’s job market. If you have the right qualifications and experience, you can pursue a successful career as a DBA!
Work in StarTechUP!
If you want to take your digital business analyst career to the next level, join our team at StarTechUP!
We are a software development firm that provides innovative solutions to help businesses reach their goals. Our team is made up of DBA experts who are passionate about digital transformation and can help you develop your skills as a digital business analyst.
Send us your resume and join the exciting world of digital business analysis! We look forward to hearing from you.
