What Even Is a Business Analyst (BA), and Why It’s Cooler Than It Sounds
Image co-created with ChatGPT.
One evening, mid-scroll on their phones, my daughter (13) looked up and asked, “Dad, what do you even do at work?”My son (16) chimed in with, “Yeah, fr. You’re always on calls, typing like crazy, and moving sticky notes around… but what’s your actual job?”
I paused my own screen (yes, I was watching YouTube), looked at them, and said: “Alright, let me tell you the story of what I really do”
Lowkey, y’all act like I said I’m the CEO of Boredom Inc. Like, “Okay boomer, sounds mid.” (Translation for non-Gen Alpha’s : Honestly, it seems like you think my job sounds super boring — like I just said I’m in charge of the most unexciting company ever. You’re probably thinking, “Okay, that sounds kind of lame.”)
But real talk — it’s actually kinda fire. So let me break it down without the cringe buzzwords. Being a BA is like mixing detective mode, translator vibes, and big-brain problem-solving energy all in one.
Think of a Business Analyst (BA) as a translator, detective, and problem-solver all rolled into one. Basically, I help people in companies figure out what they need, why they need it, and how to make it happen — especially when it involves tech. No, I don’t write code (though I work with people who do). And no, I don’t sell stuff (but I make sure what’s being sold makes sense).
Imagine this: Let’s say your school wanted to build a new app to track assignments, chat with teachers, and remind you when stuff is due. You know how students and teachers always want different things? One wants emojis and color themes, the other wants grade tracking and due dates?
Well, the school needs someone who can talk to everyone, understand what’s needed, and then turn all those ideas into one clear, smart plan that tech people can actually build. That’s me — I’d be the BA.
So what do I actually do?
Listen like a detective: I ask questions and dig deep to find out the real problem. Like, if people say “this app sucks,” I don’t just nod — I ask why, what exactly, and what would make it better.
Connect the dots: I spot patterns. Like if teachers want fewer emails and students want quicker answers, I might suggest a real-time dashboard. Boom — win-win.
Speak human and tech: I talk to both business people (who say things like “optimize revenue”) and developers (who say things like “API integration”). I translate between them like a bilingual pro.
Bring the data: I use info and numbers to back up ideas. “70% of students missed a deadline? Time for smart reminders.”
Make things better: I don’t just fix broken stuff. I help build new tools and ideas that actually work — things people want to use.
Why should you care?
Because this job is all about understanding people, solving problems, and making cool things happen. You like tech? Perfect. You love talking with people? Even better. You like organizing chaos into something that makes sense? That’s literally what a BA does.
In a world full of apps, AI, and digital everything, BAs make sure the right stuff gets built — not just flashy stuff, but stuff that actually helps.
So next time someone hits you with “What does your parent even do?” just drop this:
“They’re a BA — kind of like a real-life mission planner. They vibe with people, figure out what’s actually needed, and stop tech teams from building random stuff no one wanted. Basically, the project detective keeping chaos in check.”
So… you ever wanna squad up and give it a go? I’ve got sticky notes, whiteboards, and a never-ending list of juicy problems to solve. Ready to build something cool?
