A junior business analyst typically has duties that revolve around improving a company's interpretation of its customers' needs and how it can meet them. These analysts may work on their own or as assistants to senior business analysts by gathering, documenting, organizing and preparing reports. Many times, the junior analyst acts as the liaison between the employer and third-party vendors contracted with the company. As companies change to better meet their clients' needs, this employee will assess and analyze any business problems.
Specific job duties may vary between employers, and some may even have specific positions within business analysis with different duties. Laws governing the junior business analyst role may also differ from region to region. People who are interested in the position should fully understand job expectations from the employer and laws of the local government. For this reason, business law is not an uncommon subject for an aspiring business analyst to study.
Generally, employers look for applicants with a bachelor's degree from an accredited school or equivalent experience. There is not a set path to becoming a junior business analyst, and some individuals come from technology, business and marketing backgrounds. The background, skills and experience required for the position may vary between employers and their specific needs. Usually, a firm understanding of business strategy, technology applications and some marketing is a minimum requirement for the position.
Successful business analysts typically are able to stay current with movements or trends in the business world. To do this, they may study these trends throughout their career and perhaps network with other analysts to take advantage of seminars and conferences. Certain job functions in different areas may require this business professional to obtain proper licensing. Some of these licenses require renewal fees and periodic retesting to stay current.
With some larger firms, a junior business analyst works under the supervision and training of a senior analyst. These situations may allow the junior analyst to be promoted once certain criteria are met. Other employers that do not have senior analysts may simply hire an employee on a temporary basis or remove the "junior" from the title once the analyst has finished the training and evaluation period. These titles are typically considered high positions within a company, and many times, they provide the analysts with private offices.