Question 1

What hard/technical skills are most important for Business Planning Analysts?

Accepted Answer

Technically, there are many hard skills to acquire as a business planning analyst. To name just a few: database querying languages, statistical analysis software, data visualization, data mining, and programming skills will all be helpful to develop if you are interested in being a business analyst. Some of these can be learned on the job, but if you are able to obtain certifications or working knowledge prior to applying, this will help you stand out.

Question 2

What skills stand out on Business Planning Analyst resumes?

Accepted Answer

Skills that stand out on a resume for a business analyst position are critical thinking/problem-solving ability and experience, analytical skills, and communication skills. Experience working with clients or on a group project is one way to highlight your communication abilities. Analysts not only have to research and analyze information but also communicate their solutions clearly and in a digestible fashion. When you have internships, academic projects, or client work experience, highlighting this on your resume for these positions can help you stand out.

Question 3

What skills will help Business Planning Analysts earn the most?

Accepted Answer

Skills that will help you earn the most are hard to pin down. A combination of the soft and hard skills outlined will help you provide enormous value to an organization. Whether you earn the most is dependent on location, company size, industry, etc. It is also up to how you perform when you are on the job and your ability to grow within the organization. Those with more experience will usually earn more. Negotiation skills may help you in the salary negotiation process to ultimately present your value to the organization and hopefully earn the most that the company can offer for the position.

Question 4

What soft skills should all Business Planning Analysts possess?

Accepted Answer

I will reiterate communication as a soft skill to lean into as an analyst. Within that space comes excellent listening skills, negotiation skills, and change management exposure. Additionally, integrity and curiosity are two soft skills to develop. These are not as easily demonstrated on a resume, but as an analyst, it is important to hold yourself to high moral standards, respect others, be reliable and trustworthy, hold yourself accountable, and remain curious- approaching work as a life-long learning opportunity. Enthusiasm and interest in studying and analyzing data and financial information to ultimately provide solutions to problems that help companies adapt and change are important for you to feel fulfilled in this role and to do a good job!

Frequently asked questions about business planning analysts

Questions about business planning analyst skills

What hard/technical skills are most important for Business Planning Analysts?

What skills stand out on Business Planning Analyst resumes?

What skills will help Business Planning Analysts earn the most?

What soft skills should all Business Planning Analysts possess?