The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into business processes is sending ripples across organizations. As a business analyst, you may be wondering how these winds of change will impact your role. I’m here to provide some guidance on navigating this shifting landscape.
In my decade as a business analyst, I’ve witnessed my fair share of technological disruptions. But none have fundamentally altered the core of the profession quite like AI. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, I believe it presents new and exciting opportunities for us to elevate our skillsets.
The key is to embrace this change with an open mindset and a willingness to continuously learn. As the famous quote goes: “When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills.” Let’s start building our windmills!
The Data-Driven Business Analyst
One area that AI is clearly impacting is how we collect, process and analyze data. Business analysts have always interpreted data to derive insights. But we are now becoming true data strategists and scientists in our own right.
Advanced analytics powered by machine learning algorithms allow us to uncover correlations, patterns and trends that would have been impossible to detect manually. As stewards of this data, we must ensure it is accurate, relevant and properly governed through auditable processes.
This means expanding our skillsets to incorporate statistical analysis, data mining techniques, and even a basic grasp of data engineering pipelines. The business analyst of the future won’t just be a passive report-reader, but an active explorer seeking deeper intelligence.
Adapting our Toolkits
Just as our relationship with data is evolving due to AI, so too are our tried-and-tested methodologies. We can no longer rely solely on traditional approaches in a landscape where requirements shift rapidly.
Agile principles become even more critical with AI systems that iterate continuously based on user feedback. Being comfortable with constant change is a prerequisite. I’ve found that Design Thinking is also tremendously valuable in keeping the user front-and-center when developing AI solutions.
Rather than retrofitting existing processes, we must be bold and build new operating models from the ground up where AI is a central component. This gives us an opportunity to fix legacy inefficiencies and realign to business objectives.
Leveraging AI Capabilities
An obvious but vital responsibility is developing fluency in AI capabilities relevant to our domain. For customer-facing functions, that may mean understanding chatbots and recommendation engines. In operations, it could involve predictive maintenance and computer vision for quality control.
While we don’t need to become machine learning engineers, having knowledge of what these technologies can and cannot do will allow us to imagine possibilities and make informed trade-off decisions.
I always advise analysts to get hands-on experience with tools like Azure ML Studio, Amazon SageMaker and yes, even basic Excel machine learning add-ons! Knowing how models are built and deployed demystifies the process.
The Ethical Business Analyst
Of course, with great power comes great responsibility. AI systems demand heightened accountability regarding transparency, bias mitigation and integrity of decision-making.
As business analysts, we have a duty to proactively assess the ethical implications of how these technologies are applied rather than being passive implementers. I always ask myself: Who could be negatively impacted? What assumptions and biases exist? How would I feel if I was subject to this system?
Ensuring AI aligns to human values requires courageous conviction as much technical knowledge. We must be that advocate in the room prepared to challenge the status quo.
The Ever-Learning Analyst
Perhaps above all, the age of AI calls for a mindset of lifelong learning. The blistering pace of innovation means we must make continuous development a habit rather than an afterthought.
I make it a personal policy to dedicate at least one hour per week specifically to upskilling whether it’s taking an online course, reading academic papers or attending virtual seminars. Even small consistent efforts compound over time into new capabilities.
Cultivating connections with the data science community is hugely beneficial for learning. I’m amazed at how openly technical experts share their knowledge nowadays on platforms like Kaggle and Medium. A little curiosity goes a long way.
Of course, the best education often comes from hands-on practice. Finding opportunities to volunteer on AI projects – even prototyping tools oneself – is invaluable. In my experience, many companies are hungry for business-savvy people to help responsibly apply AI innovations. Putting up one’s hand is the first step.
The Winds of Change Herald A New Dawn
The winds of change brought by AI may seem turbulent at first but ultimately pave the way for progress. As business analysts, we have an unprecedented opportunity to expand the value we deliver by elevating existing strengths while developing new competencies.
Sure, we’ll make some missteps along the way. But that’s part and parcel of being an innovator unafraid of uncharted waters. In times of great uncertainty lies great opportunity. Wherever these winds may blow us next, I’m excited to build my windmill and harness their power!
I hope you’ve found these insights useful for navigating the evolving role of business analysts in the age of AI. What emerging capabilities are you looking to develop? I welcome hearing your perspectives and experiences.
Blog is written By Rashid Ahmed-Senior Business Analyst.
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tags: Artificial Intelligence, Ai, Dhaka Ai, Ai In Bangladesh, Ai In Dhaka, USA
