10 Common Misconceptions About Business Analysts

Business Analysts wear many hats — from problem solvers to data translators — but often, what people think we do doesn’t match what actually happens.

Today, I’m busting 10 common myths I’ve personally faced (and even believed myself at some point) on this journey from sales to analytics.


❌ Myth 1: Business Analysts only work with data

Truth: We also gather requirements, communicate with stakeholders, write user stories, and validate business needs. Data is just one piece of the puzzle.


❌ Myth 2: You need to be great at coding

Truth: While SQL and basic scripting help, coding isn’t mandatory. It’s more about asking the right questions and analyzing the answers.


❌ Myth 3: BAs and Data Analysts are the same

Truth: BAs focus on solving business problems, defining requirements, and enabling decisions. DAs often dig deep into data and statistical insights. There’s overlap, but distinct responsibilities.


❌ Myth 4: Tools > Thinking

Truth: Tools are just mediums. What truly matters is how you approach problems, communicate insights, and drive change.


❌ Myth 5: BAs just make documents

Truth: Documentation is a part of our role, not our entire job. We bridge gaps, align teams, and turn chaos into clarity.


❌ Myth 6: You need an MBA to become a BA

Truth: Nope! I switched from a sales role at upGrad to Business Analysis through continuous learning and real-world projects.


❌ Myth 7: BAs work alone

Truth: Collaboration is at the heart of what we do — we interact with devs, testers, stakeholders, product teams, and clients every day.


❌ Myth 8: It’s a boring desk job

Truth: Every day brings a new challenge — a new dataset to explore, a stakeholder to understand, or a process to improve.


❌ Myth 9: BAs don’t need domain knowledge

Truth: Understanding your industry adds huge value. At Swiggy, my knowledge of the gig economy and delivery models makes a big difference.


❌ Myth 10: Only experienced people can be BAs

Truth: Everyone starts somewhere. With curiosity, consistency, and communication skills — you can begin your journey too.


💡 Real Talk:

When I began, I had all these doubts. But experience taught me that Business Analysis is not just a job — it’s a mindset. One where clarity, communication, and curiosity are your strongest tools.


💬 Over to You:

Which myth did you believe before entering this field? Or which one are you still unsure about? Let’s clear the air in the comments 👇


📌 Next Up (Day 6): Business Analyst vs Data Analyst – What’s the Difference?


🔖

#BusinessAnalystMyths, #BusinessAnalysisTruths, #CareerSwitch, #AnalyticsWithSakshamPulak, #SakshamPulak, #BusinessAnalystLife, #FromSalesToData, #CareerGrowth


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Hi, I’m Saksham Verma, a passionate Business Analyst at Swiggy with a deep interest in turning raw data into meaningful stories and strategies.

With hands-on experience in SQL, Python, Power BI, Tableau, Excel, and Snowflake.

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