The Business Analyst in the Age of AI

Welcome

AI is changing how business analysis gets done. Some of that is exciting and some of it is unsettling. This course is built for BAs who want to stay useful, confident, and in control as the work shifts.

You do not need a technical background. You do not need to write code. You need curiosity, a few hours a week, and a willingness to try things on your own real work.

What this course is, and what it is not

It is a practical introduction to how a BA works with AI: what it is, what it is good at, where it goes wrong, and how to use it well.

It is not a deep technical course on how AI models are built. It is not tied to one tool. It will not tell you what jobs will exist in ten years, because nobody knows. What it will do is help you build skills that stay valuable whichever way things go.

Who it is for

Business analysts at any level:

• Newer BAs (0 to 3 years): you will get the foundations, and look for the "If you are newer" boxes.

• Experienced BAs: you already know the craft. Look for the "If you are experienced" boxes, which go further on judgement, leadership, and AI projects.

Everything else is for everyone.

What you will be able to do by the end

1. Explain in plain language what generative AI is, and what it can and cannot do.

2. Name the skills a BA needs now, and rate where you stand.

3. Write clear prompts and get better results through conversation.

4. Check AI output for errors, bias, and gaps before anyone relies on it.

5. Use AI across the BA workflow: elicitation, analysis, documentation, testing, and communication.

6. Ask the right questions when your team is building or buying an AI solution.

7. Use AI responsibly with confidential data, and know when to stop and ask.

8. Build a personal plan for the next 90 days.

How the course runs

Length: 4 weeks. Time: about 2 hours a week, which is two modules of about an hour each.

Week 1: The landscape

• Module 1: What is actually changing

• Module 2: The skills a BA needs now

Week 2: The core skills

• Module 3: Talking to AI

• Module 4: Checking AI's work

Week 3: AI in your daily work

• Module 5: AI across the BA workflow

• Module 6: Working on AI projects

Week 4: Using it well, and moving forward

• Module 7: Using AI responsibly

• Module 8: Your plan and capstone

What is in each module

• A short lesson

• A hands-on activity using your own work (never confidential material)

• Boxes for newer and experienced BAs

• A short quiz with answers

• A reflection question

• A quick feedback block, so you can tell us what worked and what did not

Before you start

You will need access to at least one AI chat assistant. Your company may provide one. Free versions of several tools exist too. The resource pack at the end lists options. Check your company's AI policy before you paste anything work-related into any tool. Module 7 explains why, but start with this habit now.

A note on feedback

This course is meant to improve. After each module there is a short feedback block. It takes two minutes. Your answers shape the next version, so please be honest, including when something was confusing or a waste of time.

Send feedback to: andybedford62@gmail.com