Business Analyst-32198

The Business Analyst at Harvard Companies is tasked with a number of vital responsibilities. Primarily, you will facilitate sessions to gather business requirements, conduct research on AI applications, and evaluate AI solutions to ensure they align with strategic goals. Additionally, the role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to translate findings into actionable initiatives, documenting requirements, supporting pilot tests of AI solutions, and communicating progress through presentations.

To be considered for the Business Analyst role at Harvard Companies, you should have a Bachelor’s degree in business, computer science, data science, engineering, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in business analysis, along with at least 1-2 years supporting AI/ML technologies, is required. Applicants should also have foundational knowledge of AI concepts and familiarity with tools like JIRA and Microsoft Visio.

The Business Analyst plays a crucial role in advancing AI initiatives at Harvard Companies by conducting market research on AI trends, evaluating use cases for implementation, and drafting business cases to gain executive approval. This position is centered around driving impactful AI solutions across various departments, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and value creation.

At Harvard Companies, the culture is deeply rooted in our People First core value, which emphasizes respect and diversity. Business Analysts enjoy a collaborative environment where their contributions are recognized and appreciated. The organizational structure promotes open communication and empowers you to take initiative, ensuring that your insights and efforts lead to meaningful change within the company.

Essential tools for a Business Analyst at Harvard Companies include Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, and JIRA. Key skills include strong analytical abilities, proficiency in requirements elicitation, workflow analysis, and the capability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Additionally, being bilingual in English and Spanish can be a valuable asset in this role.

In answering this question, discuss specific projects where you facilitated requirements gathering sessions, developed detailed process maps, and identified areas for improvement. Highlight the methods you used to analyze data and how your insights led to operational enhancements.

Outline your approach to evaluating AI solutions, such as conducting feasibility studies, assessing ROI, and comparing different vendors. Be prepared to provide examples of how you've previously gathered data to support decision-making in your analysis.

Provide examples of how you tailor your communication style to fit your audience, ensuring that technical details are conveyed clearly to non-technical stakeholders. Highlight your experience in facilitating workshops and meetings that engage diverse participants.

Share a specific instance where you facilitated a discovery session, detailing how you prepared for it, the stakeholders you involved, and the outcomes achieved. Focus on your ability to gather input and maintain engagement throughout the process.

Discuss your proficiency with tools such as JIRA and Confluence, emphasizing how you have used them to manage projects, document requirements, and collaborate with teams. Provide examples of how these tools improved your workflow and contributed to project success.

Explain the methods you utilize to stay informed about AI trends, such as attending industry conferences, participating in webinars, and following relevant publications. Share your motivation for continuous learning in the evolving landscape of AI applications.

Reflect on a specific challenge, describing the context, how you approached the problem, the solutions you implemented, and the ultimate results. Focus on what you learned from the experience and how it improved your skills.

Discuss the various techniques you employ for process mapping, such as flowcharts, swimlane diagrams, or value stream mapping. Offer examples of how these techniques facilitated understanding and improvement of business processes.

Outline your methods for prioritizing requirements, perhaps using criteria such as business value, stakeholder needs, and resource availability. Provide an example of a scenario where you effectively managed competing priorities.

Share your insights on how AI can enhance business analysis efforts, from automating manual tasks to improving data analysis capabilities. Offer your perspective on the potential for AI to transform decision-making processes in organizations.