Here’s an experiment: Pretend you’re taking a road trip. Would you be able to get to your destination on time without a GPS? For many, the answer is no. This task is similar to a business and its professional goals. Would a business be able to grow its customer base without knowing what those customers want? Can it create a yearly budget without knowing where its money goes? Can it hire without knowing if it needs more staff?
The answer to these questions can be determined with data and one professional who can provide this data is a management analyst. Sometimes executives look at their operations and realize they need help to ensure their company is running efficiently. This is the job of a management analyst. From payroll to budgeting, a management analyst reviews the operations of specific departments to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
It's common for management analysts to specialize in a specific area found in most industries like inventory, but they can also be called on to review a company’s overall structure, identifying redundancies and nonessential personnel.
Management analysts conduct extensive research, identifying and exploring potential solutions to productivity problems. Once this is complete, they present their findings and suggestions to company executives. During this presentation, they also make suggestions to ensure resources will be adequate in the future to ensure the company’s optimal performance.
While particular requirements for a management analyst vary, you can find this position in a variety of industries ranging from government organizations to investment companies. Common requirements include at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field as well as a year of specialized experience in a related area or department such as management, human resources or information technology. Having the Certified Management Consultant designation may also improve your appeal in the job market.