What is a Business Analyst at ComEd?

As a Business Analyst at ComEd, you occupy a pivotal role at the intersection of operational excellence and data-driven strategy. ComEd is responsible for delivering electricity to approximately 4 million customers across Northern Illinois, and the Business Analyst is the engine that ensures this massive infrastructure operates efficiently. You are not just analyzing numbers; you are translating complex operational data into actionable insights that improve grid reliability, enhance customer experience, and drive the clean energy transition.

The impact of this position is felt across the entire organization, from field operations to executive decision-making. You will likely work within specialized teams focused on areas such as smart grid technology, regulatory compliance, or large-scale capital projects. By identifying bottlenecks and proposing data-backed solutions, you help ComEd navigate the complexities of a highly regulated industry while maintaining its commitment to safety and innovation.

This role is particularly critical as ComEd continues to modernize the electric grid. You will be expected to handle high-stakes problem-solving and manage diverse stakeholder interests. Whether you are optimizing resource allocation for storm response or analyzing the performance of renewable energy integrations, your work ensures that ComEd remains a leader in the utility sector.

Common Interview Questions

The following questions represent the patterns observed in ComEd interviews. They are designed to test your resilience, your methodology, and your fit within the company culture.

Behavioral and Leadership (STAR Focus)

These questions test how you behave in professional settings and your alignment with ComEd values.

• Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult coworker. How did you manage the relationship?
• Describe a situation where you took the lead on a project without being asked.
• Give an example of a time you had to explain a complex technical concept to a non-technical audience.
• Tell me about a time you made a mistake at work. How did you fix it and what did you learn?
• Describe a project where you had to manage competing priorities from different stakeholders.

Analytical and Problem-Solving

These questions evaluate your logical thinking and your approach to data challenges.

• Walk me through a time you found an error in a report after it was already sent out.
• How do you ensure the accuracy of your data when working with multiple sources?
• Tell me about a time you used data to identify a problem that no one else had noticed.
• Describe a process you improved. What were the steps you took and what was the result?
• How do you handle a situation where the data you have is incomplete or "dirty"?

Personality and Culture Fit

These questions help the hiring manager see the person behind the professional qualifications.

• What are your hobbies outside of work?
• What motivates you to work in the utility industry specifically?
• How do you stay organized when you have a high volume of tasks?
• What kind of work environment do you thrive in?

Getting Ready for Your Interviews

Preparation for a Business Analyst role at ComEd requires a dual focus: technical proficiency and behavioral storytelling. The interviewers are looking for candidates who can not only perform complex analysis but also communicate the "why" behind their findings to non-technical stakeholders. You should approach your preparation by mapping your past experiences to the core values of safety, integrity, and customer service that define the Exelon family of companies.

Role-Related Knowledge – This involves your ability to use analytical tools to solve business problems. Interviewers at ComEd evaluate your proficiency with data manipulation, reporting, and your understanding of utility-specific metrics. You can demonstrate strength here by discussing specific tools you have used to drive efficiency or reduce costs in previous roles.

Problem-Solving Ability – You will be tested on how you approach ambiguity and structure your thoughts. ComEd values a logical, step-by-step methodology when tackling operational challenges. To succeed, you must show that you can break down a large problem into manageable components and prioritize tasks based on business impact.

The STAR Method – This is the most critical component of the ComEd interview process. Every behavioral question is an opportunity to use the Situation, Task, Action, and Result framework. Interviewers look for very specific, detailed examples of your work; vague answers are often the primary reason candidates do not move forward.

Culture Fit and Personality – Beyond your resume, ComEd wants to know who you are as a colleague. They often ask about hobbies or interests outside of work to assess how you will integrate into the team. Being authentic and showing a well-rounded personality is just as important as your technical skills.

Interview Process Overview

The interview process at ComEd is designed to be rigorous but transparent, focusing heavily on consistency across candidates. It typically begins with a recruiter screen to verify your background and interest in the utility sector. Following this, the process moves quickly into more substantive evaluations involving hiring managers and potential peers.

Expect a process that emphasizes structured behavioral interviewing. ComEd relies on a panel-style format where multiple interviewers may take turns asking questions. This approach ensures a fair evaluation but requires you to maintain high energy and engagement throughout the session. The pace is generally steady, with clear communication from the recruiting team regarding next steps.

What makes the ComEd process distinctive is the unwavering commitment to the STAR method. Unlike some tech companies that may favor abstract brain teasers, ComEd is rooted in practical, real-world experience. They want to hear about what you have actually done, how you handled pressure, and how you contributed to a team environment.

The visual timeline above illustrates the standard progression from the initial recruiter touchpoint to the final hiring decision. You will notice that the middle stages are the most intensive, often involving a 3-round structure that tests both your technical aptitude and your behavioral alignment. Candidates should use this timeline to pace their preparation, ensuring they have a deep library of STAR stories ready for the hiring manager and HR rounds.

Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

Behavioral Excellence (The STAR Core)

This is the heartbeat of the ComEd interview. Because the utility industry is built on safety and reliability, interviewers need to know that you are dependable and can follow structured processes. They evaluate how you have handled conflict, managed tight deadlines, and navigated workplace ambiguity in the past.

Be ready to go over:

• Conflict Resolution – How you handle disagreements with stakeholders or team members.
• Adaptability – Examples of when a project scope changed and how you pivoted.
• Attention to Detail – Instances where your precision prevented a significant error.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Tell me about a time you had to complete a project with very little direction."
• "Describe a situation where you had to convince a stakeholder to change their mind using data."
• "Give an example of a time you failed to meet a deadline and how you handled the fallout."

Analytical and Technical Proficiency

As a Business Analyst, your ability to transform raw data into a narrative is essential. ComEd looks for candidates who can demonstrate a high level of comfort with data sets and reporting tools. While the specific software may vary by team, the underlying logic of data integrity and insightful reporting remains constant.

Be ready to go over:

• Data Tooling – Your experience with Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables), SQL, or visualization tools like Tableau/Power BI.
• Process Mapping – How you document and improve existing business workflows.
• Requirement Gathering – Your method for working with stakeholders to define what a project actually needs to achieve.

Advanced concepts (less common):

• Predictive modeling for load forecasting.
• Regulatory reporting frameworks.
• Financial modeling for capital expenditure (CAPEX).

Stakeholder Management and Communication

In a large organization like ComEd, a Business Analyst acts as a bridge between different departments. You must be able to explain technical findings to non-technical audiences, such as field supervisors or regulatory bodies. Strong performance in this area looks like clear, jargon-free communication and an ability to build rapport quickly.

Be ready to go over:

• Presentation Skills – How you structure a deck or a report for leadership.
• Cross-functional Collaboration – Working with IT, Engineering, and Finance teams.
• Influencing without Authority – Getting buy-in from people who do not report to you.

Key Responsibilities

The day-to-day life of a Business Analyst at ComEd is dynamic and data-centric. You are responsible for monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) that reflect the health of the utility's operations. This involves pulling data from various internal systems, cleaning it, and performing deep-dive analyses to identify trends or anomalies. You will spend a significant portion of your time creating reports that help leadership understand operational efficiency and financial performance.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of this role. You will frequently meet with project managers and department heads to gather requirements for new initiatives. For example, if ComEd is launching a new energy-saving program for residential customers, you will be the one defining how success is measured and ensuring the data collection process is robust. You act as a consultant to the business, providing the evidence needed to make informed decisions.

Beyond routine reporting, you will drive continuous improvement projects. This might include automating a manual data entry process or redesigning a workflow to reduce the time it takes to process customer requests. Your goal is to make ComEd more agile and responsive through the smart application of data and process logic.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

To be competitive for a Business Analyst or Sr Business Analyst position at ComEd, you must demonstrate a blend of analytical rigor and professional maturity. The following qualifications are standard for these roles:

• Technical Skills – Expert-level proficiency in Microsoft Excel is mandatory. Experience with SQL for data extraction and Tableau or Power BI for visualization is highly preferred. Familiarity with ERP systems (like SAP) is a significant advantage in the utility sector.
• Experience Level – For a standard analyst role, 2–4 years of experience is typical. For a Sr Business Analyst, ComEd generally looks for 5–8 years of experience with a proven track record of leading complex projects.
• Soft Skills – Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are non-negotiable. You must be comfortable presenting to various levels of management and handling "difficult" questions about your data.

Must-have skills:

• Mastery of the STAR method for behavioral interviewing.
• Strong quantitative background (Finance, Economics, Engineering, or Business).
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Nice-to-have skills:

• Prior experience in the Energy or Utility industry.
• Certification in Project Management (PMP) or Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt).
• Advanced degree (MBA or Master’s in Data Analytics).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How difficult is the Business Analyst interview at ComEd? The interview is generally rated as average to difficult. The difficulty stems not from "trick" questions, but from the requirement for extreme specificity. If you cannot provide detailed, real-world examples using the STAR method, the interview will feel very challenging.

Q: How long does the preparation typically take? Most successful candidates spend 10–15 hours preparing. This includes researching ComEd’s recent initiatives, refining at least 10–12 unique STAR stories, and practicing their technical explanations.

Q: What is the culture like for Business Analysts at ComEd? The culture is professional, safety-conscious, and collaborative. Because ComEd is a utility, there is a strong emphasis on reliability and following established procedures, but there is also a growing push for innovation and modernization.

Q: Does ComEd offer remote or hybrid work for this role? Most Business Analyst roles at the Oak Brook or Chicago offices follow a hybrid model. However, specific expectations vary by team and seniority level, so it is best to clarify this with your recruiter early in the process.

Other General Tips

• Research the Grid: Familiarize yourself with ComEd’s "Grid of the Future" initiatives. Mentioning specific company goals, like their commitment to 100% clean energy by 2050, shows high intent and alignment.
• Bring Multiple Situations: Do not rely on the same two stories for every question. Have a diverse "story bank" that covers different skills: leadership, technical failure, stakeholder conflict, and data wins.
• Be Specific About Results: When concluding a STAR answer, use numbers. Instead of saying "I improved the process," say "I reduced report generation time by 15%, saving the team 10 hours per week."
• Ask Strategic Questions: At the end of the interview, ask about the team's biggest data challenges or how the role contributes to ComEd's long-term strategic goals.

Summary & Next Steps

Securing a Business Analyst position at ComEd is a significant career milestone that places you at the heart of the energy industry's transformation. The role offers a unique blend of stability and innovation, providing the opportunity to work on large-scale projects that impact millions of lives. By mastering the STAR method and demonstrating a deep understanding of analytical workflows, you can distinguish yourself as a top-tier candidate.

Your preparation should now focus on refining your personal narrative. Ensure that every story you tell highlights your proactive nature and your ability to deliver measurable results. ComEd is looking for analysts who are not just "order takers" but strategic partners who can help the business evolve.

Focused preparation is the key to confidence. By following the structures outlined in this guide and practicing your delivery, you will be well-positioned to succeed. For more insights and to compare your experience with other candidates, you can explore additional resources on Dataford.

The salary range for a Sr Business Analyst at ComEd typically falls between $80,000 and$120,000, depending on experience and location. This range reflects the high value ComEd places on senior-level analytical talent. Candidates should interpret this data as a benchmark for negotiations, keeping in mind that Exelon also provides a comprehensive benefits package, including performance bonuses and retirement contributions.