Preparation should focus on demonstrating how your past experiences align with the specific operational needs of a large academic research environment. You must be prepared to articulate your analytical process and show that you can maintain composure under pressure.

Domain Expertise – You must demonstrate a deep understanding of how to apply information technology to solve business problems. Interviewers look for evidence that you have successfully managed the lifecycle of technology planning, from initial requirements gathering to final implementation.

Communication Proficiency – Because this role involves significant written and verbal correspondence, your ability to draft clear, professional, and empathetic responses is critical. You will be evaluated on your capacity to maintain positive customer relations while managing project constraints.

Strategic Alignment – Emory University values candidates who understand the broader context of their work. Be ready to discuss how your analytical work supports the university’s mission and how you balance the needs of individual departments with institutional standards.

The interview process at Emory University is designed to be thorough and multi-layered, reflecting the complexity of the organization. You should expect a rigorous assessment of both your technical capabilities and your soft skills, particularly your ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. The process typically begins with a screening phase, followed by a deeper dive into your experience through long-form interviews that involve multiple stakeholders from the department.

The duration of these interviews can be significant, often spanning several hours to ensure all facets of your professional background are explored. The culture here prioritizes consensus and thoughtful decision-making, so you should expect questions that probe your decision-making process and your resilience in collaborative environments.

This timeline illustrates the progression from initial screening to detailed, multi-person interviews. Candidates should plan for an intensive, high-stakes discussion during the later stages, where you will be expected to demonstrate your technical knowledge and your ability to fit into the department's culture. Ensure you are well-rested and prepared for a long-form interaction that covers various situational and technical scenarios.

Stakeholder Management

Your ability to manage, influence, and support stakeholders is paramount. You are expected to be the "voice of the customer" while keeping technical constraints in mind.

Be ready to go over:

• Conflict Resolution – Strategies for navigating disagreements between technical teams and end-users.
• Expectation Setting – How you communicate project timelines and manage delays.
• Relationship Building – Techniques for fostering long-term partnerships with department leaders.

Example scenarios:

• "Describe a time you had to deliver bad news to a stakeholder regarding a project timeline."
• "How do you handle a scenario where two departments have conflicting requirements for the same system?"

Technical Requirements Gathering

This is the core of the Business Analyst function. You must show a structured approach to mapping business needs to system capabilities.

Be ready to go over:

• Requirements Documentation – Your method for creating clear, actionable requirement specifications.
• Gap Analysis – How you identify where current systems fall short of business objectives.
• Technology Planning – Your approach to proposing new systems or upgrades.

Example scenarios:

• "Walk us through your process for gathering requirements from a department that isn't sure what they need."
• "How do you ensure that your documentation is accessible to both developers and business users?"

As a Business Analyst at Emory University, you will spend your time conducting deep dives into departmental workflows to see where technology can improve efficiency. You will act as an advocate for the user, ensuring that information systems are not just installed, but are actually supporting the day-to-day work of the School of Medicine or other assigned departments.

Your primary deliverables include detailed business requirement documents, technology project plans, and ongoing performance monitoring reports. You will frequently collaborate with IT teams, department heads, and administrative staff to ensure that projects are implemented on time and that they provide the expected business value.

A successful candidate for this role will demonstrate a proven track record of bridging the gap between business needs and IT solutions.

• Must-have skills:

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in planning and applying information technology to business functions.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on customer service.

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex business objectives into technical requirements.

• Proficiency in project management tools and documentation software.

• Nice-to-have skills:

• Experience in a higher education or research-intensive environment.

• Familiarity with the specific information systems utilized by Emory University.

• Advanced certification in business analysis or project management methodologies.

Q: How long should I expect the interview process to take? A: The process can be quite thorough, with interviews lasting several hours. Expect the entire cycle to take a few weeks from the initial screening to a final decision.

Q: Is a writing sample required? A: Yes, it is common for this role. You may be asked to provide a sample or complete an exercise to demonstrate how you handle customer service correspondence.

Q: What is the most important trait for a candidate to show? A: Beyond technical skills, the ability to communicate clearly and maintain a professional, service-oriented demeanor is what differentiates the top candidates at Emory University.

Q: Is the role remote? A: The role offers regular opportunities to work from home, but it is a hybrid position. You must be a resident of Georgia and be available to commute to campus as required by business needs.

• Prepare your writing: Since written correspondence is a key evaluation area, practice drafting clear, concise, and empathetic emails to hypothetical users.
• Focus on the "why": When discussing past projects, don't just list what you did; explain why those actions were necessary for the business objective.
• Research the department: Understand the specific challenges that might exist within the School of Medicine or the specific department you are interviewing for.
• Ask meaningful questions: At the end of your interview, ask questions about how the team measures success or how they handle cross-departmental collaboration.

The Business Analyst role at Emory University is an excellent opportunity to apply your analytical expertise within an environment dedicated to academic and research excellence. By focusing on your ability to translate business needs into technical requirements and demonstrating your commitment to high-quality communication, you will position yourself as a strong, capable candidate.

Preparation is your greatest asset. Review your past projects, refine your communication style, and ensure you are ready to discuss your analytical process in detail. You are encouraged to explore additional resources on Dataford to further refine your approach. With diligent preparation and a clear focus on the needs of the university, you are well-equipped to make a significant impact in this role.

The salary data provided reflects the broad range for this position at Emory University. Candidates should interpret these figures as a guideline, keeping in mind that actual offers are determined by individual experience, specific department budgets, and the seniority level of the role. Use this information to benchmark your expectations during the negotiation phase.