Reader question:
What kind of MBA specialization should I go for to become a Business Analyst in IT industry?
Michelle’s response:
I want you to think about what you really want. If you truly want to be a BA in IT – are you already a BA? If you are, then do you have an IT background? Going to school full time and working full time is a challenge and a good one. It causes you to balance your life in many ways. I would choose to do an IT MBA. Lots of universities are offering this specialization. If you have interests in other areas of business, you can also choose to focus on those interests. A Project Management MBA is a great choice too. This would serve you well in your career.
If you are not a business analyst and you are wanting to become one in the IT industry, I would suggest a different course of action. What is your experience in IT? Do you have a solid background? Then I would study the BABOK and focus on expanding your knowledge in business analysis. You might also read Doug Goldberg’s thoughts on what BA training can help you land your first BA job .
Just my thoughts!
How about you? How would you answer this reader’s question?
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By Michelle Swoboda. I am totally passionate about business analysis. I have always loved my work - however when I found this role - I felt like I was home. I have been a BA for 12 years. I have had many roles - project manager, business process analyst, team lead, business analyst - all that I love! I enjoy mentoring people and love to coach and hold webinars to train people. I live in Alberta, Canada with my wonderful husband and three West Highland White Terriers. View more blog posts by Michelle Swoboda |
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{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
I like where your line of thinking is coming from – evaluating your long-term goals is also important. Do you want to stay in a BA role long-term, or do you have aspirations of management roles or trying a different role in a company in another division? I am getting ready to start my MBA program and have been pondering the same question. The conclusion that I came to was that while I have a background in IT and I love what I do, I don’t want to be limited to IT long-term. IT MBAs can be narrowly focused – at least the ones I’ve researched. To keep my options open, I’m planning on a degree with two focus areas – Marketing & International Business. Marketing is important in any role – you always have to “sell” something whether it’s a new process or a product. International Business is important to my career path but it’s also something that would benefit me whether I stay in IT or not.
Good luck with whichever path you decide and congratulations on your decision to go back! The hard work will be worth it!
Jenni – I love your focus and your specializations. Good for you, that will compliment your BA role. Follow your passion and you will get where you want to go. I appreciate the comments. Michelle
I have 4 years of experience in BPO industry and want to become BA. I have done BSc(MPC). Should I do MBA in finance or IT ? Please advise.
Hi Shekar, I would do the the MBA for you – what is it that you are interested in? Does finance interest you? or IT or Project Management or some other specialty? If you folow your passion – you will enjoy the time in school and you will love applying it in your career. Remember that an MBA degree does not get you into the field of business analysis – have you explored any courses regarding this field?
Hi,
I’m currently working in IT industry. I have total 4 years of experience in this industry. I’m planning to do a full time MBA after which I want to return to the same industry but in management roles. Can anyone suggest me what specialisation would be the best option for me.
Thanks
Hi John, if you want to move into management then I would focus on what can help you be a manager. You could do a full IT MBA with a specialization in human resources. That would strengthen your skills and your resume.
Hi,
I’ve just started my MBA. I want to work as a BA (Business Analyst ) .Can you suggest me what specialization should I take ?? I’m interested in Marketing but I’m also flexible with finance ( if needed). so, which one should I chose ??
Arna, thank you for writing. Is there a possibility to specialize in both – a double? If not – it sounds like you are interested in Marketing more than Finance, just from your wording. Which holds your passion?
Thank you for the reply.
well, studying marketing is good. This concept is more clear as i did specialization in marketing at my graduation . On other hand, finance is also a very interesting field with practical works. Here my doubt comes ! My institution doesn’t provide dual specialization. On one hand ,I’m interested in marketing but not willing to do field work like going around market,selling products etc. (as I’ve heard that marketing career starts with sales). That’s why I am confused. On other hand, I like finance but I’m not good in every part of finance (specially , I don’t get interest on trading,securities etc. parts) .. What should I do??
Hi Arna, are you going to pursue being a BA? If you are then you would not be doing marketing – you would be a business analyst in this field with a great deal of knowledge on marketing. Part of my MBA was in marketing and I loved it.
I am also hearing you like finance – and there are a lot of companies out there who need BAs with a finance background or specialty. Is it perhaps that you really have not found what you love? What other specialties are offered with your MBA? IT? Project Management?
yes , IT is there. PM also.. but thank you. I got my answer from your words.
.. Its not that I’ve not found.. Its just like that I’m in love with both .. Perhaps, I’ll take marketing only (as you said that it deals with knowledge ,not doing only marketing ) . and I told you before that I’m familiar with marketing concept ,so i think taking marketing specialization will be benefited for me, right?
Thank you very much for your supportive words.
Arna, you are very welcome. I know you will be awesome in all that you do!! Keep in touch and let us know how your MBA goes.
HI I HAVE DONE MS IN ELECTRONICS AND WORKING IN GOOD COMPANY IN ELECTRONICS FOR 3 YRS, I AM ALWAYS INTERESTED IN MBA THAN TECHINICAL, I AM CALM PERSON BUT HAVE A VERY GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS, WANT TO DO MBA BUT WHICH AREA TO SPECIALIZE
Sure , I will .
By the way, thank you very much once again for your support & belief . I will try my best to achieve the best .
Hi Sandya, I would read my article above – what are you interested in/passionate about and follow that. Also consider what can help your career – what do you want to accomplish.
Just ran across a “competency based” MBA, with or without an I.T. specialization.
http://www.wgu.edu/wgu/prog_guide/MBA_ITM.pdf
I am currently working as Recruiter in a Staffing company.. i am doing PGDM from AIMA affiliated College..i want to make my career as Business Analyst. please advise me the specialization to opt … thank you.
Hello Karthik,
The focus on management that a PGDM gives you is excellent. Is there a specialization in human resources that would be an option for you? Tom’s link above regarding a competency based MBA is a great idea too.
Are you planning to stay in HR? Is that your passion? Where do you see your career in the next three years?
Hi Michelle,
Yes, we have HR specialization in PGDM. I am interested in HRM.but my more interest is on Business Analyst.well currently i am under going Tanning session in my organization in GAP analysis, GDP reports. and i am planning to learn SAP.. I am very much confused now. to which specialization to opt. But i am more interested in going for Business Analyst.
Hi Karthik,
So a business analyst works in many fields with many specializations. My background is banking, telecommunication, wireless, utilities, manufacturing, IT. I do not have an HR background such as you.
So while you are in the HR field – there are many business analysis opportunities. I will ask you again – what field are you passionate about? If you follow what you love – you will love your job as a BA.
If you can’t afford the money or time for an MBA you can always take a “Mini-MBA”. It is shorter, cheaper and non-credit. Many B-schools offer this. You can also get such a course from: http://www.ed2go.com
Tom M.
Hi
Im MBA in finance and I want to build my career as BA. So what do i need to do to become a BA. I just have basic IT skills, good typing skills and finance im strong in Investment banking. Please advice.
Hi Shivan, In order to become a business analyst – you need to learn the tools and skills of a BA. I would start here: read the IIBA website, obtain a copy of the BABOK (BA Body of Knowledge).
Laura’s BA courses are a great place to start, the link is at the top of the page under courses. You would also want to read about Laura’s journey for the CBAP designation. Taking this exam means that you know the BABOK and are able to understand the methods used by BAs.
You could also find a mentor – many places offer mentoring services – such as BA Mentor.
Hi Michelle,
Many thanks for the info, Im from India, I hv three years of experience in investment banking. I dont know anything in IT but heard that one should have six years of experience. Is that true and also tell me can I join any course? If yes please advise me on the same.
Hi Shivan,
I didn’t have any background in IT when I became a BA. I believe you will hear a few stories like this. The BA community was not well formed, or really even structured.
You can register for any of Laura’s courses at any time. They are an amazing place to start. If you choose to study and then write the CBAP exam, you can do that too. You must understand the concepts of the BABOK.
Let us all know how you are doing!
Hi Michelle,
Many thanks for your suggestions, I will work towards it and keep updating you on the same.
Hi Michelle,
I have about 3.5 years of IT experience. I was initially a Software Developer and then moved into Resource Management and worked as Resourcing and Staffing Executive for the last 1 year of my professional experience.
I want to pursue MBA in IT Management.
Please let me know what positions i would be suitable for post MBA in IT. (BA, Project Manager, Pre-sales). I mean what would be the correct progression from my current work profile.
Also,let me know if i would like to become a BA post MBA and this experience of Resource Management would be of any use?
Regards,
Rahul
Hi Rahul, any experience that you have from your current positions and previous positions will assist you. If you want to become a Project Manager, most companies require the PMP designation – so let me ask you this – do you want to be a PM? With an MBA in IT Management – you could do anything you want. You could be a business analyst, a project manager, an IT manager of resources (people and projects), you could move into HR, you could become a software development manager. The sky is the limit. Good for you – I hope you enjoy your MBA as much as I did mine.