So you are interested in becoming a business analyst or maybe you’ve just always thought it would be fun to get more involved in technology projects. If you are on the business side, but are thinking of a technology role, here are some signs you should give business analysis more than a fleeting glance:
1) You find yourself in meetings and like it. You always seem to sense when people are talking at each other but not communicating with each other. Bonus points if you find yourself in the middle of these conversations because you feel compelled to make them understand each other.
2) You like to write, especially a precise type of writing, and you are comfortable working independently at your computer for 2-3 hours at a time.
3) You always seem to find something wrong with a website or piece of software and ask yourself, why didn’t they think to handle that better? (Note: this attribute also makes for a good tester, but great BAs build quality into the requirements by asking these sorts of questions.)
4) You can handle tense situations but you don’t feel the need to be in the conflict. Helping people wade through different opinions and make informed decisions is one of the most important things a BA does.
5) You like to draw on the white board. Really, this is absolutely necessary. As a BA, you need to engage your stakeholders and nothing does this like a few scribbles on the wall or a napkin.
Still interested? Check out the next 5 signs that you should be a BA or further explore your career choice with the eBook guide titled How to Start a Business Analyst Career.
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By Laura (Brandau) Brandenburg. Laura Brandenburg is an independent business analyst consultant. She is passionate about the BA profession and is committed to contributing by supporting this blog as a forum for business analysts to build on each other's experiences. View more blog posts by Laura (Brandau) Brandenburg |
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I would add “You always seem to ask all the right questions to get people saying what they really mean.” I think you had that covered in points 1 & 4.
Good ba’s have an uncanny way of asking those questions.
Brilliant. I will reserve comment pending the “remaining signs”, except to say that I suspect that the ordering/ranking scheme is arbitrary and misleading.
Good list, and 5 very good reasons why this would not be the right field for me. But that is what makes the world interesting? Right?
Well said, Lorraine. Business analysis is definitely not for everyone. We each have our own passions and talents to bring to the world!
Point 5 raised a wry smile as I once interviewed a BA for a senior post and asked her to present something using a flipchart or wipeboard which she failed to do citing the reason “I dont like flip-charts” which was the point at which I decided not to employee her!
Thank you Laura for this post.
I am looking to become a BA and trying to gather as much as I can information related to the BA career. Your 5 signs gave me more confidence that I am heading toward the right direction.