Hi Superfly,
First of all, to be fair, graduating magna-cum-laude and taking a couple courses does not necessarily automatically qualify you for any specific position. What most employers look for is "proof" aka enough information which gives them the confidence that you can do the work. BTW: I'm not saying that you are not qualified to do the work - just that education in itself does not necessarily take you there. It is however a step in the right direction.
I have a couple of questions for you:
- What are your goals? What do you want to do professionally?
- What did you do before 2005/2006? Do you have transferable skills such as management, leadership, etc. which might help you land your next job?
- What is your passion? What makes you get out of bed every morning?
Having said that, here are some thoughts for your:
- If you want to be a business analyst then learn all you can about the profession! Read books, read articles, participate in your local IIBA chapter, go to BA seminars, take some courses specific to business analysis. The bottom line is that if all you got is training and education that at least you want to have a good variety of it.
- You might consider being an independent contractor and working with a headhunter/recruiter to help you find possible jobs.
- I'm assuming that you've made a career change by going back to school, so make sure you update your resume accordingly. If you have indeed changed careers you should create a "functional resume" where you focus on your transferable skills and recent education rather than on past work experience.
- Don't give up!
- Adrian