I’ve had the chance to interview numerous candidates for business analyst positions and there is one question I like to ask every one of them:

“What do you do to increase your skills and value as a Business Analyst?”

Obviously, I’m not looking to get a specific answer as each business analyst has different background and different goals.

What I’m looking for are those analysts who have a passion for their career and who are constantly seeking to improve their skills and the value they bring to the project or organization.

Sadly, very few candidates answer this question to my liking. Most folks out there expect somebody else to take care of them: my co-worker is supposed to mentor me, the boss is supposed to train me, the project manager needs to give me clear instructions, the recruiter should revise my resume, etc…

You don’t want to be one of them… that’s not a trait of a business analyst!

So what should you, the Business Analyst, do in 2009 to improve your value and skills?

Well, there isn’t only one answer – it’s ultimately up to you to decide – but here are some ideas:

• Read a new book (here’s a new one: Seven Steps to Mastering Business Analysis)
• Offer to mentor and coach a more junior business analyst on your project or in your organization.
• Become actively involved in your profession. If you’re reading this then you already stumbled upon ModernAnalyst.com (which is awesome). Now consider contributing your experience, thoughts, and view though blogs, forum posts, or articles.
• Attend a course, workshop, or event related to business analysis.
• Learn a new tool or technique (see: Getting It Right: Business Requirement Analysis Tools and Techniques) and then create a presentation to teach others what you’ve learned.
• Attend a local IIBA Chapter meeting (get a list here).

Wishing you a Happy and Prosperous 2009!