Career Forums

Hello Everyone,

I am truly impressed by this site where people are sharing information and guiding others.Keep it up,guys. I need some advice regarding working as a BA. I have a Business Systems degree .I have covered subjetcs like business process design,database design,project management,business analysis,etc.But,I haven't studied too many IT subjects.I have work experience in retail in customer service.I am finding it real tough to enter the BA sector or even the IT sector.I would really like some advice as to how should I go about moving from where I am presently into the BA position.What would be the best way to get a job considering my background?I know I may not be eligible for a BA/junior BA role right now.So,Is there an alternative path?Kindly feel free to advice.I would really appreciate everyone's opinions.Thanks so much.

Hello Adrian,

Thanks for the response. I have been waiting. Its been a pleasure to find someone,finally, to understand my point of view. Everyone else has been asking me to do more courses and get more education. Well, I have a Masters in Business Systems and a Bachelors in Electrical Engg.I have worked in the manufacturing sector for three years verifying customer requirements, understanding their needs, modifying the product, testing and post implementation reviews. This was an engineering/business role. I was managing a client and their requirements and at the same time looking up drawings and creating products.There has been no IT involved at this point. I am now in Retail in a customer service role. Apart from customer service, I am involved in processing stock, planning the stock layout, changing the store layout and some loss prevention measures. There are no BA roles in my workplace. The Masters degree is the one where I touched upon IT.The subjects were computer architecture,networks,information management,knowledge management,business process design,analysis,database design and operations management. I have used MS Visio, EXTEND simulation, ARIS, VENSIM and MS Project. So, I have been trying to get into a BA/Process Analyst role for more than a year now. But, I have been feeling there is hardly any entry level roles. I would really appreciate some tips as to how do I go about into getting into the three roles you have been kind enough to suggest. I have been going to recruitment agencies and they need experience for everything. Also, I didn't quite understand your last suggestion. Is it something to do with operations management?

Do suggest your opinions in detail if you can or some strategies that may help me into following my career path. Thanks again.

HaHa. Thanks,Tom, for you advice. I am not really keen on getting into engineering. I am trying to get into any role with an organisation where I can work in some role which can lead me later into the BA roles.But, it's tough to breakthrough. I appreciate your honesty.