Hi,
I am a Business Systems Analyst by profession of many years and currently employed as a BSA. I am an immigrant to Canada for almost 5 years now. (Prior to this, I spent 3 years in the States for a computer science degree). English is not my native language. Generally I don't have problem in communicating with my coworkers, but I do have times that I don't know the better way to express myself or I don't get the clear message other peoples say. Sometimes during a meeting I feel embarrassed by asking too many questions. I know communicating is critical, especially as BSA. My question is considering my future career development, would English be the biggest barrier for me to get to highier position? Should I switch to a QA's position since that requires less talking with clients and might be easier for me to get to highier position like QA Manager in future?
Thanks in advance!
Irene
Hi Irene,
I'll start by saying that communication skills are very important for the business analyst role.
Having said that - if you have the true spirit of a BA you will pick up communication skills if you work at it. Based on your e-mail question you do have decent command of the written language. I have seen folks in business analyst positions which are in much worse shape.
I would suggest you don't give up but continue working on your communication skills anyway you can and you will become a great "business analyst".
Best regards,
- Adrian
I second Adrian's assessment - having good communication skills in the language of your co-workers is very important as a BA. Being able to convey information clearly both verbally and in writing is critical to ensuring that the people you are translating between (i.e. business and technology), advocating for and providing information to can understand what you are representing.
If you find it difficult at times to convey something, that's normal (even if English is your first language). I took French immersion and even at the peak of my depth in daily use (10 years in) I had to hunt for words at times and didn't always convey what I wanted in the proper form. I would highly recommend looking into ways to work on your skills. Toastmasters can be a great help, as they can work on both presentation and content of your conversations. Language lessons may or may not help - I tend to think that practical hands on experience is more beneficial. Look into if there are any 'conversation clubs' in your area - sometimes these pop up when people want to get together to practice a particular language together. Read, watch television (preferably something intellectually stimulating that uses sophisticated words) and talk to everyone you can. Over time, it will be come easier.
I'll concur with my two learned colleagues and add the following;
Earlier this year an Australian academic produced a report claiming that verbal communication skills are the greatest barrier to non english speakers practicing in the area they are trained in.
In the workplaces of most corporations' IT and project departments in Australia there is a strongly multicultural workforce. People typically do not mind having to deal with thick accents and are happy to help their peers if they have particular challenges with the language. People, at a day to day human interaction level, generally want to help you do well. It's the hirinng procss that provides the biggest challenge.
And of course the best way to overcome your concerns about your communication skilsl are to (a) practice, and (b) realise that you are probably much better than you think.
Follow Larimar's advice and check out Toastmasters. The featires thay can provide are opportunities to practice public speaking, and will even video or tape your speaking - which is a great way to hear what you really sound like (and generally we all hate hearing ourseleves the first time.)
Lastly; in the workplace; don't fear asking questions. It is your job and people will respect you if you ask. After all, it will be the unasked questions that cause the project to fail.
Good luck. You'll be fine.
Since I am Dutch, I am not a native English speaker either and I recognise the feeling that you are looking for words trying to express yourself. Anyway, it's my experience that when you have good knowledge of the subject, an accent should not hinder you in any way. Especially in multi-cultural organisations it's the content that counts most. Having said that, I would like to emphasise that there is a difference between 'language skills' and 'communication skills'. I know native speakers who can't communicate and non-native speakers that communicate very well, be it in their own language.
My advice, if it's only your accent of language skills you're worried about, keep on practising. You could attend a language course if you feel that would help. If it's about communicating in general (speaking to large audiences, effectively communicating to peers or management etc.) there are plenty of communication skills courses available you could attend. These would not only increase your knowledge, but also your confidence.
Good luck!
Frank
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