The Community Blog for Business Analysts

Bladimor - I was in your shoes not too long ago. For me the recipe that lead to success was a degree in information systems (the IT program within our school's college of business) with a dual emphasis in systems administration and business analysis. It may differ by organization, but within ours there are more BAs without a technical background than with one. Ive found it both helped me get to the role and within in it, having both knowledge and credibility in working with our technical teams and also in helping to not over-promise to our business partners. It also give me credibility on that side of the table as well. It comes in helpful in a lot of smaller ways as well...helping me identify non-functionals, etc. I did spend a couple years as a developer and had to force my way into the BA role in my organization, but I doubt I would be as successful today had I not had that experience.

What worked for me was having had some experience in the actual stakeholders shoes. I spent some time in different areas such as Planning, Purchasing, Shipping, Receiving, etc. This gave me the trust of the stakeholders once in a BA postition. They seem to value you more if you have had hands on experience with their day to day procedures. I learned more of the technical side along the way.

When I was in college I never thought I would land this job but now that I learned to love it, I wish I had taken Operations Management course during my college days more seriously. It would really help you a lot in determining the best possible business process :) You should like charts by the way, math, and logic. Also, I would suggest that you join a small IT consulting group where you can do multiple task. Yes, you're a BA but you may be "forced" to do development work, and admin. This will help you develop the right attitude towards work. Also in the long run if you do well, you will have a chance to lead the future employees as you are one of the pioneers :) Thing is, if you are in a big company, you have limited access to knowledge. Because your role is a BA, your scope of work does not include this and that, etc because another person should take charge of that.