Sri8,

Interesting Questions.

1.       Whether I should be a generic BA or a specialized BA?

2.       How can I bag BA roles in domain(s) where I don't have any experience?( Catch 22 )

3.       How to move ahead in my career? How will CBAP be helpful in progressing my career?(Catch 22)

4.       What additional skills I need to gain to be able to bring my career on track in recession?

As a non-core member and a fellow MBA, I’ll proffer a few suggestions.

Q1: I always feel that a seasoned “generic” BA can slot into most “specialised” BA roles; because most projects do have the “subject matter expert” to provide information. You do not have to be a subject matter expert and a BA, that is asking too much, as each project you will be working on do have specialised areas, which is the domain of the subject matter expert.

Q2: This is not a catch-22 but the norm. To make forays into a new domain you may have to accept a non-threatening junior role in a project. This is the classic foot-in-the-door technique! Learn and then step-up.

Q3: I chose life-style rather than career. I’ve never been career oriented; I just work for the money, hence my preference for short-term contracts which allow me to pursue my other interests. Will you get more money if you have a CBAP? With your present qualifications, I don’t think so!

Q4: There are two options after a recession: one is depression and the other is consistent growth. If we go into depression, which is highly unlikely, then I’d suggest hang on and ensure that you continue to have a steady stream of income during this period. If we expect to enter a growth period, I’d say focus your “additional” skills on those industries that you think will show substantial growth potential post-recession and where market entry is exclusive (eg. MBAs only). If you are independently wealthy, just ignore this suggestion.

warm regards,

K

Pleasure!

       1.Seasoned generic BA can slot into most specialised BA roles: This is acceptable probably when you are working in the same company over a period of time ,where they may switch your domains as per project needs but once you need to make a foray into a new company dealing in a particular domain and you do not have the requisite knowledge and experience how good are you as a generic BA?

You right! Switching intra-company domains is perhaps an easier option, because your peers and management know your expertise and capabilities. Switching inter-company domains is not so different and slightly difficult: no pain no-gain. However, the prospect will give you the job if you can demonstrate expertise and capability during a probationary period. E.g. they will give you a short term contract with the option to extend; its then up to you to rise to the challenge.

Companies woudn't want a fresher for such a specialized role.I have seen companies don't accept people who don't have the necessary exp or domain knowledge even if you want to step up or learn while on the job.Would you still say generic BA is better?

A Generic BA is better, because before you can specialise you have to know your subject very well. All professions have this progression from generic to specializations and the BA profession is no different. You might get better work because you “specialize” for a brief moment, when your specialization is in demand. Case in point, ask any old COBOL/CICS programmer/analyst. However, you will always get work because you can ADAPT! (There is something Darwinian about this)

       2.Accept a non-threatening junior role in a project: Well what is that other role ? Could you explain in brief?

I’m not a chameleon, but I do adapt well. To “jump’ between domains, you do have to make sacrifices, and accepting another non-threatening role within a domain is a good strategy. If I can’t work as a BA, I will program, test, work on UAT, review requirements documents etc.

       3.I chose life style rather than career: Does that mean you will be a BA all through your life?Wouldn't you want to progress to a point in a career where you can be a SME or a process consultant? Its like being called jack of all trades but master of none.In the long run being a generic BA would be a drawback rather than just a life style choice.

I think you’ve misunderstood the lifestyle choice. I work for money so that I can pursue other options. Being a BA is a means to an end, not an end in itself. I have not been a BA all my life. I’ve been a programmer, project manager, solution and enterprise architect, senior management consultant, process consultant, trainer, business owner, counsellor etc.  I’m your typical techno-nomad! My interest in BAs of late is because I do encounter people who are SMEs, who call themselves BAs yet they know absolutely nothing of the profession. In many ways I think this is part of the drivers of the IIBA to lift the BA profile. I have also trained over 250 BAs.

How can you make your career recession proof provided that BA's are the first casualities in any organization?

Maybe, I’m misreading the markers out there, but it appears that Business/Systems analysts are relatively recession proof. Do a search on Google. These opportunities might be available in other regions accepts your own. In a recession there are always casualties and even season BAs are not immune.

     4. I have currently been out of my job past few months and I can't afford to sit idle for long as this would affect my growth nor am I wealthy. I have been getting BA's offers which a require exp and domain knowledge which I don't have and kind of techno-functional BA's where BA is a developer too.I am more interested in working as a pure BA but unfortunately doesn't have much exp.

Sr8, this is probably the most pressing issue for you right now. Getting a job is important! The question is, MUST you do a BA role or would any other income steam be satisfactory at this stage? If the latter case and you do want income, then review your skill sets – exclude BAs and ascertain the opportunity in the marketplace. Use your MBA skills. Ever thought of starting your own business?

   When you say additional skills what would you suggest here? Would courses on Analytics tools like SAS or Enterprise tools like SAP be a good option or doing some BA training be wise?

All the best!

 Thanks and Regards,

Sri