Hi,

I am in desperate need for some guidence and advice. I have graduated from uni last year, and this is my first job since finishing (I also did a 1 year placement). I was taken on as a "graduate BA" as it was sold to me that there would be training.... However I have been here a year in august, have received nothing. I am only the BA here, so it is the first time they have ever had one, in turn no one knows what I do or really understands it.

I have no mentor or no one to learn from as such. I have been taking eveything upon myself, I.e using the different BA techniques such as UML/USE Case/ All the different diagrams, gathering requirement specification, process improvment etc. I feel that I am doing everything an experience BA would be doing. I have my official apprasal in July, and would like to be recognised more for what I do, i.e drop the graduate  - i don't think its there for any reason. Surely a graduate, would be learning from somone/training etc. I am doing well, and bring greeat value, as they have never seen or received the work I produce ever! In turn I would like to be paid more, I feel i am getting under paid for what I am doing. But I do not know how to tackle this in my appraisal. There is no recognition for my work, and it is frustrating as I can see it brining great value to the work place.  I have been told that my training that I asked for has been pushed through (i here this every month) but I don't want to be told, once you finish your course then u will get a pay rise, as I feel that I have done so much in the time I've been here. There are admin assistans which get paid more that I do. Should I take a job spec/or market value for what a BA in my position would be earning?

Could someone please help, I have looked else where, but I cannot find anything. However at the same time, I want to go with experience, value, and be recognised

Nash,

Here are a few pointers for you:

(1) It sounds like you are doing great work.  You should expect a raise after a year whether you have completed a training course or not.  However, you should never wait all year long to get feedback from your manager.  Tell your manager that you want to have a more structure feedback process where you can have a minimum of 4 one-on-one meetings per year to discuss how you are meeting the objectives orfyour role and where you can improve.

(2) One-on-one meetings lead to the importance of a defined set of goals and career objectives.  What does the company expect from you over the next year, 3 years, and 5 years?  What are your personal goals for the next year, 3 years, 5 years? And finally, where do your goals and the company's goals overlap?  If they don't, then you need to find a new job soon, but I doubt this is the case from what you have described.

(3) Emphasize to your manager the importance of training to you.  But realize that in this economy companies are slow to approve and offer training (sad but true).  If you don't receive formal training it is NOT the end of the world.  Most people never get formal training.

(4) Never stop learning.  Don't wait for the training to come to learn new things.  Get involved in forums like these.  Research topics such as UML, Structured Systems Analysis, Agile Methods, RUP, Business Process Manangment (BPM), Business Process Manangment Notation (BPMN), Object Oriented Analysis and Design, etc.

(5) Find a mentor.  If you can't find one within your organization, then reach outside.  Sign up with an IIBA chapter and meet people who are more experience than you and are willing to help you grow in your career.  Ask for a mentor here at Modern Analyst.

(6) Teach others.  Even if you feel inexperienced you have at least some knowledge.  You mentioned Use Cases.  Teach others about use cases.  Get involved in the forums here.  Teach others at your work if there are other analysts.  Teaching others is the best way to improve your existing skills.  You will be asked questions that you have never considered before.  After researchigng it and providing answers, you will be better for it.

Finally, it sounds like there is a lot of flexibility in your role to create the type of documentation and artifacts that you feel are needed.  You mentioned that your company has never seen the things that you are producing.  They seem accepting of these new ideas.  This is a rare situation.  Take advantage of it!  Take the lead on introducing new technique and a well structured analysis process.  Soon you will have a team of people reporting to you--the new expert!