I wish to start my BA career but the only hitch is if this profile is travel extensive? Pls let me know if this profile involves being stationed at client site or frequent travels to client site. Guide me as I need to decide asap. Thanks.
The short answer is "it depends". Some business analysts are expected to travel and some are not. It all depends on the proximity to the stakeholders.
For example, if the business analyst works for a company which provides business analysis services to banks then it is likely the analyst would have to travel since the clients would vary (all the various banks). However, if the business analyst works for a large hospital and the project is to build a system used by the doctors in that hospital then the business analysts would most likely not have to travel at all.
The simplest thing to do is to ask the prospective employer what are their travel requirements.
- Adrian
Hello Adrian,
Thanks for the advice. Let me introduce myself as this is my 2nd post, first one being a SOS call.
Im currently working as a Technical Writer and planning for a career change. I chose BA as a career since my current skill set is very much apt for this profile ( as far as I think), Im involved into documentation ranging from User Manuals, Installation guides, Online helps to writing Newsletters, business proposals etc. Im also invoved in the preparing test cases, Unit testing and sometimes taking calls from the client side that addresses the challenges faced by client while installaling/using the product. Though I dont have an experience in UML or Data modelling but being Computer Science Engineer I think I can pull it off.
Now I really hope I land up with a BA job that doesnot requires travelling.
Thanks agian!
- Garima
Garima,
Many of the tasks that you have experience with as a Technical Writer are also performed by Business Analysts at times. This should really help you when looking for a BA position. However, you do need to learn some solid analysis tool and techniques. Some training may make sense for you.
Or if you feel you have the skills from your education and just don't have the experience applying them, take it upon yourself to start applying these skills in your current work environment. Even if it isn't part of your job to document a business process using a BPMN or a UML Activity Diagram, taking the time to do it will help you understand the business better and give you some great practice.
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