Hello,

This is my first post in the forum. I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the moderator and all those people who have provided their guidance and shared their experience. Thanks again.

I am writing this post with a view to seek some guidance from all you intelligent people.

I am a software developer (2.5 yrs exp) working in Melbourne. I wish to pursue a career as a BA. I recently went for a Junior BA interview and blanked out. It was like someone who didn't know the basics of singing trying to compete on Australian Idol. I have never done any SE subjects in my Master of IT at RMIT. Hence I have withdrawn from the job market and am concentrating on building minimum basic skills and knowledge required and expected from a junior BA. I have looked extensively (I think) on the internet but have not found a checklist that could be a guide for junior or aspiring BA's. I urge you experienced people to help me build one.

I have checked out all the suggested training providers websites as well. The BA skills are divided into multiple areas and these training providers offer a short course for each of these areas. When you sum them up, it comes to between 6000 to 7000 AUD which is too expensive for me.

I wish to take some information interviews with professionals currently working as a BA. If you would like to help me with my quest then kindly provide me your contact or reach me at [email protected] (0401420467 Optus). Recently I attended a few lectures at RMIT in the course of Requirement S/W Eng. The lecturer is really good but you can easily make out that they have made a 7 to 15 day course into a 3 month course. I didn’t find it value for time and money.

Could someone please suggest a useful course for someone junior like me, offering really value for time and money? My perception of useful is that the course would provide me with practice, tools and exposure to time tested methods and processes that can help me do the BA task effectively and efficiently.

I am looking at the following two courses that I think will fit my pocket. If you have information or reviews on these providers that kindly share it with me. I am looking for some suggestions and facts to decide where to spend my time and money.

1. Business Analyst Certificate: (Price: 300 USD)

https://www.inquestra.com/offer_ref/signup1.asp

2. Certified Business Analyst: (Price: 10,000 INR =~ 300 AUD)

http://www.spectramindsolutions.com/

My acquaintance visited the facility at Spectramind in Hyderabad(India) and met with the course instructor. They somehow didn't come across as a corporate training provider. Do you know someone who has already done a course with them? In order to attend the course I need to spend on air travel as well. Hence the total cost of the course for me will be around 1000 to 1300 AUD. The BABOK certification requires someone to have over 5 years of BA work exp. Hence I wont qualify. However are there any recognized certification examinations that I could take? The objective is put together skills that will invite and motivate quality employers to hire me.

I look forward to hearing from you all.

Regards,

Tejas Goradia.

Hi Tejas,

Since you work for a company which provides software applications and consulting, your development background should be very useful.  I also agree with you that picking up business analysis skills will set you apart from your peers.  As a sales person of software products and services you are at the forefront of business development.  You not only have the opportunity to sell the existing  products offered by CIVICA but you also are  in the prime position to analyze your clients' problems and potentially work with the development team to create new features or customized solutions which can bring additional revenue to your company and, of course, to you.

On suggestion that I make to those interested in picking up business analysis skills is to volunteer to participate in new projects as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) since you interact directly with the clients and understand their needs.  Volunteer to participate in the requirements gathering process.

Regards,

- Adrian