Hi Everyone

               I have graduated from school last august and worked for few months as Oracle applications consultant. I was really interested in Software engineering course when I was doing my MAsters. I was really interested in the course and in that particular course my professor gave least importance to coding. Following are the things I have done in that course :

• Engineered a web-based software application of client-server type in accordance with software engineering theory.
•  Identified system’s scope, client’s general requirements, the process model, user scenarios, data objects, attributes, relationships and also the project, product and process metrics to be used.
• Provided LOC-based and FP- based estimations

 So I really wanted to go that analysing field. So when I enquired peoplle told me that it is the role of an architect. So in which category will that go into?? Can someone let me know if this falls under Business analyst role..If so where should I start my  career??

Thank you All!!

Hi ds_kotamraju,

A Business Analyst role differs from both a Systems Analyst or Software Architect role.  Business Analysts focus on understanding the underlying needs of the client(s) and clearly communicating those needs to individuals or groups who can or will provide solutions to address those needs.  BAs may also be involved in solution assessment, particularly of off-the-shelf systems.

A Solution Architect role is usually found in larger systems development projects.  Solution architects take into account things like existing technology infrastructure and standards, solution resources available (i.e. developer/database architect/system analyst/etc. skill sets) and other ongoing systems development within the organization to ensure that the end product not only addresses the needs of the client but is done so in a way that maximizes the resources required to develop the solution.  The architect may be invovled in several projects concurrently and consequently look to leverage systems or technolgy used across projects.  Solution Architects typically have many years experience in systems development and analysis before reaching this role.

A Systems Analyst in some ways is similar to a Solution Architect but will typically be involved in smaller subsets of a larger system, or in charge of a single small system being developed.  They must take into account similar constraints as the Solution Architect.

Based on your stated experience, it appears as though you have both BA and System Analyst/Developer exposure.  Which part of the experience did you enjoy more?  Were you more motivated to perform the scoping, requirements, process models, etc. or did you enjoy figuring out the solution and then executing on delivering that solution?  If it was more the former, then I'd say you're probably more suited for a BA role, or if it's the latter then a Systems Analyst role would probably more suit you.

Don't get hung up on titles though - always look at each job description for positions your considering; often BA's will delve into Systems Analysis (and there are Business Systems Analyst roles), while sometimes SA's will be involved in BA-type activities on smaller projects or in smaller organizations.

 Do you feel you need additional education prior to starting a BA role?  If so there are numerous online BA courses now (just Google "business analyst training").  I haven't taken any of the online courses but if you ask others on these boards and look around the web I'm sure you can get some feedback on the options that are out there.