Hi,

I am a Business Systems Analyst by profession of many years and currently employed as a BSA. I am an immigrant to Canada for almost 5 years now. (Prior to this, I spent 3 years in the States for a computer science degree). English is not my native language. Generally I don't have problem in communicating with my coworkers, but I do have times that I don't know the better way to express myself or I don't get the clear message other peoples say. Sometimes during a meeting I feel embarrassed by asking too many questions. I know communicating is critical, especially as BSA. My question is considering my future career development, would English be the biggest barrier for me to get to highier position? Should I switch to a QA's position since that requires less talking with clients and might be easier for me to get to highier position like QA Manager in future?

Thanks in advance!

Irene

I second Adrian's assessment - having good communication skills in the language of your co-workers is very important as a BA.  Being able to convey information clearly both verbally and in writing is critical to ensuring that the people you are translating between (i.e. business and technology), advocating for and providing information to can understand what you are representing. 

If you find it difficult at times to convey something, that's normal (even if English is your first language).  I took French immersion and even at the peak of my depth in daily use (10 years in) I had to hunt for words at times and didn't always convey what I wanted in the proper form.  I would highly recommend looking into ways to work on your skills.  Toastmasters can be a great help, as they can work on both presentation and content of your conversations.  Language lessons may or may not help - I tend to think that practical hands on experience is more beneficial.  Look into if there are any 'conversation clubs' in your area - sometimes these pop up when people want to get together to practice a particular language together.  Read, watch television (preferably something intellectually stimulating that uses sophisticated words) and talk to everyone you can.  Over time, it will be come easier.

Since I am Dutch, I am not a native English speaker either and I recognise the feeling that you are looking for words trying to express yourself. Anyway, it's my experience that when you have good knowledge of the subject, an accent should not hinder you in any way. Especially in multi-cultural organisations it's the content that counts most. Having said that, I would like to emphasise that there is a difference between 'language skills' and 'communication skills'.  I know native speakers who can't communicate and non-native speakers that communicate very well, be it in their own language.

My advice, if it's only your accent of language skills you're worried about, keep on practising. You could attend a language course if you feel that would help. If it's about communicating in general (speaking to large audiences, effectively communicating to peers or management etc.) there are plenty of communication skills courses available you could attend. These would not only increase your knowledge, but also your confidence.

Good luck!

Frank