Thanks Ragav

Feel free to add comments and start discussions on whatever article you find interesting/would like to know more about

I would love to have more debate

Alex

Hi Chaitrali

In my view, technical knowledge is not necessary to be a BA. It can be useful but is not necessary. Some employers are looking for a hybrid (i.e. they want someone who can cover off the BA role and, perhaps, deliver some web pages also).
Although I was a developer 14 years ago, I deny all knowledge and this has never held me back. Obviously, when I am looking for my next contract I always skip job ads requesting knowledge of HTMl, CSS, SQL etc.
What is useful is knowledge of typical project work, especially the roles of the different people and the lifecycle. For example, business case followed by analysis followed by design then system test, user acceptance testing and implementation followed by support.
The next most useful thing is domain knowledge. By this, I mean knowledge of the particular industry you wish to enter. In some industries, this is a pre-requisite.
It will always give you a head start over other candidates.

The only other training I can recommend is that which gives you a recognized certificate.
Internationally, this would be the CBAP but you would require 5 years' experience so this wouldn;t apply for you.
The other alternative in the UK is the ISEB as this is well recognised

I hope this is of some assistance.

My first recommendation for you, however, is that you review your CV to determine if it highlights your experience and presents you in your best light. You should be in a strong position for junior roles with 3.5 years experience.
The best way to improve your prospects is by by getting real world experience as a BA and learning on the job.

Alex

Thanks for the comment Bill. What do you mean by exam simulator?
Does it test your competency as a BA? I'm not sure that I understand.

Please post a link when it is available and explain further please.

Thanks Renee
I'm glad you're enthusiastic about my course. Enthusiasm is definitely a prerequisite for a successful student!

You can get on the waiting list for the course in this week's post - http://businessanalystmentor.com/2010/01/25/how-t...

Thanks for the comment Linda. I'm reassured this is what you have found.

For those who don't know, Linda's been providing a CBAP Exam Prep course for a year. It has been extremely well received and I know that this is down to her single minded focus on making her students successful.

Follwow this link if you want to find out more - http://cbapmentor.com/index.php?option=com_virtue...

Thanks Keith.

Keith is one of my test students and also a colleague and friend. As Keith is someone I know well (unlike most of my other test students) I know he will tell me as it is. I need this to guarantee the course is of the highest quality. Let's just hope we remain friends ;-)

The approach I'm taking will mean I support existing BA's but the material I am developing will also help those who want to enter the profession. I believe use case modeling should be in every BA's toolkit if they model IT systems regardless of whether they have a few year's experience or
of are trying to enter the profession.

This course will be beneficial for newbies too. I'll be introducing you to the course over the next few weeks when you can decide for yourselves...

Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback John.
You are right about BA's taking responsibility of their own development. You should certainly look to your employer for support and guidance but, if you don't take ownership, YOU are the only one who will lose out.
I've taken note of the ABAA and I'm sure that the IIBA isn;t the only game in town.

Can you (the reader, not John) suggest similar organisations across the globe?

Great example Hansa!

Thanks Hansa

This is a good point although I'd just caveat that you should make sure there is value in producing the particular documentation.
But, as you say, many of these things are not documented. If you don't keep an accurate audit trail, you can revisit the same point several times. It can also resolve disputes further on down the line

Very true Craig

Sometimes it can feel like it's only you who cares about the scope. If that's the case, you're not engaging the business and ensuring they both make the decisions and own the results.

The person who holds the purse strings and the stakeholder who will have to live with the system SHOULD be very motivated to ensure the right decisions are made.

Alex