How To Initiate a Business Analysis Project
Before getting started, a business analysis project can sometimes feel like a ‘choose your own adventure.’ As you begin, it can be exciting to embark on a new journey to help improve the company you’re working for in some way.
But it can also feel a little daunting. There are a lot of considerations and a lot that goes into a BA project. If you’re relatively new to the game, you may be unsure of where to start. You may be questioning yourself on how to get started, wondering who you should be involving and when, and how to achieve ‘buy in’ and interest in your project.
I want to help you get rid of that fear or anxiety when initiating a new project. In this article, I’ll provide insights into easy-to-follow steps that guide you on how to start your next BA project on the right foot.
The Perfect Career Trifecta
We all want to feel fulfilled in what we do for a living, in the job we work day to day. I found fulfillment in being a Business Analyst (BA) and, now, as a coach who helps ambitious and prospective BAs break through barriers, thrive in their professional development, and open doors for their futures.
In this article, I’ll highlight why the BA role is such an appealing career path, so you can decide if it’s the right move for you too! And if it is, I’ll also throw in a little guidance on how you can get started.
A Guide to Help You Achieve Your Goals in 2023
As a professional – regardless of whether you’re a Business Analyst, Administrator, Developer, or fulfilling another role – it’s important to continuously strive for steady professional development and growth to stay current and effective in your current role and as you pursue new roles or ambitious goals this year.
Setting professional development goals can help you focus your efforts and track your progress. Here are some steps you can follow to create meaningful professional development goals, whatever your profession.
What’s the Difference Between Business Analysts and Data Analysts?
Business Analysts and Data Analysts are professionals who use their expertise to help an organization make informed decisions in various fields, including finance, marketing, operations, and more. While both positions require an understanding of data analysis techniques and of business analysis, what exactly do Business Analysts and Data Analysts do? And how are they different? In this article, I’l break down the difference between the two roles!
Business Analysts and Data Analysts are both valuable to a business, but it’s important to understand how these roles differ. To begin with, BAs contribute to an organization by facilitating change that improves operations or performance. Data Analysts focus on analyzing datasets to provide strategic insights and help facilitate informed change in organizations. Both Business Analysts and Data Analysts facilitate business decisions through their generalized and specialized roles within organizations—but, while the end goal is the same, there are some key differences between their respective responsibilities.
How to Craft Your Ideal BA Role
The COVID-19 pandemic created deep ripple effects that were far-reaching in virtually every industry. Not only were supply chains affected, but employees at companies all over the world re-evaluated their careers and how they spend the majority of their time.
This led to what we now refer to as ‘the Great Resignation’, with professionals everywhere leaving their current jobs in droves. Ever since this professional exodus – which kicked off in the spring of 2021 – an increase in demand for Business Analysts was created. Professionals across the United States are taking this opportunity to be more selective about the jobs they pursue, and employers are becoming more flexible with those professionals they currently have on staff.
Now is a great time to shape your BA role to be what you want it to be. Let’s take this opportunity to discuss how you can take advantage of this moment in time and build the career you’ve always wanted.
How To Start a Career in Business Analysis
When it comes to embarking on a new journey, it helps to have a little guidance to shine a light on the path ahead, to help with clarifying confusing concepts and jargon, and give you a little confidence when you’re questioning yourself.
In case you’re new here – and to the Business Analyst role, in general – I’m Jeremy Aschenbrenner, also known as The BA Guide, and I’m so glad you’re here! The inspiration behind why I created The BA Guide was to help aspiring BA’s start their career off on the right foot and to help ambitious BA’s level up their skills and, ultimately, their careers.
In this article, I’ll outline some key skills that you should hone early in your career and provide you with an outline of some great foundational courses and resources to start with.
What Business Analysts Do
Some people will observe Business Analysts from an outsider perspective and assume that we’re pretty much just glorified note-takers. But not everyone experiences all of the complex, intricate exercises and initiatives occurring in the background.
Being a Business Analyst is, at its core, about creating value for organizations. It’s about facing challenges, head on, with logic and learned techniques to help you figure out the root cause of problems at the business and create solutions that help the business and its employees thrive.
Why Communication is a Core Skill for Business Analysts
With the role and responsibilities of a Business Analyst (BA) being broad and diverse across organizations, we must possess and employ a wide range of skills. One of the core skills is communication. Communication is critical for BAs to be successful in our role as facilitators, problem solvers, and value creators.
A Business Analyst flexes their written and verbal communication skills when they…
The Importance of Certifications for Business Analysts
Professional certification has found its way into almost every industry – and for good reason! They’re often used to verify the competency and legitimacy of professionals and the skills and knowledge they possess. Often preceded by exams, documents are awarded to show and prove comprehension and understanding of that set of standards or that skill being learned and challenged.
Whether you’re an aspiring Business Analyst who wants to switch careers, a new graduate looking to bolster their resume and knowledge, or a seasoned professional who wants to take your career to the next level or refresh your knowledge and skills, holding certifications can be very valuable in helping you achieve your work-related goals.
4 Things You Should Know About the IIBA
For anyone that works, or plans to work in business analysis, learning about the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is imperative. They are a major player in defining the standards, scope, and responsibilities that surround the Business Analyst role. They help organizations and Business Analysts understand best practices that successfully facilitate business change.
Here are four things that you should know about the IIBA.