The BA Guide Blog

Bringing you the very best in educational, engaging, and insightful articles, and business analysis industry news. Here, we keep learning approachable and accessible while providing helpful, practical information to help you excel in your career.

There are a few interpersonal traits, or "soft skills", that all successful business analysis professionals should hone. Often, they are just as critical as the technical expertise that we work so hard to achieve. In this article, we'll explore these essential soft skills needed for a thriving career, and we'll help you discover if you possess these traits or are eager to cultivate them.
In business analysis, having a set of commonly accepted practices to follow is indispensable. The Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) is a guide that describes essential business analysis knowledge, tasks, underlying competencies, and techniques. Whether you're embarking on your career as a Business Analyst (BA) or looking to refine your expertise, understanding and utilizing the BABOK can guide you to success in your change initiatives. In this blog post, we’ll explore the BABOK's fundamentals, identify five essential insights that every BA should be aware of, and discuss how to apply its principles in real-world scenarios effectively.
Have you ever wanted to know what the typical Business Analyst looks like? What their background is, where they’re employed, and perhaps even what they earn? If so, you’re in luck! Part one of the IIBA’s 2023 State of Business Analysis Report has been published, and it paints a pretty good picture of what Business Analysts (BAs) worldwide look like - on paper, that is! In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the key findings of their global study. We’ll share the educational background of the average BA, their professional experience, the sectors and industries that most
At The BA Guide, we believe in the power of shared experiences and the wisdom gained through first-hand professional challenges. Recently, we reached out to you - our community of Business Analysts - and invited you to reflect on your career journeys and share stories of growth, challenge, and success. The responses we received were inspiring, showcasing the resilience and determination of our community members. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of your shared experiences, delving into the notable challenges our contributors faced and the strategies they employed to overcome them.
The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) recently made an important announcement about updates to the Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA) certification requirements. These changes aim to streamline the application process and make this globally recognized certification more accessible to a wider audience. Let's dive in and explore what this means for you. In their recent announcement, the IIBA revealed two significant updates that went into effect earlier this year on April 26th, 2023. Firstly, the ECBA application and exam fees will now be combined into one fee, simplifying the payment process. Secondly, and perhaps most excitingly, 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.