Calling to all Business/Project Analyst’s

[cojak]

I'll second Gonzo and JB. The Institute was recommended when I went on my Essential BA course.

The ISEB courses do give you a useful toolbox - I haven't completed them all yet but do intend to (I'm doing the BA Diploma).

But the best training I had? Being a NVQ Assessor. Smile a lot but don't believe a word that anyone says without evidence/proof.

Be curious and nosey.

A colleague told me that she was impressed by the way I enter a room (without being introduced) and 'work it'. By the end of an hour or so I'll know everyone there, what they do, who they work for, why they're there.

I recommend http://www.peak-training-solutions.c...s/diplomas.asp
They're smaller and cheaper than the big boys but every bit as good, I reckon.

[Jammy B*st*rd]

Try the International Institute of Business Analysis website. If i'm not mistaken they have a framework, and a draft copy is available on there.

http://theiiba.org

The BA roles is a broad one. It could mean you building quantifiable business cases for applications, business process mapping and reengineering, deriving functional specifications, testing scripts, etc. It depends on the nature of project you'd be working on, how the team is structured, etc, to know what would be expected of you in role. But i guess you'll find that out soon enough )

[Gonzo]

Cheers Gonzo!!!

Oh I should add that very few job adverts actually ask for the ISEB qualifications, experience in the relevant industry tends to be considered more important.

However, with them you have a toolkit of approaches that will enable you to tackle just about any business analysis job that you might find yourself having to do.

[Warrior Princess]

Oh alright, you have shamed me into being helpful.

If you are going to be a BA then I suggest that you get some training in as soon as possible. There is a basic business systems analysis course that is useful if you haven't done anything like it before. I think there are a few versions but I did the Parity Training one. It is a bit pricey as it is 5 days residential but it will give you an invaluable introduction to the approach that you will need to have.

Also look into doing the ISEB Business Systems Development exams. If you have done the courses and understood them then the written exams are not too bad because they are open book and as long as you understand the question and know where to look in the book then you should pass. A little tougher is the Interview exam that you need to do to get the diploma. That one took me two goes to pass, but then I generally interview quite poorly.

Remember that comunication is everything, if you find that you can summarise IT stuff in easy terms for the business users, and you can explain the business stuff in a structured manner to the IT people, then you will be sorted.

Cheers Gonzo!!!

[Gonzo]

You'll be looking for helpful (and serious) tips about your first BA role then.

Anyone? Gonzo - you're a BA aren't you? Great opportunity you've grabbed - congrats WP.

Oh alright, you have shamed me into being helpful.

If you are going to be a BA then I suggest that you get some training in as soon as possible. There is a basic business systems analysis course that is useful if you haven't done anything like it before. I think there are a few versions but I did the Parity Training one. It is a bit pricey as it is 5 days residential but it will give you an invaluable introduction to the approach that you will need to have.

Also look into doing the ISEB Business Systems Development exams. If you have done the courses and understood them then the written exams are not too bad because they are open book and as long as you understand the question and know where to look in the book then you should pass. A little tougher is the Interview exam that you need to do to get the diploma. That one took me two goes to pass, but then I generally interview quite poorly.

Remember that comunication is everything, if you find that you can summarise IT stuff in easy terms for the business users, and you can explain the business stuff in a structured manner to the IT people, then you will be sorted.

[Gonzo]

As wasn't sure if i should take it or stay with my current employer. Just started a new role there and have to date been there for about 7 weeks.

Well, its too late to be worring about that now (unless you haven't resigned yet and they make you a counter-offer when you do).

If I were you I wouldn't allow doubt to creep in, you have made your decision so stick with it. Put the old role behind you and put heart and soul into the new one.

Onwards and Upwards!

Without knowing what your old role was (sorry if you told me but I can't remember) and what your new position is and what your career aspirations are, any advice from me on this is completely worthless.
hth

[Warrior Princess]

You'll be looking for helpful (and serious) tips about your first BA role then.

Anyone? Gonzo - you're a BA aren't you? Great opportunity you've grabbed - congrats WP.

Thanks RH!

[realityhack]

You'll be looking for helpful (and serious) tips about your first BA role then.

Anyone? Gonzo - you're a BA aren't you? Great opportunity you've grabbed - congrats WP.

[Warrior Princess]

As wasn't sure if i should take it or stay with my current employer. Just started a new role there and have to date been there for about 7 weeks.

[Gonzo]

After much the worrying and sleepless nights, I have just accepted a role as a Business/Project Analyst at a new company having been with my current employer for nearly five years.

Any hints/tips/advise/words of wisdom most welcomed….

Why the worrying and sleepless nights?

[Sockpuppet]

Any hints/tips/advise/words of wisdom most welcomed….

Don't **** up.

[Warrior Princess]

After much the worrying and sleepless nights, I have just accepted a role as a Business/Project Analyst at a new company having been with my current employer for nearly five years.

Any hints/tips/advise/words of wisdom most welcomed….