Reply to: move from contract developer to BA

[Basil Fawlty]

Probably but it depends how flexible you are prepared to be in 'customising' your CV and whether or not you can then back it up.

Indeed, I traveled along much the same route as others on this thread. Analyst/Dev ==> Tech Ba ==> BA.

The key for me was : strong domain knowledge in my particular area making the transition easier to manage ; and my first Tech BA role was with a previous client who, because they knew I was good at what I do, gave me the opportunity that a new client might not have done.

I have much more work now than before for way more cash. I was a mainframe developer so options and earning potential were always going to be limited.

Truly hate what I do - but that's for another thread

[Cenobite]

Which company are you doing the ISEB with?

I'm doing it with The Knowledge Academy but so far they've been pretty poor. They sold me a two week intensive package with was four courses and exams but then dropped one of the modules through lack of interest, and today they've dropped the replacement course through a lack of interest too. This has completely wrecked the original intent which was to get it all done within two weeks.

I think if you book for London you have a good chance of your course going ahead but elsewhere expect problems.

[Smartie]

I'm similar to you: I've always been employed as an Analyst/Developer, and have two degrees in computer science. Is it possible to go fully into BA work without going permie first? (I'm doing the BCS ISEB diploma this week.)

Probably but it depends how flexible you are prepared to be in 'customising' your CV and whether or not you can then back it up.

[Smartie]

An ology?

I meant it in the same way that i sometimes wonder if I should have been a carpenter or a mechanic.

Or a potter? People will always need plates...
British Telecom - Ology 80s - YouTube

[hgllgh]

I'm similar to you: I've always been employed as an Analyst/Developer, and have two degrees in computer science. Is it possible to go fully into BA work without going permie first? (I'm doing the BCS ISEB diploma this week.)

Which company are you doing the ISEB with? Is it difficult? Sorry for the questions but is there a foundation level course and then a full diploma?

[NickNick]

What an odd comment! How is the ability to write a software program more valuable or tangible than writing a business process?

I meant it in the same way that i sometimes wonder if I should have been a carpenter or a mechanic.

[Cenobite]

What an odd comment! How is the ability to write a software program more valuable or tangible than writing a business process?

I was never a straight 'dev', always an 'Analyst/Programmer'.

I'm similar to you: I've always been employed as an Analyst/Developer, and have two degrees in computer science. Is it possible to go fully into BA work without going permie first? (I'm doing the BCS ISEB diploma this week.)

[Smartie]

Did you do any of the BA courses or qualificcations like ISEB?

No, I did a general comp sci degree which included modules on analysis such as 'SSADM' which I enjoyed and continued to use when I got a job. I have 20+ years experience in analysis but I still might do the ISEB exam at some point as it's sometimes asked for at interview.

[hgllgh]

What an odd comment! How is the ability to write a software program more valuable or tangible than writing a business process?

I was never a straight 'dev', always an 'Analyst/Programmer' but I enjoyed it and I was good at it. I became a specialist and woke up one day to find that no-one used my specialty any more (after a four year contract). My own fault, but anyway.

So I dropped the programming and just did analysis and a while later also did project management. Now I'm a flexible resource and good at what I do - no shortage of work.

Anyway, do what makes you happy and pays the bills. It's worth considering though that more business focused roles give you much more flexibility in choosing your career direction.

Did you do any of the BA courses or qualificcations like ISEB?

[Smartie]

Odd

As a BA I concur. the idea of having something more tangible to sell (i.e. the ability to code in x) is a much more valuable skill than what I have to offer as a BA.

What an odd comment! How is the ability to write a software program more valuable or tangible than writing a business process?

I was never a straight 'dev', always an 'Analyst/Programmer' but I enjoyed it and I was good at it. I became a specialist and woke up one day to find that no-one used my specialty any more (after a four year contract). My own fault, but anyway.

So I dropped the programming and just did analysis and a while later also did project management. Now I'm a flexible resource and good at what I do - no shortage of work.

Anyway, do what makes you happy and pays the bills. It's worth considering though that more business focused roles give you much more flexibility in choosing your career direction.

[NickNick]

In my view, being a decent coder is always a better position to be in than a BA and much harder to replace - you just need to find the right niche and become expert not just in OO principles but in the business and if you think you have soft skills good enough to be a BA, then people should really love you as a dev.

As a BA I concur. the idea of having something more tangible to sell (i.e. the ability to code in x) is a much more valuable skill than what I have to offer as a BA.

[sirja]

But is it? With Offshoring, Immigration etc are tech's more easily replaced than BA's?

But yes I guess moving out of tech is a risk... Even with increased competition you always get the impression that you will eventually land a contract without too much beach time, is that the case with BA's/PO's etc. It seems to me that That techs moving into the BA side of things would need to be flexible taking on varying roles BA/PO/Team Lead/PM/Change Management etc etc in order to successfully make a contracting career out of it

I've been contracting for 7 years (Techie ) and have only been on the bench a total of 3 months, of which 1 month was planned. If you're a good techie, ready to keep your skills current and a bit flexible on location you should have a constant stream of work. For me, I do it because I enjoy it, I love logical thinking and problem solving.

[Murder1]

great info thanks!

Just curious, how does it compare in terms of rates and ease of finding contracts?

If it's anything like the PO and BA's I've worked with you'll get tons more money and do less work

[d000hg]

Didn't Suity do this - surprised he hasn't chipped in how he moved from one t'other.

[hgllgh]

In my view, being a decent coder is always a better position to be in than a BA and much harder to replace.

But is it? With Offshoring, Immigration etc are tech's more easily replaced than BA's?

But yes I guess moving out of tech is a risk... Even with increased competition you always get the impression that you will eventually land a contract without too much beach time, is that the case with BA's/PO's etc. It seems to me that That techs moving into the BA side of things would need to be flexible taking on varying roles BA/PO/Team Lead/PM/Change Management etc etc in order to successfully make a contracting career out of it