The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) defines the term Business Analyst: "A business analyst works as a liaison among stakeholders in order to elicit, analyze, communicate and validate requirements for changes to business processes, policies and information systems. The business analyst understands business problems and opportunities in the context of the requirements and recommends solutions that enable the organization to achieve its goals." But what is this trend that we are hearing about lately of “hybrid” BA? It seems that a lot of corporations have tossed the true definition of a BA and created their own hybrid – part project manager, part marketing analyst, part developer, part reporting analyst, part administrative assistant. This trend is unfortunate. The companies don’t get the true benefit of using a Business Analyst, and the BA doesn’t get to develop nor use his skills to the fullest. How do we reverse this trend and strengthen the value of the Business Analyst in the corporate world. I think it comes down to three important things: 1. Build the BA brand, 2. Educate yourself, 3. Add Value.
What do I mean by building the BA brand? Well, get involved with the IIBA. If you’re not already a member, attend a meeting. This is the best way to find out what’s going on in the world of Business Analysis. You can meet BA’s from other organizations and get to hear speakers discuss issues and trends in the world of Business Analysis.
Educating yourself constantly is important. BA’s are depended upon to know not only the latest tools of the trade, but also be familiar with the latest technology. You may also want to consider taking the Certified Business Analysis Professional exam (CBAP). Look for opportunities to hone your craft.
Finally, take those tools, tips and tricks and look for ways to apply them at your company. For example, you may be working at an organization that doesn’t know the value of creating process flows (yes, Virginia, they do exist). You could use this as an opportunity to educate your company about the importance of using the tools in the BA toolkit.
Although Business Analysts are becoming more and more utilized, it is important that we educate the corporate community on how the BA role can be an asset. This will help keep show those who don’t know that the BA role is an important one in their company’s life cycle.
What do I mean by building the BA brand? Well, get involved with the IIBA. If you’re not already a member, attend a meeting. This is the best way to find out what’s going on in the world of Business Analysis. You can meet BA’s from other organizations and get to hear speakers discuss issues and trends in the world of Business Analysis.
Educating yourself constantly is important. BA’s are depended upon to know not only the latest tools of the trade, but also be familiar with the latest technology. You may also want to consider taking the Certified Business Analysis Professional exam (CBAP). Look for opportunities to hone your craft.
Finally, take those tools, tips and tricks and look for ways to apply them at your company. For example, you may be working at an organization that doesn’t know the value of creating process flows (yes, Virginia, they do exist). You could use this as an opportunity to educate your company about the importance of using the tools in the BA toolkit.
Although Business Analysts are becoming more and more utilized, it is important that we educate the corporate community on how the BA role can be an asset. This will help keep show those who don’t know that the BA role is an important one in their company’s life cycle.
