I don't know about you, but I am getting tired of all these articles written because of today's economy. It seems that every corner we turn, someone is getting laid off or is looking for work. I met a few Business Analysts who were in this unfortunate predicament. They were kind enough to share their experience in the job market. It seems that even though there are about 2 Business Analyst job openings a day, no one seems to hire. The jobs are very volatile. By the time you submit an application, the opportunity disappea
rs. Recruiters are not much help. They are not in control of their client's budget nor do they have a say in who can come in the door for an interview. Is there a best way to get your foot in the door? Is there hope for the BA job seekers?Yes, there is a bright light at the end of this tunnel.... I won't claim that I am going to get you a job but here are few tips for you to consider.
1.0 - Network
When I was still a student in college, I remember being told that networking was the best way to get a job. I didn't know much about it but my teacher convinced me to join a network gr
oup (it was part of an extra credit). I got my first job through a lady I knew from my network group. I landed my second one through a friend from college.... and so came many other opportunities.Moral of the story: In this day and age (despite the economy) it's not always what you know... but also who you know.
The number of Network groups are on the rise. There are virtual network groups and well as the face to face ones. You have your pick! The key to networking is to join and mingle.
Here are some BA virtual groups you can join:
IIBA: independent non-profit professional association serving the growing field of Business Analysis
RQNG: a community and knowledge sharing for the business analyst
ModernAnalyst: a community and resource portal for the business analyst
BATimes: forefront of relevant content surrounding all developments regarding business/systems analysis, CBAP Certification, industry events and cutting-edge BA insights
BACollective: another BA community for knowledge sharing
Business Analysis on ITToolBox: learn about Business Analysis methodologies and issues related to business planning, data analysis, business analysis tools, and the role of a business analyst.
Linkedin BA Networking Groups
Atlanta BA
Analyst World
BA Forum
Business Analysis
Business Analyst Group
Business Analyst Professional
Business Analyst
Business Systems Analyst
IIBA on Linkedin
IS Business Analyst
Facebook BA Groups
Business Analysis
IIBA on facebook
Business Analysis Support Group
Business Analysis Mentor
A list of non-virtual Network groups
IIBA Chapters
Atlanta SPIN: to provide a forum for the free and open exchange of software process improvement experiences and ideas
TAG Business Process Management: to provide a leadership forum focused on influencing enterprises to build a process improvement culture to improve competitiveness
TAG Enterprise 2.0: explore key strategic and organizational shifts that organizations need to make in order to adapt to the changing landscape of the digital world
2.0 - Volunteer
You have joined a group, now what? Do you take the back seat and wait for things to happen? Do you come to meetings and hope you make friends?
I hope not! One good way I have found to successfully network is through volunteering.
Volunteering has many benefits. Not only do you get tremendous amount of experience but you also forge relationship with people. Remember, the idea is to let others know what you are capable of. You want to show off your talent or show them what a hard and dedicated worker you can be. The key here is to put in the best of yourself. If you are not currently working, volunteering will keep you marketable. There are plenty of organization in need of help (that's another topic). You also may never know when a budget may get approved to turn that volunteering position into a paying position.
If you join a virtual network, volunteering can be tricky. You want to show that you are there. Most of these networks are knowledge sharing tools. My suggestion is to write articles or blogs to help them with their content. If you can't find what to write about, try reading a BA book and sharing the summary of what you've learned. You can also share personal experiences.
You can also contact virtual network and find out what you can do for them. Nobody will reject free help.
