Next move: how do I become a business analyst?

How do I become a business analyst?

I have been working as a technical analyst for some time now with a managed service wrovider and have gained Citrix and Microsoft skills and qualifications. My degree was in computer systems engineering. I want to move into the business side of IT, perhaps into a business analyst role, and have done a Prince 2 course to gain a stronger understanding of project management. In my previous post, I was able to extend my technical skill set, and was also handed the opportunity to become an account manager for one of our clients.

I am enrolling to do my MBA part time in order to strengthen my knowledge. I have seen other business analysis courses available - is it worth me doing them as well?

I am aware that business analysts need extensive knowledge of UML and Visio - how should I strengthen my skills in these areas?

Take on more responsibility to gain experience

To move from a technical role into a business analysis role is commonplace within the market and it is usually a gradual process. During this transition period, employees are usually involved not only in technical duties but also with the gathering of business requirements, the formulation of functional and technical specifications, and UAT testing. Often an individual needs to take the initiative by asking for these responsibilities.

With the marketplace being as competitive as it is for business analysis opportunities, employers generally look for candidates who can bring some previous analysis experience to the table, so having a role which is 50:50 technical and analytical is a good step towards becoming a pure business analyst.

In order to be a good business analyst, you need to fully understand the business area in which you operate in order to appear credible in front of end-users, and you must also have the communication skills to elicit complex requirements. Therefore, if the MBA will give you this knowledge and credibility it is a good idea. My advice would be to look for a role that has 50% technical responsibilities and 50% analysis responsibilities as a stepping stone into a pure business analysis role as this will give you exposure to a range of analysis techniques, which will prove invaluable moving forwards.

Answer by David Oakley, consultant at Hudson