Business Analysis Live!
Start Your Business Analysis Career With Certification
Tue Jun 13 2023Business AnalysisCertificationsCareer AdvancementOrganizational ImpactData AnalyticsNetworking
Description
This episode covers the importance of certifications in business analysis, their impact on career advancement and organizational practices, bringing business analysis expertise into organizations, the role of data analytics in business analysis, and the significance of connecting with local professionals. It emphasizes the value of certifications in demonstrating knowledge and belonging to a professional community, as well as the benefits of networking and being an ambassador for the profession. The episode also highlights the influence business analysts can have in organizations and the relevance of data analytics in today's job market.
Insights
Certifications demonstrate professionalism and enhance findability
Certifications not only showcase understanding of business analysis fundamentals but also make professionals more discoverable in keyword searches.
Networking and engagement are crucial for professional development
Joining professional associations, participating in chapters, and networking with like-minded professionals provide opportunities for growth, problem-solving, and finding job positions.
Certifications bring awareness and improve projects
Having certified professionals in a center of excellence helps others understand the profession and enhances project outcomes.
Transferable skills and achievements are essential for job success
While certifications are valuable, it is important to highlight transferable skills and achievements on resumes to increase job prospects.
Data analytics is a sought-after skill in the job market
Getting certified in business data analytics can provide a deeper understanding of this domain and open up new career opportunities.
Connecting with local professionals is key to starting a BA career
Local contacts have market knowledge and can provide valuable insights and information about job openings.
Chapters
- Transitioning into Business Analysis
- Certifications and Career Advancement
- Certifications and Organizational Impact
- Bringing Business Analysis Expertise into Organizations
- Data Analytics and Business Analysis
- Connecting with Local Professionals
Summary
Transcript
Transitioning into Business Analysis
00:01 - 07:48
- Transitioning into business analysis from another profession is easier when done within the same organization.
- Certification can help demonstrate understanding of business analysis fundamentals, such as the Entry Certificate for Business Analysis (ECBA).
- Transferable skills from previous professions, such as communication and collaboration, are valuable in business analysis.
- The language of business analysis includes familiar terms like flow charts and processes.
- The Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) is the global standard for business analysis.
- The BABOK guide is available in multiple languages to accommodate non-native English speakers.
- The ECBA certification can also be helpful for new graduates starting their professional career in business analysis.
- Using the ECBA logo on a resume can give an advantage to entry-level candidates.
- Business analysts should promote their achievements and skills more often.
Certifications and Career Advancement
07:18 - 14:57
- Using certifications and badges can give business analysis professionals an advantage in their career
- Certifications demonstrate that you are part of a professional community and have studied the necessary language and skills
- Having certifications on your resume or LinkedIn profile makes you more findable in keyword searches
- There are different certifications available based on your level of experience, such as ECBA, CCBA, and CBAP
- Specialized certifications like business data analytics, Agile analysis, product ownership analysis, and cybersecurity analysis allow you to dive deeper into specific areas
- Studying for certifications not only helps in demonstrating knowledge but also provides learning opportunities
- Some organizations may have their own way of doing business analysis, which may differ from industry standards outlined in the BABOK guide
- Joining professional associations or participating in chapters can help improve practices within your organization
- Being certified and engaging with like-minded professionals allows you to be an ambassador for the profession
Certifications and Organizational Impact
14:28 - 22:36
- Surrounding yourself with like-minded professionals allows you to be an ambassador for the business analysis profession within your organization.
- Certifications can be handled differently by organizations, but some may recognize and value industry-specific certifications.
- Having certified professionals in a center of excellence can help others understand the profession and improve projects.
- Certification alone may not guarantee a job, so it's important to highlight transferable skills and achievements on your resume.
- Networking with local chapters and attending events can provide opportunities to connect with other business analysis professionals and potentially find career positions.
- Being part of a network of professionals is invaluable for finding jobs, solving problems, and professional development.
- The ECBA exam is currently available in English, Standard French, French Canadian, Japanese, with plans for more languages in the future.
Bringing Business Analysis Expertise into Organizations
22:10 - 30:01
- Many businesses don't have an established business analyst function and are unaware of standardized practices.
- Studying and getting certified in business analysis can help bring expertise into an organization and influence the practice.
- Influence is an essential skill for business analysis professionals to bring to the table.
- There are various role designations that business analysts or business systems analysts can target.
- RPA certification with UiPath helps bring awareness of standardized business analysis practices into robotics process automation.
- There is a handbook on the website with sample questions for practicing the ECBA test.
- Certifications provide benefits beyond just the outcome, such as learning new things and gaining additional value in job markets.
Data Analytics and Business Analysis
29:49 - 37:28
- Data analytics is hot in the job market.
- Getting a CBDA certification can help understand and appreciate the domain of data analytics.
- IBA has a Business Analytics Special Interest Group that holds webinars to educate members on various facets of business analytics.
- Attending talks or participating in chapters can provide real-life examples of how to apply data analytics.
- The CBDA exam can be taken by non-IBA members, but they need to purchase the exam and access the Babak Guide separately.
- IBA members receive discounts on purchasing the certification and have free access to the Babak Guide.
- Membership also provides access to a competency development guide, career center with resources, job board, resume feedback from career coaches, salary information, and networking opportunities.
- Networking with local business analysts is important for job opportunities and market insights when starting a BA career.
Connecting with Local Professionals
36:58 - 38:36
- Finding someone locally for advice can be more beneficial than reaching out to someone halfway around the world.
- Local contacts have knowledge of the market and can provide information about job openings.
- The key to getting started in business analysis is to connect with local professionals.
- The next episode will discuss career progression for business analysis, featuring an expert career coach, Maria Montgomery.
- Listeners can send questions via email or leave a voice message for upcoming broadcasts.