I have been a Business Analyst for most of my adult professional career. I fell into the role somewhat by chance (through a merger and acquisition), but it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. There are so many things that I love about being a Business Analyst that it’s hard to narrow it down to just a few, but here we go!
Building Relationships
The business of Business Analysis at its core is all about people. A Business Analyst is a pivotal role that requires being able to navigate all levels of an organization, in all different realms. As a result, the heart of being a BA is building relationships. I can converse with a CEO just as easily as I can talk with someone answering calls at the IT Help Desk. Having this ability has helped me grow my network of connections over the years, and I am grateful for everyone I’ve been able to work with along the way.
Learning New Things
Business Analysis affords the opportunity for continuous learning. The world isn’t static, and everything is constantly changing, from organizational structures, disruptive recent technologies and innovations, government regulations, new ways of working, and the list goes on and on. There is always something new to learn, and as a BA, I always want to be ready for what’s next. This means staying up to speed on what’s happening and learning whatever I need to know to get the job done.
Variety is the Spice of Life
Another thing I especially love about Business Analysis is the variety. No two projects or initiatives are ever the same, nor is every day. In fact, every day in the life of a BA can look vastly different. When I was a consultant, this was even more true. Every new client usually represented a new industry or market for me, and I got to explore many worlds I never would have been exposed to otherwise (PM if you want to hear some amazing stories!).
Delighting Stakeholders
Seeing the joy on a stakeholder’ ‘faces when we show them what we built for them is one of the best moments in a Business Analyst’s professional experience. When you see bright smiling eyes appreciating the work you’ve done, there’s nothing more rewarding. No paycheck, no bonus – nothing can compare to making people happy and having a measurable impact on their lives.
Helping Others Grow
Another thing I have been able to do as a Business Analyst is to help train, mentor, and grow a newer generation of Business Analysts. While it’s a rewarding profession, being a BA is not an easy job. There is so much to know, and much of it you can only learn through experience. As a seasoned professional, it’s been my pleasure to support other young analysts as they develop into qualified, competent practitioners.
Final Thoughts
In this blog, I covered a few of the things I love about being a Business Analyst. Every analyst has their own journey and experiences, and I am eager to hear what other people enjoy about the profession. If you care to share, please do so in the comments section below!