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Business Analyst - An emerging opportunity for MBA graduates |
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Written by Webmaster
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Monday, 04 December 2006 |
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Besides the known job opportunities for MBA graduates there is one emerging opportunity for MBA graduates which is required in software implementation. That is for Business Analyst position. Due to immense competition, changing technology and automatic every process perfectly software implementation is getting complex, challenging and beyond the control of a technical team alone.
Gone the days when only software professional used to interact with client for requirement analysis and then following rest of the development life cycle. Now software development/implementation process involves more personals such as system analyst and business analyst. The 'client' definition is changed for a developer from external to internal clients. Now business analyst, system analyst and internal users are the clients for a software professional. This practice is already mature in USA and in India too it is adopting the same pattern. What is the role of a Business Analyst ? A Business Analyst is responsible to interact with client along with his marketing personal to understand the client process and needs and then coordinating with system analyst and technical person to analyze the feasibility of automaton. BA provides expertise in the modeling/mapping of business processes, conduct as-is/to-be business processes, is instrumental in the business process re-engineering (BPR) and involved in the change management exercise. What is required to be a Business Analyst? 1- Business subject knowledge: Business Analyst should have some background knowledge of the subject to make the requirements gathering efficient, or at least have the skills to apply logical analytical thought to a business issue. The degree of prior knowledge required depends highly on the complexity of the project. This kind of investigation is also known as domain analysis. Following are the few business area that are commonly required. Sales and Distribution Finance - Accounting Finance - Stock related 2- Computer Knowledge: The level of computer knowledge is depend upon the project but to start at least BA should be able to understand a software application and application development life cycle. Beside it he/she should be able to operate computer and efficient in few Microsoft tools(Words,Excell,MS-Project etc). 3- Communication Skill : Excellent communication skill(both written and verbal) is compulsory because BA bridges a gap between client( external/internal customer) and the technical team. Road Map to be a BA :
Learn to operate computer and using Microsoft tools during your degree.
Choose one or more business area and get a good knowledge by reading articles etc.
Read about SDLC(Software Development Life Cycle) - This should not take much time.
Pay attention to software applications are used around you. These can give you an idea how information is used from one point to other and try to use some standard application that is used in a business and more importantly in the business are of your choice.
Exercise few writing skills to gather information and coordination with team . This can be achieved by reading communication tips available on internet or any other source. Who else can be eligible for this opportunity : For a bright and sincere person degree doesn't matter. In India degree is mostly required to limit competition and restrict applicants but exceptions are always there. A post graduate in any known discipline, who has all required knowledge and skill can also be considered for this opportunity. There are other ways to be get this opportunity by entering in company (where this opportunity might exists) through a different career and then applying internally to advance your career.
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