The business analyst role has existed for close to three decades, yet definitions of this role are often unclear, causing ambiguity on the part of both practitioners and their customers. This ambiguity may have several impacts, not least of which is limited recognition of the importance of business analysis. Uncertainty can also arise with regard to how business analysis practitioners conduct their work, how they might develop their careers and where their business analysis skills may be used.
Business analysis is wide ranging and encompasses many areas, and it is difficult to define in a succinct way that offers clarity to practitioners and their customers. There are numerous approaches, frameworks, techniques and skills to be acquired and applied when undertaking business analysis. There are also discussions to be had, advice to be offered and decisions to be made regarding when a particular approach or technique is applicable or when it would not be relevant. Accordingly, anyone wishing to embark on a business analysis career has a significant mountain to climb, with many techniques to master and many skills to attain. Further, a highly competent business analyst, with an extensive toolkit of techniques and skills, should have commercial and business domain knowledge, and possess the interpersonal skills required to work with a range of stakeholders, each of whom will have individual needs, priorities and concerns.
Since 2006, when BCS published the first book on business analysis, many more resources for business analysts have become available to help practitioners develop the required knowledge and skills. There are now numerous books, journals, websites, blogs and articles that enable professional business analysts to extend their expertise. However, if as business analysts we were to conduct a gap analysis, it would be apparent that a significant gap exists with regard to information and guidance about the business analyst career path. Questions such as ‘How do I become a business analyst?’ and ‘How do I develop my business analysis career?’ are often asked and discussed at business analysis seminars and conferences, yet, to date, there has not been a book that can provide answers. Fortunately, Adrian Reed has written Business Analyst: Careers in Business Analysis to fill this very gap.
Business Analyst takes the holistic view that is dear to most business analysts’ hearts. It explores the broad landscape of business analysis and, whilst not repeating the excellent information available elsewhere, identifies a variety of relevant resources where guidance may be found. It explains the diversity of business analyst roles and clarifies the T-shape required to work as a professional business analyst. It also explains the certifications available to business analysts and identifies the professional organisations representing the business analysis community and offering membership, networking, advice and information.
This book is highly relevant to those who know that business analysis is the career for them and require guidance on how they might move forward. However, it will also assist those who are unsure if they want to enter or remain within the business analysis profession, offering a checklist to help with this decision. Six example case studies, each describing an individual career path, are provided and together reflect the breadth of opportunities that are available when starting from a business analysis entry point. The book makes clear that one of the advantages of possessing business analysis skills is that the essential toolkit can open up many career choices and endless opportunities for professional success.
Essentially, Business Analyst offers a business analysis career signpost, showing the routes to expertise and professionalism. Whether resources for learning, advice on career progression, examples of career change, or a basis for personal development and certification are required, this book meets the need. It is an extremely valuable resource for anyone wishing to fulfil their business analysis potential.
Dr Debra Paul
Managing Director, Assist Knowledge Development